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Smell from Latitude E5550
I'm getting an unusual hot/dry smell from my E5550, which I've noticed typically when it's charging. I'm a former Dell warranty technician and I don't recall smelling this from any other computer. I've removed the cover and the insides are spotless (I blow it out on a regular basis and don't use it on dusty or dust-producing surfaces). The smell seems to be coming from the heat pipes over the CPU. The fan cycles on and off, and is apparently working fine. Quick Diagnostics and Support Assist diagnostics find no problems. I haven't seen any performance issues, but the smell is somewhat concerning. Is this common with this model?
Thanks
Brian
We have a handful of E5550s at my office but haven't noticed or had anyone mention such an issue. Maybe the heatsink compound, the fan bearing, or maybe there's some circuit or component that is failing... Unless the heat spreader tubes have a crack and the phase change material inside is emitting the odor?
JOcean
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Posted August 31st, 2019 12:00
Have you noticed the smell when the unit is charging but not in use? If so and the smell is definitely coming from the system and not the charger I would look at the battery. On a 5 year old system it is possible the battery may be an issue. Any swelling or other battery inconsistency would be worth looking at. As a tech I am guessing though that you have pretty much touched all the bases as to a possible cause.
I am not a Dell employee...I am forum volunteer
Serious work on an E5430 and constantly building and working on an i5-6500 Desktop