Inspiron 5150...Why does it hate me so???

Question

Hi everyone! I have an Inspiron 5150 laptop, which is running slow. I already did the spyware check, defrag, etc, but it it hasn't helped. What happens, is when I try to run a graphically intense program (like a game), it will run really smoothly (27-30 frames per second) for about 5-10 seconds, then it will bog down to around 1-3 frames per second for about 5-10 seconds. It does it as long as I'm in the game. It may do it also while not in a program, but I can't tell. When I open up the task manager, and see the cpu usage chart, it doesn't really spike that much when I'm on the desktop... I've also tried shutting down all the programs in the backround (using msconfig), and that hasn't helped either. I've called Dell on this around two times, but they have been unable to help me. My question is, should I ask for a replacement? I use my computer for a myraid of tasks, some of which involve using graphic intensive programs, and I can't have this happening all the time. I have all the updated drivers, so that couldn't be it either. It is a 3.2 gig processor, XP home edition, with the SP2 pack installed, 768mb ram, and the Nvidia Gforce Go5200 hundred graphics card. 74.4 gig hard drive also. If anyone has a fix for this, I'd love to have it, as it would be easier to just hang on to this computer, instead of asking for a replacement...Like I said before, this problem is unacceptable for me. Like I also said before, it didn't always do this...it ran great for about 1-2 months, then it started this problem. I have no idea on what caused it, but just in case, I formatted my hard drive, thinking that maybe the problem would go away, but it didn't, which leads me to believe that it is something messed up with the processor itself, or something along those lines. Thanks!

NemesisDB · Answer

it's getting to hot and throttling the speed...   search: 5150 dust heat

mepaco · Answer

I agree with checking on the dust.  Check out this Thread and this Website.  I have also had this problem.  I use SpeedswtichXP and have found that most games run better at the lower speed since the laptop does not heat up as much.

protzler · Answer

Hi everyone!Well, I took a look at those links you posted, and I went out and bought some compressed air, and blew out my vents.  I also bought one of those laptop coolers, and my tempature is down now to 49 degrees celcius.  I just did all this though, so I'm not sure if it will go down more or not....should it?  Whats the optimum tempature for these things?   Thanks! - Paul EDIT: It's still dropping, so we'll see in a few hours how low it will go I guess! :) Message Edited by protzler on 12-15-2004 06:34 PM

protzler · Answer

Well, it seems to stabilize around 47 degree celcius, or 116.6 degrees farenheit. Is that still hot, or is it the good tempature? Thanks!

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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