I think I fried my computer

Technology and Gaming
#1

For some reason, my computer (laptop) keeps on shutting down when I put too much stress on my processor. Trying to run a game, multiple programs, etc. causes it to shut down. I haven’t been able to play any of my games for a while now. My best guess is that this is caused by overheating; It’s been getting really hot as of late.

Does anyone know what’s causing this, or better yet, how to use this to my advantage by frying my computer?*

*In case you don’t get why I would want to, I’m using a Dell Inspiron 1525 with 2 GB RAM, a 1.73 GHz processor, Vista, and some awful graphics card.[/SIZE]

Edit: I may have posted this in the wrong section. My bad.

#2

Found your problem
Also let it cool down completely before using it and avoid hot surfaces

#3

Thank you for pointing out the blindingly obvious.

I do, but then it gets hot again when I use it. I’ve also been using a pillow for it, which may be stifling the exhaust, now that I think about it. But then again, I’ve only been using it since it started running hot.

#4

Hurr durr. I’m blocking my computer vents, why is it running hot?

Also, a Dell Inspiron is far from a high performance machine, you shouldn’t have high expectations for it.

There’s the possibility you’ve fried or melted a part already, but your best is to call Dell and ask them what’s wrong, and see if you can get it replaced (if it’s under warranty).

#5

If this has happened on more than one occasion is is possible that you have damaged something. Also running a laptop on a pillow as about the worst possible location to run it apart from in an oven or pool.

Get a book or another hard flat surface to place the laptop on when using it. This will permit adequate airflow. If the problem persists I see three possible options. First is opening up the laptop and cleaning it. Remove any dust and think of purchasing a higher quality thermal paste to replace the poor OEM stuff they use. Second is to get a laptop cooler. This will double as a surface to use your laptop on. If none of the above options fix your problem you may have done some irreversible damage and the only way to make your system run cooler is to under clock or throttle your system to a lower speed.

EDIT: As Level stated if your still covered by dell support by all means use it.

#6

Thanks for your advice, guys. I’ll try what Firetime suggested. I don’t think it’ll work though, because it was running

As for the warranty in question, it actually expired a year or two ago. I’m actually more than happy to just let it die, so I won’t be purchasing any new parts or anything.

Edit: on reading the Wikipedia article on computer cooling, I noticed a picture of a very dusty vent thing with this caption: “The dust on the laptop CPU heat sink after three years of use has made the laptop unusable due to frequent thermal shutdowns.” :awesome:

#7

I had a problem like that in the past. The fix was installing the proper VGA software. Try playing HL1. If you can play HL1 without you’re computer shutting down… then the fix is installing the right VGA software but if it doesn’t… reformat your computer and install XP or se7en.

#8

My sister’s computer after a few years of use.

Yeah, that shit is bad news.

#9

Wtf is that white stuff? Is that supposed to be part of the laptop?

#10

Is your sister Sasquatch?

#11
  1. Open up your laptop.
  2. Dust a radiator.
  3. ???
  4. profit!
#12

CALL DELL?!? ASK THEM TO GET IT REPLACED!!! The last time my friend called dell to get new computer parts they came a month later then what they said when it would come in. When the parts came in, they were the wrong parts and took 30% off of the payment, a another month later they came back with THE WRONG PARTS AGAIN! So now the parts are free. Waiting time…at the bottom of the list…yea good luck getting help from dell…

#13

Coolant system

oh wait, it is a lap top. hrm. You know I always wondered about that. How exactly are you supposed to keep a laptop cool? place it on a metal rack so that the bottom doesnt get so hot? there should be little shelf like things that come out that way if you want you can raise the bottom a little. Sort of like what you see on a keyboard.

Just my opinion.

#14

Download three programs:

  1. GPU-z (to monitor the graphics processors temperature under idle/load)
  2. RealTemp (to monitor the processors temperature on idle/load - the TJ Max is automatically set to 100)
  3. EVEREST Ultimate Edition (to monitor the motherboard temperature on idle/load - look under ‘computer’ -> ‘sensor’)

If a computer shuts itself down while it’s under load then that means you’ve reached a thermal threshold of a certain component, this is usually caused by either the processor or the graphics processor. The motherboard threshold depends on the board, it usually ranges from 65 C to 85 C.

Once you’ve found the component which is overheating, get a can of compressed air and clean the inside of the computer (especially the heatsinks and fans). Don’t use a vaccuum cleaner as they will generate static electricity which will fry your computer. When using the laptop make sure there’s enough room for proper airflow (don’t put it on a bed or something because this will block the airflow)

@ Level

Laptops can’t melt, the processors themselves would have to be over 2000 degrees, the plastic housing of a laptop is usually made of a type of plastic that gets harder when it’s heated - not ‘softer’. You should be fine unless you go over 250 C, which is impossible because there’s no component that will work even near that temperature.

edit:

Try to maintain these temperatures:

CPU: don’t go over 65 C for 24/7 use
GPU: don’t go over 85 C for 24/7 use

I wonder how warm your laptop would get if you let the CPU run Prime95, it would probably go way over 100 degrees (I suggest you don’t try that. :p)

#15

I lol’d when I read the topic name and saw your name is pyro :smiley:

#16

The irony of your name being pyro and burning your computer.

#17

I think your the one who FRIED it.

#18

I appreciate your help, guys. I’ve decided that the problem is almost invariably dust collecting on the heatsink. As we speak, I have the back of my laptop open, and am working on cleaning it out.

Edit: Holy shit. I’m using one of those cans of compressed air in the back vent and the dust is literally pouring out of the fan casing. Not sure if I’m doing any good, though.

Edit 2: Dang, liquid oxygen in a can gets cold if you use it for a while.

Edit 3: Okay, I’ve started it back up again, and so far it’s been going great. The fan didn’t start throwing a fit when I booted up, and it’s barely even giving off any heat.

#19

SCORE ONE FOR FANBASE HELP!!!

#20

Download the programs I posted, they are used by pretty much every overclocker and easy to use for monitoring speed and temperature.

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