Latitude D820 - Running Very Hot

[AllSystemsDown]

Hey everyone, I absolutely love Windows 7, but...

I've noticed two issues going on with my laptop that didn't happen with XP or Vista Ultimate. I've checked the forums and couldn't really find a viable solution so I'm looking for some specific help.

1.) The fan kicks on high gear about a few minutes after startup. It then continually runs ALL the time. I feel the bottom of my laptop and it feels extremely hot. I'm running RealTemp right now and it's telling me that my GPU is at about 79 degrees, while main temp runs in the lower 70's..about 71-75 degrees. I didn't notice my fan working this hard or my laptop getting this hot before Windows 7.

2.) I'm running the Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network card that's built in. I lose internet connectivity ALOT. I've ruled out it being my modem and my wireless router by buying a new modem and using a USB network card to test out my wireless router. I don't believe my Intel wireless card is going bad, is it software related?

Here are some more specs;

Intel Centrino Duo
4GB RAM
250 GB Hitachi SATA 3 HD
Nvidia Quadro 120 NVS GPU

Please let me know if you need any other information.

Thanks!

 

[electrotune1200]

A few things you can try.

Check the fan and see if there are any blockages due to dust or debris.

Boot into your BIOS and check which version you are running. Here is the latest BIOS update for your Dell Latitude D820
Drivers and Downloads

For your wireless adapter, There are no Windows 7 Drivers listed. Have you recieved any wireless card driver updates from Windows updates? If not, you can try to install the Vista Drivers.
Drivers and Downloads

 

[AllSystemsDown]

Thank you, I'll try blowing out the fan area to see if that works. I've previously tried updating the drivers and the BIOS but those didn't fix the issue which brought me to these forums.

I'm thinking I need to go back to Windows Vista...but I really really like Windows 7. Perhaps it just wasn't meant to be on this laptop?

 

[GuySmily]

It's funny, but I was having the exact same problem. I didn't really attribute it to Windows 7 though - it seemed like it was running hot even before I upgraded, but it just kept getting worse.

My headphone jack started cutting out, so I had the mobo replaced under warranty (I extended my warranty for a billion years). My laptop has never run so cool - it's even better than when it was new. The guy thought he noticed a video problem, so he ordered me a new screen too. Dell warranty is SO awesome. (At least thru small business.)

 

[AllSystemsDown]

Well, I cleaned the fan area out with some compressed air and it actually doesn't seem to be running as hot anymore. It's amazing how just a little dust makes quite an impact.

For the connectivity issues - Dell support made some changes to my settings via the network configuration, etc. and that seemed to help a lot. I thought I knew what I was doing, but these guys really helped. I still notice some lag, but that's normal for cable.

Thanks for the replies, everyone...stock up on that compressed air!

 

[FZ21Z]

Thanks for the replies, everyone...stock up on that compressed air!

It may get to a point where it will need to be taken apart and given a thorough clean. I posted this in another thread for someone else having heat problems, to highlight just how much can build up in there...

 

[GuySmily]

That much stuff came out of your laptop? Was it even able to move air anymore?

 

[FZ21Z]

That much stuff came out of your laptop? Was it even able to move air anymore?

That isn't a picture of what came out of mine, but is more or less exactly what did, so while my fan was working, the heat wasn't able to escape as it was like someone had put a felt strip across the length of the vent.

 

[AllSystemsDown]

Wow...that's a lot of dust! I think I will take mine apart and give it a more thorough cleaning. I did check, and there is a new BIOS update from version A09 to A10 and that seems to be helping the matter.

Thanks for the advice and pics!

 

[clarence]

Now I very astute when it comes to my pc. I'm sure its running at a higher temperature on Windows 7. On my Vista Premium SP2, it was clocking somewhere at 50 to 60 Degrees for both CPU and GPU, now my GPU is running at 92 without any video usage. This is crazy, I used to be able to run Need for Speed Most wanted on vista but on Win 7, exteream lag was encounter, I think due to over heating. Microsoft, pls enlighten me