Computer Shuts off - overheating

[cclloyd9785]

My computer keeps shutting off recently due to overheating (the area near the exhaust feels extremely hot).

Its a laptop so I would like to know...

How can I clean out the fan without voiding the warrenty (even though Im not sure if its still valid anymore).



If it isnt, would all I ahve to do is open it up by unscrewing the whole bottom and clean out the dust?

 

[Clinkz]

How old is the laptop? if you can still void your warranty by opening it up, it probably doesn't have much dust inside compared to the fan grills. Having said that, there are plenty of things that will cause more dust to build up like pets in the house, working on a bed, on the carpet..those kind of things so if your exposing your laptop to any of that? it would make a difference.

Anyway, i would try removing dust from the grill first and taking a look at the fan. If it has dust caked onto it thats a different story.

Also take a look at this thread how to keep laptop cool while gaming? for some cooling options.

 

[cclloyd9785]

WellI checked and the warrenty is over.

I do have 2 cats, but I never work thats not on a solid surface (tray table, desk, laptop holder)

 

[Clinkz]

Did you have a look at the fan vents? wipes them with a dry cloth. Does it look dirty inside?

 

[Trucidation]

Laptops shouldn't be flush on a flat solid surface, at least not if you're using them on load for extended periods of time. I'd suggest to invest in a decent cooling pad (not the cheap plastic ones).

I also install temperature monitoring software on all my laptops, just to make sure you know it's shutting off due to high temps and not something else.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

As crazy as this sounds the use of a household vacuum taped to the exhaust vents and the balance of the exhuast vents blocked off and then with the laptop turned off and with a new can of compressed air do short blasts into the intake air vent while the vacuum is sucking. Leave the vacuum on for at least 2 minutes before blasting air, blast the air and then let the vacuum go for 2-3 minutes after the last blast. You can even turn the laptop into different positions to allow the built up dust to travel through and out of the unit. Believe me with normal use and pets it's dirty inside. If this doesn't solve the heat issue then you may need to open the unit up but varies wildly depending on make and model and is best left to a very adventurous soul. Please note that cat dander and fur is light and for sure is inside the laptop !