M4400 Quadro FX770m BSOD Latest nVidia drivers

@stringbuzzzzzz you are more ambitious than I was with my M4400: I just upgraded to more RAM and an SSD but I never repasted it but I know people have and there are guides up here with tear-down pics and instructions for the full copper mod. My understanding is that the M4400 needs the copper shims for good contact but I could be wrong. Maybe (after old paste/pad removal) test assembling "dry" with a piece of paper or mylar and see if you can pull it out after reassembly will tell you if you need a copper shim. A few links:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/m4400-as5-how-to.321950/
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/precision-m4400-owners-lounge.292245/page-282
http://www.jdhodges.com/blog/upgrading-m4400-ram-cpu-ssd/
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...and-similar-performance-cooling-guide.375889/ (for similar E6400)

If you pick a supported CPU like T9900 you are probably fine with stock cooling if you do a good copper mod and repaste. Fan might run more during gaming but you can watch your temps with CPU-Z or Intel XTU. Upgrading the GPU is a much bigger and riskier task: if you try you should document your process and results here! Remember there is only one fan in there so a super hot GPU is likely to be a problem. And I don't know how you replaced a soldered GPU anyway. Doing a copper mod and careful overclocking might be smarter (but less adventurous). I think there was also some way to change the Quadro into a GeForce card for better gaming performance but I don't remember how.

On the nVidia BSOD issue, I reviewed my notes and I found that the newest nVidia drivers that supposedly eliminated the BSODs still caused me problems when installed the normal way. So I reinstalled them with the PowerMizer Off trick and it has been fine. If you can't find references on the "trick" let me know and I'll outline it.

Wrt the M4400 cooling I don't know all these details. The bottom fan draws air in and it mostly vents out the left side but I'm sure some heat exits through the other bottom vents and other openings. I find the best way to see where the air is flowing is by starting some heavy compile or benchmark and holding up tissue paper near the location of interest. That shows you the flow pretty well. If you don't go too crazy with the upgrades and the repaste is good the cooling system is probably sufficient: these Precisions are somewhat overengineered in general.

Good luck!

 

Hey... and wOw!
That saves me a bigger than previously assumed chore, of scouring of this site over
cooling issues.
Nice work ExParrot... I feel like you took me under your wing on this one...
I'll credit your references as contributory.
Squeezing more rep. as soon as the site allows.

Much appreciated, my friend.
What's cool is some of these links lead to other relevant sources, and so on.

Please know... I do get what your suggesting in terms of a "realistic approach."
Without the whole "redundancy of overkill" thing being the only focus. A vibe I likely created
base on my comments, thus far..
.........................
For example.
The primary reasoning behind those airflow questions I asked you about needed representation..
I realized later... after posting., It may have been an imposition for you to be asked those
numeric questions in such a manner... And if so., My apologies.

I have to warn readers, now and then... I do type like a snail with tendencies, taking a quicker path.
Easily interpreted as, less than considerate, if kept to myself.
In this case, just meant a quick comparison of notes. But never an excuse to be rude.

.......................

BTW...
I thought you answered my concerns well. I was thinking inert smoke, compared to your tissue
paper example. Tissue seems a lot more practical. And thanks again for that.
Basically,
All in hopes of shedding any addition light on the unforeseen, if possible. I am aware there are risks
under any assumption.
And with a Dell product...Dell being the very limited, to non-existent provider to terms of their own
products. Terms in the "literal" sense. Available to none..,At least, as far as I can tell.

Without the technical references...
Schematics... And the "proprietary terminology" for said, schematics., Tends makes it all the more
risky, making a upgrade mod(s). Even if we're not, "pushing the envelope."

All integrated tech manipulation is a chance for regret with no exceptions, in general...
A wise reminder you've provided for those with "game fevered" expectations or simply "the
incautious one."

That was one long winded, Thank you...

..............


Meanwhile.,
Back at the bat cave......

Here are some cost effective support choices that warrant beyond the Intel T9800 CPU, when
coupled with the M4400 Precision.
Considering first..your climatic and ambient temps.

* Having Bay Area to Nor-Cal conditions to factor in...
With up to have a dozen sets(6) of hot days in the mid to upper 90's, with a spell of very hot,
100 to107 temps days, can and will occur, during peak, seasonal trends pre year.
Inland...
Not far from my general location is to many.., "Dessert" like conditions.
And everything one can throw at the cooling solution, gets full attention.

Trends that unfortunately., Will only get worse, in the not so distant far future.
However...
If your in Fargo Min., This cooling issue is laughable.
With that understanding...
The M4400 owner/user must assess their own solution(s) needed, if any. Depending on location.
*My regional area gets a mid range, to potential high rating at minimum...


-EDIT 09-06-15 8am pacific.

Therefore...
A cooling pad is justifiable conclusion to the M4400's minimum cooling requirement with
my year-round usage. Note that there's choices in the lower C-Pad ad selection in the link
below...
I chose ThermalTake's massive 20" model having the the main features required for the
M4400's venting locations following a Mod app...

Main reason...
Unit possesses a single, centrally positioned, large fan.
Providing a span of coverage over the entire reach of the fan blades as needed.
Full access to any cooling task. A single larger fan is much quieter than a dual, or multiple
smaller fan array by a significant degree.
It also features "flip-out" rear feet, a speed control knob, USB power support, Extension
USB hub for additional power sourcing, and switchable Blue LED lighting.

Down side: Where's the "flip-out" support arms that prevent the machine sliding off the pad?

Yet, for under $20... Still a great deal, IMO... Mimicking the same config. as the Zalman NT2000.
A cooling Pad, 3 x or more in cost.

With a couple of pieces 2" silicon tubing used as cover sleeves on 2 small "L" brackets...
One can imagine a solution to the slipping concern. There are rubber supports for the surface
of the pad itself, but I managed to make them potentially ineffective with the adhesive materials
used to fasten the template's position.
Although... The NT2000 has dropped in price the low $50's, last I checked. Your call.

A Zalman NT2000 Cooling Pad is very nice unit for the $$... A model possessing the main
features as stated above.
Also the test subject for a CPU performance threshold for the M4400. A choice according to
NBR member, miaklas3000...
A member reminding us there's a mod link leading to the following...

-We can mod our pad(s) conforming to a focus point(s), by simply inserting a cutout template.
A template which blocks the areas that don't need air passage access.- (in so many words)
While, at the same time... Allowing air flow at the targeted spots for heat extraction. (like vents)

This is a clever and practical mod using heavy construction paper or a thin cardboard
material like, say... "From a cereal box," and has the positive benefit of increasing the pad's
vacuum effect on your chosen cutout areas...(under-side vent zones and random air gap
locations) Allowing for increased inefficiency with the air pulling effects, doing their best.

This type of 'forced assistance" can ensure the longevity of any laptop with under venting in
particular. Explained here without words...



This modding will be imposed on the ThermalTake unit of my choosing as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-CL-N004-PL20BL--Massive-Laptop-Cooler/dp/B00JOCOIDA/
ref=sr_1_sc_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1444054919&sr=1-3-spell&keywords=cooling+padsThermaltake+Massive+20
Pics on my ThermalTake Cooling Pad Mod coming soon.


With the ThermalTake Cooling Pad now Modded and waiting in the wings...
I'm confident the following is a safe operation... Any 35 TDP(watt) CPU that's socket P
compatible.
The recommended standard for safe operation. That is... Unless you know better...
..........

I do have the Intel T9900 going in soon.
It will serve as my new primary CPU, replacing the T9400. Considered the
"final stop" for the safe zone... That is...
When cooling concerns are addressed and under a consistent cooling trend...
As they're attained via the pointed out, above.
...............

In the "Can't Wait" factor...?
If your currently having BSOD's(system crashes) and/or unreasonable high temps with
all the above safeguards in place...
Do yourself and your machine an immediate service by shutting down.

Refer to links at the top of this post... Or more specifically, a YouTube vid in direct
reference to the M4400's Re-paste process. Addressing heat issues, etc.

While your down there in the process.., Consider a a thorough process for you efforts.

Making sure the dust and any foreign matter is cleaned out at the copper pipe's grill
and heat exchanger.(the aluminum finned section.)
This is the most common cause for heat build up.

With a micro set of screwdrivers., Disassemble the fan's casing for that extra mile...
with a fine stranded toothbrush...Gently get the fan blades thoroughly brushed free
of all buildup...
This will allow the fan blades to return to a state of balance.

The copper pipe will accept a De-greasing of it's heat pipe assembly(while extracted)
and cleans up nicely with non-lubricated PCB(printed circuit board) spray.

This will force the inclusion of a re-pasting of the CPU and GPU, accordingly.

Remember...
There's always help out here with some patients being your guide.
With all these measure taken... You can be confident you did a good job.

You should be fine after upon proper reassembly. A system check
will confirm your work using a free download of "Hardware Monitor."

...........

Down the road...

With M4400 temps still under a consistent cooling trend... using the T9900...
I plan to install an, Intel Q9200 4 x 2.53Ghz Quad core.

Allowing for over-clocking, if need be... But more importantly...
A desired 12 MB CPU cache will be a viable gain in smoother operation and stability.
A since it does bump the total wattage to 45 TDP...
There will be additional air vac. On the side for added support.
Once again,, Found in the link below.

If installed, The Q9200 WILL BE UNDER VOLTED, of course.
Not to mention, heavily monitored as understood by yourself and other sources like member,
"flipside."
I''ll do everything I can to document the gradual progression of things with benchmark scores
and temp readings generated.
With Hardware Mods being evaluated, as well. Under a, "with, and without," comparison
process.

Now...This little puppy will also be in the mix, getting a chance to prove itself...
http://www.amazon.com/Patekfly-Intelligent-Automatic-Temperature-Computers/dp/B013P2PVB2/ref
=pd_sim_147_13?ie=UTF8&refRID=08YEJD7T4KS191FPQDF9

Until then, I have Fur-mark and Cupid Hardware Monitor to see my way past this Mod process.
I will definitely be checking in on the other apps you brought to the table, as well.

Realizing one can effectively cool the CPU / GPU / and North Bridge to amazingly cooler levels
and still, "miss the boat" concerning that can develop with the "weakest link in the chain" so to
speak.
My previous research with the culprit of System board failures or the need to re-seat the GPU
with a heat gun is linked to overclocking and won't be done during this phase of Modifications
and.benchmarks.
The "gradual approach" is noted.

I hope I've provided the restraint needed to an objective approach here, ExParrot...

The latest developments prior to lift-off are...
I found a great source for mounting hardware for the copper Mod itself.

The downside is for the
proper sized shim required for my cooling assembly has me waiting again for delivery...
I managed to avoid the Overseas lag time but it will be a least a week or so.

Ultimately., This is good because the time to prep is under less pressure.
And not to be rushed.
TIL THEN.

 

@stringbuzzzzzz Glad to help. I'm always interested in revamping older systems but I never have the time. It sounds like you have more h/w modding experience than I do so I think you'll do well (and have fun). Getting an undervolted Q9200 in there should be sweet -- now that I have quad core CPUs in my XPS 15 systems I don't ever want to go back to dual cores! The extra cores may not do much for your retro games but they are great for multitasking (and my big parallel s/w builds and number crunching). The top tier XPS 15 (Haswell) is even within 30-40% of the mucho fast workstation I built last year (Devil's Canyon Haswell, 32 GB RAM, dual/SLI nVidia 780 Ti, ...).

For gaming I strongly suggest looking into how to mod the Quadro into a GeForce -- that could make a big difference without a risky GPU swap.

I enjoy your writing style and I don't mind you asking for info -- if I can't help I'll let you know. Let us know how you progress. And stay cool in the bat cave...

 

A friend of mine ALWAYS sez "to an annoying fault..."
"Well... RightyHo, then..." Problem is He's not Jim Carey.

So I'll just say... ONCE... Turbines to speed....!"

Your comment....
"For gaming I strongly suggest looking into how to mod the Quadro into a GeForce -- that could make a big difference without a risky GPU swap."
... Well if that isn't thee 1,000,000. Dollar question out here., and "over my head" with just a hair dryer, and no... Not the kind you sit down under...

If was still at the "Gaming Builds" thing, since I stopped in 2008-9, Maybe I would be more keen on the "swap-age for game-age without damage to
bank-age" routine....
The matter must rest in the worthier hands of yourself, Oh wise one... If you dare. As were talking a legacy gap, I would find a bit daunting at my
stage of the game.
Not too impossible, mind you... But.... Well I would say first., Why not see if there's an outside chance for an option. From there., we'll know if a
challenge is on the horizon for my oximoronic,"Too Impossible" reference having precedence. And thwarted as a mere example of the fear factor
theory, we must all lay to waste ... Yes?

BTW, did a re-edit on the previous post, in case your into it.