Acer Aspire 1825PTZ runs pretty hot!

Hi folks,

I've noticed that my Aspire 1825PTZ 11.6" convertible runs pretty hot, even with RMClock Pro 2.35 running on "Performance on Demand" mode. I've gotten temps up to 53 Celsius while performing a full drive backup. At standby, is average temp is 42 C.

This is strange, considering that this notebook uses the CULV Intel Pentium SU4100 which is rated at 10 watts. My old 14.1" Asus A8He, which has a 35-watt TDP Intel Core Duo T2130 @1.86GHz (also running RMClock Pro) averages 34 Celsius on idle and 48 Celsius on 100% CPU load.

I suspect the Aspire 1825PTZ's thin case doesn't provide adequate ventilation, hence the heat buildup.

Any other 1825PTZ owners out there noting high temperatures with their notebooks?

 

just because it's a ULV processor does not mean it's going to run cold. Normally OEM's use LV and ULV processors so they can increase battery life and use more quiet cooling solutions. The temps seem normal, and it wouldn't surprise me if the fan only worked at a slow RPM(if it even has a fan). My N530 Atom gets up to 75C load and depending on ambient temps, sees between 45-50C idle. mostly because it's a 2.5W processor with a piece of aluminum for a heatsink and no fan. The Thermal limit for the Intel Pentium SU4100 is 100C, so you're well within the safety margin.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience - I didn't know the Intel Atom could run that hot! Anyway, the 1825PTZ was my first ULV notebook and I've always thought that the lower the TDP, the cooler the processor runs. And yes, the 1825PTZ does have active cooling (fan) but I don't think its thermal dissipation is that good.

On an unrelated note, I've seen some laptop owners at Starbucks using notebook jackets (the kind that encases the notebook while you use it). I imagine the crazy temps in their laptop cases as the jackets also act as insulators, not heat conductors.

Now I'm using a passive foldaway laptop tilt stand, which not only gives me a great typing angle but ensures a lot of clearance between the bottom case and the table surface (or bed). I've used active fan based laptop coolers before (including a NotePal Cooler Master) but found not much difference in CPU temps whether the fans are turned on or off. Adequate air ventilation is more important, IMO.

 

I have the 1820PTZ with the SU4100 and that temperature is fine.

 

that would be true if every laptop uses the same cooling system, but as you have found out, they dont

 

Oops...I forgot to mention that I live in Malaysia, where it averages 38 degrees Celsius all year around. Of course, in an air conditioned room or office it can get as low as 23 Celsius, depending on the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

I should think that good exterior ventilation is important, it helps to dissipate heat away from the lithium ion rechargeable battery when plugged in.

 

Hi Stratman. I'm also in Malaysia. If it helps you at all, a friend of mine using a MacBook Pro once said that when a notebook CPU runs hot, it means it's running great.

 

But that defies all conventional wisdom and logic! If a processor runs too hot, its lifespan would be shortened due to electron migration. If CPUs are better when they run hot, then:

a) there's no need for thermal paste, heat sinks and fans for processors - or ventilation for that matter.

b) gamers need not resort to water cooled heat sinks, peltiers and extra large fans for their overclocked desktop PCs.

c) heat conducted through the laptop's case and to the battery would shorten the latter's lifespan.


On what basis did your friend say that notebook CPUs that are running hot is actually a good thing? Processors are not like car engines, which need their optimal operating temperatures for the best mileage and efficiency.

 

Hi,

nothing wrong with these temperatures. Especially if the environmental temperature is above 30°C.

Michael

 

Running too hot is dangerous... I get my previous laptop killed because of this reason.