M15x GPU placement and heat

I have a very simple and frankly probably stupid question, but please bear with me.

Which side of the M15x laptop contains the GPU? (left = close to esc, tab, caps, shift; right = close to delete, enter, home, arrow keys)

The thing is, the fan on the left side is running at high speeds and sending out recoolish air. The fan on the right side is running at very low speeds, and the right side of my computer is burning hot. Also, I'm having issues with overheating GPU (reaching 100 degrees).

Bonus points if anyone can tell me what I can do about the heat issue.

 

seems like a bios issue. which version do you have?

and left is cpu right is gpu with your definitions.

 

I've a problem. My VGA is GTX 260M with the newest driver in nVidia site. When I play Need For Speed The Run for 30' in full hd and custom setting. I quit to desktop and after that the screen goes off and turn on with the notification "your vga driver has recovery successfully". It's only happen when I play NFS The Run. I usually play MW3, PES 11, HAW2, CSS, but there's no problem like above

 

I had similar issues in other games with newer versions of nVidia drivers. Try rolling back several months. Also, please don't hijack my thread .

As for the bios, I have version A03. But the problem startet without any alteration to drivers or bios.

 

Well apparently you have never repasted your gpu which im sure is needed
Update does improve overall function including fans
Your gpu fan might need to be replaced
Have you tried running hwinfo and manually running your fans
I think the dell pre-boot tests also checks your fans you might want to try that

Ps and yeah your gpu is on the right side (delete key)

 

I will attempt to procure some thermal paste. Hope it's possible, I live fairly remotely. Crossing my fingers for not frying the whole computer when applying though =P. Didn't actually think it was necessary.
Will update bios within the next few days. A bit reluctant, have read about a lot of amateurs ing up their computer when updating this.
My chipset doesn't allow for manually controlled fans, would have to get a hack and I don't think I dare.

Still got insurance, maybe I can get a replacement fan after trying out the above.

Thanks for all the help in this thread. A lot of good suggestions that overall seem like less hassle than buying a new 2500 USD laptop =P. Friendly bunch.

 

Well if you've still got your NBD Support, I'd suggest that you use it to have the problem fixed

 

I would also check and be sure that the heat sink fins are clear on both sides. These things inhale dust, and it wouldn't be unusual for one side to be more clogged than the other. [Always look for things that are easy to fix first]

Repasting is also a good idea - depending on where you live, you may be able to order the paste on line. There are good instructions on this site for repasting.

As others have pointed out, updating bios should only be done if machine is stable. So, once system is stable, I would consider updating - 09 is the current version if you have M15x. You might put your system details in your sig so we know.

Keep us posted.

Joe

 

if you still have dell warranty i would start with that

 

And the issue is? I think my VGA is overload and overheat when I play NFS The Run. Maybe I've got my M15X cleaned up and apply new thermal paste?

 

Sounds more like a driver issue than an over heating issue. Over heating usually cause forced system shut downs or other more drastic things.

 

I have the same overheating issue now and the best fix so far for long term is (from inap.. thx) is re-pasting.

check his guide Download THERMAL PASTE GUIDE.rar from Sendspace.com - send big files the easy way

Currently ordered Arctic Silver 5 and according to inap, its a good paste and have better performance on GPU. (thx inap again )

Mind you, its non-conductive for current as well.

Good luck