D430: poor fan and heat control. How about yours?

Dear all (and owners of D430), I just received my D430, It is exactly what I needed except... that I found it to be really warm and noisy (somehow related).

Even in Power saver mode and light use (browsing, e-mail...), the CPU temperature is around 60-65 C, and fan rapidly kick in at high speed for extended period of times (hence the noise). I was wondering if any of you had similar experience and could post for example your operating temperature. I use I8kfanGUI to monitor temperature.

What is interesting is that using I8kfanGUI to control fan speed (the option "Automatic temperature control") does a better job at keeping it cool and quiet. What is wrong with built-in controls?

I have a few possible explanation, not being very knowledgeable on laptops make it difficult to discriminate. First, it is not a SSD drive, just a PATA drive. Then, it is loaded with 2GB of RAM. And it's running the demanding vista premium. Finally, I made a fresh install of windows but I think I re-installed all the drivers (anything I should particularly pay attention to?).

Thanks for you inputs,

bylybob

 

Warm? Warm on the palmrest?

It is noisy?

I am about to get a new D430.

 

Lots of people have complained about the D430's heat output. The cooling system isn't very effective.

 

maybe you could try thermal paste for your CPU/heat sink.

 

You don't wamt to try opening a D430 yourself, it's ultralight and slim.
Have mine since last monday, used it for 10h a day, every day. No heat issues. Yes the exhaust blows hot air after a 5 hour Powerpoint session, but for me that's a sign of the heat dispension working, rather than a complaint.

 

Hi Everybody,

I've read few similar complaints on the heat/noise of D430. But those were about D430 stuffed with Core 2 Duo U7600 (1.2 GHz).

Could anybody tell me about heat/noise of D430 with Core Solo U1400 (1.2 GHz)? I mean when loaded say with Adobe Reader + browser.

Does the interplay between Solo <-> Duo affect the heat/noise in general?

Thanks in advance.

 

It it doesnt get warm on the palmrest, then there is nothing to worry.

 

After almost 2 weeks with my D430, I kind of have narrowed down my complaint to just loud.

Reviewing your comments and some other posts online, operating temperature is apparently not unusual and it does not really gets warm on the palmrest. I still can't really use it on my laps (even with pair of jeans on) but for desk work, it is OK.

However, the fans are constantly on at medium to high speed and just too loud for me (yes I admit, I am picky but I do enjoy quiet laptop). This is the only laptop I have/had where I can distinctly hear the fans in most circumstances (home/office).

Again, playing with I8kfangui, what did surprise me is that temperatures are actually not really influenced by fan settings. Hence my initial remark: I cam keep the laptop within the same temerature range with much more quiet fan operations using the "Automatic temperature control" of I8kfangui.

 

Does it sound like turbo fan or a quiet humming fan?

I am about to get my D430. I am waiting for $450 off $1900 to show up again.

 

Just call and I bet they'll give you that deal. Actually sometimes they offer $500 off of $2000. So just call and ask if you can have the discount instead of waiting for it to appear again on the site. That is... if you're sure you want to buy it.

 

I followed your advice.

I just call in and he gave me the $450 off $1900. Mine came loaded with 120 gig HD, bluetooth, DVD burner and lightweight charger for $1557.91 shipped.

He even give me free Priority next day shipping.

 

I received a D430 yesterday which I ordered for my uncle. I got it from Dell Outlet and its a memron u7600. I have been using it non-stop since I opened it up. It does get warm a little, but I haven't had any noise issues.

 

Nice!

I hope you like it.

 

Voodoofreak,

How much yours cost at the Dell Outlet?

 

Mine cost $751. I may have rushed into buying it since Lenovo just came out with a nice deal on their X61s.

Below is a summary of specs...

1 YN381 Base,Notebook,Napa Refresh Merom,U7600,1.2,D430,T
1 GJ689 Module,Hard Drive,60G,42,SmallForm Factor,EMRLDS,D420
1 H7658 Module,Software,Windows XP Pro Service Pack 2,CD,English DAO/BCC
1 HM229 Module,DVD+/-RW,Hitachi Lg Data Storage,Latitude-Dmod Bay (Drive Bay)
1 HR132 Module,Dual In-line Memory Module,2GB,667,8K,Latitude D430
1 RW100 Module,Card,Network,DW1390 United States,Latitude,08
1 YN378 Module,Assembly,Base,Napa Refresh Merom,U7600,D430,T
1 987-5658 Dell Hardware Warranty, Extended Year(s)
1 987-5667 Dell Hardware Warranty, Initial Year
1 982-8632 Contract - Mail-In Service, 24x7 Technical Support, 2YR Extended
1 983-3510 Contract - Mail-In Service, 1 Year 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year

 

Not a bad deal at all and half the cost of mine.

I heard Dell Outlet is pretty good. Almost like new.

I wonder if I should cancel it and get it from the Outlet also.

I see a bunch of D430, but they are the Solo ones for $709.

Then I see a bunch of D420 with Dual Core for $709.

 

I had to spent a while fishing out the Dual Core out of all the solos. You also have to be careful and pick out only the ones that are "Certified Refurbished". There are many others that are "Scratch & Dent", which I don't trust.

There was a 15% off dell outlet coupon last week that made me rush in and pick one out.

Unfortunately, it expired on the 24th...

http://techbargains.com/news_displayitem.cfm/102600

 

I see. I dont know what to do now. I could save me alot of money and get a deal like yours.

 

Don't Dell have a full refund policy? If you don't like when using it...return it

I still see a whole bunch of Core 2 Duos listed on Dell Outlet for $899 and up. Only reason I got one from there was because I was on a very strict budget for my uncle. I don't see any difference in specs from whats on the dell's website and list on Outlet.

 

I just cancel my order.

I saw a D430 Dual one for $709 with 80 gig HD. Now its gone.

I keep looking out for it. I will get a 'certified refurbished'.

For half the price, I will got for refurbished.