Dell 5150 Laptop Burning Hot!! Not a "Lap" Top

This system is about 8 months old. The first 7 1/2 months I used it about once a month, maybe twice. Recently I have been using it daily.

It is impossible to keep this unit on my lap. It's not me. My wife and son say the same thing. Not only is it burning hot, but the system will instantly shutdown. That happens at least twice a day.

Running XP with very basic programs such as word and outlook.
After contacting Dell who suggested a Bios Upgrade, which I did with no different results, I sent them another email and here is the email they sent back after the Bios suggestion did not work.......... I will comment after this email....


Thank you for contacting Dell Technical Support. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you. We apologize for your trouble and assure you it is our hope that you have a positive experience with our company.

Since the previous email agent is not available today, I am replying to your message so that we can solve your problem as quickly as possible.

I understand that your system shutsdwon due to heat.

Please do the troubleshooting steps below after it has shutdown again.

1. Remove the system from the docking station, if applicable. -C series

If the portable computer is connected to a docking station or port replicator, remove it from the dock.

2. Determine if there have been any recent hardware, software, or configuration changes.

Determine if there were any recent hardware, software, or configuration changes. Examples of changes include: installation and/ or using a program for the first time, addition of external devices, changing the display settings, etc.

Uninstall and disconnect any recently added hardware (including drivers).
Clear or Reset NVRAM/ESCD if applicable.
Undo any configuration (system setting) changes that have recently been made to the system.
Uninstall any recently added 3rd party software.
If removal of recently installed hardware or software resolved the issue, reinstall the hardware/software. If the issue returns, contact the manufacturer of the hardware/software for further assistance.

3. Check for a possible virus.

A virus can cause several issues with the system. If an anti-virus program is installed, run a full virus scan on the hard drive to check for viruses. Make sure that the latest updates to the definitions are downloaded.

Go to:
How Can I Secure and Protect my Dell? Computer from Internet Attacks in Microsoft. Windows. XP?
http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=1083341

4. Determine if the system can be powered on immediately following the shutdown or reboot.

Verify if the system will power on immediately following the shutdown or reboot.

5. Determine if the system powers on after being allowed to cool.

If the system does not power back on immediately following a spontaneous shutdown or reboot, potential heat issues could prevent the system from completing POST. Determine if the system will power on after a cooling period of five to ten minutes.

6. Confirm the reboot or shutdown occurs after POST.

Press the power button.
Try to enter the System Setup (BIOS) by pressing the < F2 > key.
Press the < ESC > key and verify the reboot or shutdown does not take place prior to seeing the Windows splash screen.

7. Disable power management within the operating system and the System Setup (CMOS).*

Enter the System Setup (CMOS).
- Press the power button.
- Try to enter the System Setup (BIOS) by pressing the < F2 > key.
Disable all power management options.

NOTE: For help with usage and navigation within the System Setup (CMOS), read the on-screen instructions at the bottom or right-hand side of the screen.

- Exit the System Setup and boot to Windows.

- Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
The Control Panel window appears.

- Double-click the Power Option icon.
The Power Options Properties window appears.

- Adjust the following settings:

System Standby: Never.
System Hibernate: Never.
Turn off Monitor: Never.
Turn off Hard Disks: Never.

8. Remove all Customer Removable Units (CRU) except for the memory.

To remove all CRUs except for the memory, perform the following steps:
- Power down the system.
- Disconnect the AC adapter from the system.
- Remove the battery from the system.

NOTE: For more information about how to remove the customer removable units, refer to the Online User's Guide. Browse to http://support.dell.com/us/en/home.asp,
click Reference, click User's Guides, click Systems, select your system type from the list, and then browse to the Remove and Replace Parts section of the documentation.


- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to discharge power.
- Remove all of the removable components except for the memory.

NOTE: This includes, but is not limited to, the following devices:


Battery
Modem daughter card (MDC)
PC cards
Floppy drives
Optical drives (CD / CDRW / DVD)
Mini PCI cards


- Reconnect the AC adapter back to the system.

9. Reseat the memory, feel and check them if they are hot.

Remove the memory cover.
Reseat the memory modules in their sockets.
Replace the memory cover, reconnect the system to the power source, and turn on the system.

NOTE: For instructions on how to reseat the memory, please refer to the Hardware/Software Images above to select your system. The System Teardowns will demonstrate how to remove or reseat the memory modules.
Or go to:

http://docs.us.dell.com/us/en/docs/index.asp?cc=12&ct=86


10. Test a single memory module individually in each socket.

Test the memory individually in each socket.

If there is only 1 DIMM in the system, move it to the other socket and test.

NOTE: Stacked memory can only be recognized in slot "A" and cannot be swapped.

If there are 2 DIMMs in the system:

Remove 1 DIMM and test.
Move the DIMM that is currently in the system to the other socket, and test.
Swap DIMMs and test.
Move the DIMM that is currently in system to the other socket, and test.
If the error follows one particular DIMM in both sockets, then that DIMM is likely faulty and should be replaced.

If the error occurs only when the DIMMs are in a particular socket, then the system board is likely faulty and should be replaced.

NOTE: For instructions on how to remove and reseat components, refer to the Removing and Replacing Parts section of the system User's Guides.

11. Inspect and reseat the power connector.

Disconnect the AC adapter from the system and visually inspect the connector.
Remove the power cable from the AC adapter brick and visually inspect the pins on the connector.
Remove the power cable from the wall and inspect the connector.
Leave the power cables disconnected for 10 seconds to ensure the residual power is drained.
Reconnect the power cables, attach it to the computer and plug the power back into the power outlet.
Lift the AC adapter and move it back and forth as well as moving the cables to see if there is an intermittent connection that is not obvious.

12. Determine if the shutdown is affected by wiggling the AC adapter cord.

A system may shutdown or reboot if there is damage to the ac adapter wiring. Try to wiggle the AC adapter power cord to see if this affects the symptom.

13. Check the AC adapter status light.

Verify that the AC adapter has a solid green LED when attached to a power cord plugged into a live electrical outlet. The LED should remain steady as long as the AC adapter is not connected to the notebook or docking station

14. Move the system to see if the system shuts down.

Pick the system up and move it side to side. See if any movement causes the system to shutdown. Loose components or connections may cause the system to shutdown.

What are the results on each steps?

Thank you for choosing Dell.

Respectfully,

Raphael C.
~DTC67949

Dell Email Support operates 24/7, and if your reply is received while I am not in, to ensure a speedy resolution of your problem, your issue would be handled by one of my colleagues.

*****************************************
*****************************************

#1 - Are they for real?
#2 - Why does the warranty have "ME" attempting to fix their
defective product.
I can't imagine Lexus or Acura putting me to work for their
defects while under warranty.
#3 - Are they for real?
#4 - This thing is burning hot!
#5 - Are they for real?

Now what?

By the way I did try some of those suggestions (some that applied)
with no luck.

Now what?

 

http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/index.html use this program to check your fan status. My I9100 will get dust and buildup on the fans and I have to remove them and blow them out. Then all is fine. This program is used for I8600's and other inspirons and works well for monitoring your system.

Don't know if that is your problem or not, just trying to offer suggestions.[ ]

 

This is a problem with the 5150 lineup. Other users have suggested the following solution:

1)The 5150 has a problem of collecting dust on it's heatsink.
2)Take a can of compressed air and blow in the vent underneath the notebook where the processor and fan is. I can't remember which corner, but you should see a vent in one bottom corner.

This has helped alot of users. Try this and see if this works.

 

HAHAHAHAHA Swap DIMM's??? What the #$% is a DIMM???
They must be smoking TONS of good herb and laffin their butts off when they send off a message like that! If I tried MOST of those suggestions, it would be like Homer Simpson building a BBQ.

At the end of the day, it's just a fancy calculator....

 

He's talking about the RAM. The DIMM's (Modules of RAM) are right above your lap with no fans, so they feel really hot.

 

Andrew,

Please don't call anyone "stupid" on this forum. It's inappropriate.

 

To Andrew:
Wow neighbor that was a bit harsh don't you think? My post was meant to convey the fact that the AVERAGE user (like myself) would be baffeled by those "helpful hints" suggested in the email msglobal recieved from tech support. If you somehow feel like I was insulting you or anyone else on the board, then I'm willing to apologise. I hope other people on the boards won't think that everyone in Bellingham Wa is so quick to judge or insult others. But as I always say: forgive and forget
Peace!

At the end of the day, it's just a fancy calculator....

 

Sorry, kinda blew up. (edited my last post, hope that's ok). Anyway, if it is the RAM that is getting hot, try putting a slab of copper or aluminum beneath them. Maybe that will dissipate a little of the heat before it gets scalding hot.

Dell 8600
1.8 dothan SXGA+
128mb radeon 9600PRO TURBO
512mb RAM

 

It's all good. No fuss, no muss. [ ]

At the end of the day, it's just a fancy calculator....

 

check to see if you use this software on this dell I8KfanGUI, this software can controll the fans in your laptop if works, this programs works for 8500 and 8600 it will cool these cpus about 10-20 degrees

 

If you have screw tools, you can have a try -
1. Remove the hinge-cover right above key boards
2. Remove keyboards - 3 or 4 screws on it
3. Continue to remove metal clip under key board - 1 screw
4. Then you can see system fan above CPU.
If there are too many dust accumulated, just clean it up. Hope this can help.[^]

 

I looked inside and there is practically no insulation between the ram and the user's lap. There is some anti-static stuff and the plastic from the case. It doesn't look like much can be done about the ram.
lol i didn't realize that copper is a conductor, which would either short circuit the RAM or conduct the heat even better, causing burns.

 

Hi,

my 5150 has recently started shutting down too - intermittently of course but last night I tried to play Age of Empires and it shut down three times in a row...good thing for the internet cos I found this forum. Solutions? Well, I found another forum some of you might be interested in. It's long but they have some fixes that might be applicable. This STINKS, is all I have to say!!

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_general&message.id=139712&view=by_date_ascending&page=1

 

Does anyone know if this a common laptop problem or is it specific to Dells?

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Does anyone know if this a common laptop problem or is it specific to Dells?<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>


This overheating problem is specific to the Dell 5100/5150 series. It is the most commom problem in these models. Dell refuses to officialy aknowlage it or else they will be admitting to a flaw and it will open the floodgates to class action lawsuits and or returns. Dell used a desktop processer in this model, the fan must run all the time. This, coupled with a design flaw, rapidly allows dust to collect on the heat sink and fan and caused your overheating issues. The most common solution for most has been to use compressed air and clean the fan periodically.


Note: the above information is all opinions I have gathered after my research in various forums and dell user groups, and of course, is subject to controversy.

 

I have had my 5150 for almost a year now. Yes, it does get a bit hot and when I pull a CD out, I am amazed it hasn't melted. The machine has NEVER rebooted on me. Now, I had it custom built with a mobile P4 3.06 so I don't know if it has anything to do with the chips. Again, I have not had this machine reboot once, and I have run some pretty graphic intensive programs. I also smoke, so I am sure there is quite a bit of dust and crap floating around in there.

 

This overheating issue has to do with using Pentium CPUs in mobiles. They just cant handle the heat. There is a well documented problem with the SmartPC doing the same thing. My advice, get onto Dell and get them to change the laptop. They wont be too enthusiastic about it but you have to keep pushing them.
The 5150 and the SmartPC are cockups end of story and Dell should recall them. Its a basic design flaw. Dust gets into the fans and the CPU cooling fins reducing the cooling efftect. If the CPU gets too hot it will automatically reboot to protect itself.

Hope this helps

 

Lucky you - My system (5150) Didn't start crashing until my first post up there...almost 10 months after purchase. I typically leave it on (well I used to) 24/7. Age of Empires and Norton Antivirus seem to kill nowadays. Otherwise, it's hot, but ok...I'm going to try to cleaning solution posted here...

 

Look, The problem is simply ****-build-up on the heatsink. I just took one apart. Take your machine apart. Take the heatsink assembly off of the CPU. Take the fan out of the assembly you just removed. Then look at the heatsink. There will be a layer of crap on it. Clean that ***** with some compressed air, put it back together and your set.

Good luck.

If you want further instructions, as far as taking the computer apart let me know...

T.J.

 

Yeah. I had the beginnings of an overheating problem in my 16 month old Inspiron 5150 also. Went to Fry's, got a can of compressed air, put the nozzel at the hot air EXIT vent on the back of the laptop, shot a blast of air into the exit vent. Wow! a big cloud of dust came blasting out the side and bottom intake vents. Wife was all bent out of shape for getting so much dust in the living room. I finished blowing the rest of the dust out of my expensive laptop in the backyard. Remember to have the laptop opened when you do this because the ventilation system to the 5150 also draws cool air in through the keyboard. Remove the battery also before using compressed air. This made a big difference in reducing the heat buildup. Even my wife was impressed!

 

I found a way to fix the overheating problem, I went to bios (by pressing F2 when laptop starts, pressed Alt+P until I found something about technology speeding up processor and disabled that speed up, now the fan is not heard, very quiet and doesn’t overheat anymore.

 

Old thread. Closing it.