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    Dell 8600, Video Card Overheating, Bright Screen

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Ramadoss29, Aug 10, 2004.

  1. Ramadoss29

    Ramadoss29 Notebook Consultant

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    I find that when playing Desert Combat (mod for BF 1942) the underneath of my laptop heats up like a mofo. Its almost scalding to touch. Other than the graphics card mod (which I'm doing next weekend), is there any kind of program that will turn on the fans within my laptop to cool it off? I'm sure I've read about that somewhere on this board but I just can't find it. BTW, the graphics card is the ATI mobility 9600 ProTurbo.

    Another thing, not a big deal, but does anyone else with a Dell 8600 find the screen to be bright? Really really bright? Regardless of hitting FN and reducing the screen brightness, I still find the screen super bright. Its really not a big deal but I'm curious whether anyone has noticed this or is this normal? (obviously, this is my first laptop.. going away to college this September)
    Thanks for any help.


    Dell Inspiron 8600
    1.6 Ghz, 1 GB Ram, 128 MB ATI Mobility 9600 Proturbo
     
    Ramadoss29, Aug 10, 2004
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  2. mathlete2001

    mathlete2001 Notebook Deity

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    google "i8kfangui" It takes control of fans.

    GPU cooling (100°C->75°C)* Inspiron 8600 * 1.8ghz Pentium M * 128 MB Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo (337/242 -> 400/300) * 2x256 MB DDR2700 SDRAM * Aquamark 3: 24058 * 3DMark'03: 3404 * 3DMark'01 SE: 13120
     
    mathlete2001, Aug 10, 2004
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  3. Plugo2K

    Plugo2K Notebook Enthusiast

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    hey I have the exact same laptop as you except mine's got a 1.5 processor instead of 1.6
    brand new though, and runs all my games incredibly well! :) (doom 3 included)

    anyways, yeah I notice the 8600 has a tendency to heat up on the bottom and where you rest your left palm. Also, right on the dell logo itself at the bottom center of the screen.

    Personally, I don't find the brightness a problem. At nighttime when I don't want to strain my eyes I crank the brightness down to minimum, and that always works for me. It still glows plenty, enough to shine on the wall etc. but it doesn't bother me. This is also my first laptop, I'm also going off to college [ :p]

    Dell Inspiron 8600
    Intel Centrino 1.5 GHz
    1024 MB PC2700 DDRRAM @ 333MHz
    ATI Radeon Mobility 9600 Pro 128 MB
    40 GB HDD
    DVD-ROM
     
    Plugo2K, Aug 16, 2004
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