Overheat problem - CPU fan sometimes starts spinning and sometimes it doesn't at all?

Hello Community!


I have a laptop issue, modell: Asus N61JV, computer specs:
Inter Core i5-450M, 2x2.4 GHz
nVidia Geforce GT 325M, 1 GB
4 GB RAM

I've had this laptop for about two years now and it's been running magnificent. Until about a week ago. I use this laptop for gaming purposes a lot and I've never had any issues. It manages Battlefield 3 on medium graphics, Skyrim on high and Dishonored on maximum.

But about a week ago when I was playing I Am Alive, on just medium graphics, the computer shut down on its own, I got bluescreen and what not. I figured it overheated so I cleaned the air intake to the CPU fan and I also opened the keyboard up and blew around with compressed air. I figured it would get better when in fact it only got worse.

Now, when I start my computer, according to Core Temp it says the CPU temperature is about 55-60 degrees celcius while idle. After about 5 minutes, while still idle, the temperature reaches about 75-80. But the strangest thing is that the CPU fan starts spinning irregurarly. Sometimes when i boot my laptop it doesnt start to spin and is totally still until the CPU reaches max temperature and automatically shuts the computer down. Sometimes it starts spinning while booting up or while idle. And another thing I've noticed, the fan only spins at one pace, when it actually does spin. Regardless if I'm playing games, watching movies or browsing the web, the fan spins at the same low pace. I've noticed this because I've been using the computer with the keyboard dismounted. The most common CPU temperature readings I've noticed are about 70 degrees while browsing the web, 90 degrees while skyping or watching movies and a computer shutdown about five minutes into any game I've tried playing. According to Core Temp, CPU maximum temperature is 105 degrees celcius.

I've dismounted the fan to check if there is dust crampled up to look like a filter at the fans air intake, there wasn't. Now I'm out of ideas. I've thought of the thermal paste covering the CPU cores, maybe it's bad and should be replaced. Or maybe it's a hardware problem with the fan or maybe even a software problem. Maybe the fan doesn't register the temperature readings and maybe that is why it only starts to spin at times and at a low pace. Either way, I have no idea what might have caused these problems.


Any insight regarding what the problem might be would be very appriciated and hopefully you guys are willing to help!

Thank you
-Neni

 

Hi,
What bios version do you have?
try to upgrade the bios to 222 or to 224 found on acers drivers download for your model.
Also see if there is an upgrade for your graphic card.

good luck

Shakz

 

Thank you for showing interest Shakz!

All the drivers I have are new. Since this happend a week ago I read on a thread one should reformat or factory reset his computer if experiencing fan or overheat problems. I did a factory reset and updated all my drivers.

I have nVidia's latest drivers for the GT 300M series as well as the latest BIOS version for this computer. The manufacturer is American Megatrends and I have the 224 version of the BIOS.

Do you have any other ideas of what the problem could be?
-Neni

 

Jon
Is the bios on its default settings?
there is a freeware software called SpeedFan you can download to see if you can control your fan speed. Set a acceptable RPM for your fan and see if it overheats.

try the SpeedFan, it might be no of any use for you since you have reformatted your hdd and reinstalled the os from scratch but no harm of trying it before you go to the local shop to buy a new Fan or any other hardware.

good luck

 

I believe the bios is in default settings. However I can set them next time i turn my computer on. I've tried SpeedFan but it isn't compatible with my laptop. SpeedFan does not detect any fans at all, only gives me heat readings.

 

It looks easier to access the CPU and heatsink , you could try cleaning the fan, re-paste the cpu.

 

I have already cleaned the fan, see my first post for more info regarding that. I've order Artcic Cooling MX-4 thermal paste and will apply it sometime this weak and then I'll se if there are any changes.

But as far as I can tell, it has to be a software issue, since now my fan won't start at all. I have to give it a push with my finger then it starts, however, still runs at the slowest pace, no matter what I'm doing with the computer. It's like the fan doesn't register the temperature and believes the computer is cool all the time and that may be why it doesnt start.

That's how I'm thinking. What about you guys?

 

Ok when a fan needs a push then it has to do with 2 things, not enough voltage or simply the fan is faulty.

I would test with SpeedFan to see if it will run by itself if the level is set low. If still doesn't want to start by itself then I would find my way to the local computer hardware shop for a new Fan.


good luck

 

Is there a way to see how it stands with the voltage? Like a software or similar?

On another note, my bios is so bad, there is no Power/PC Health menu bar, so i cant check anything regarding power or, temperature or fan rpm in my bios.

Like I said earlier, my laptop is not compatible with SpeedFan. It only shows the temperature for my two cores, the harddrive and the GPU.

 

Sounds like the fan went bad. Can you disconnect the fan? The fans usually run on 5V. You can check for voltage with a voltmeter, or if you have a spare desktop power supply you can connect one of the PS 5v connectors to it to see if the fan will run at full speed. Sometimes you can fix he fan by placing a drop of machine oil in the hub if its accessible (remove the sticker label in the middle and you should see a small hole where you can put the oil). But if it is the fan you can probably find a replacement online. Here is a link, not necessarily the best price

Asus N61 N61V N61JV N61JQ Laptop CPU Cooling Fan [Asus N61 N61V N61JV N61JQ] - $30.50 :

 

Yes I can dosconnect the fan and will try to put some oil to see if it'll smooth things out. However, I dont have a spare desktop power supply to see if it runs at full speed. Nor do I have a voltmeter. But if I were to get one, how would I measure the voltage? By disconnecting the fan and measuring inside the fan ports or another way?

Thank you for the link, I tried ordering the fan but it said my credit card isn't valid. That instantly makes me believe the site isn't legit, since I've never had any problems buying merchandise online.

-Neni

 

You would measure the voltage by putting one of the leads (red) on the pin where the fan attaches, and the other lead (black) on the other pin. But be careful you don't short anything. You should see about 5V. You can pick up a spare power supply from a bargain electronics store for about $20.00. They are very useful to have around for things like this. Did putting oil in it help. Do a search for your fan using google, that's what I did, a better link may turn up.