GT780 GTX 560M Temperature Question

I've had my gt780 laptop for over a year now and have noticed some temperature changes. The gpu will idle around 40C(sometimes lower to about 36C) and then shoot up to about 85C(saw it at 90C once) within 30 mintues of playing COD4 MW or WoW. I could understand the temperature going higher when playing COD, but I don't think it should be doing that with WoW seeing as how it is a more cpu intensive game. Not sure if its the new expansion or what, but i only get around 30-40 FPS on high settings when questing in the new zones. Still get around 70+ in Cata and other older zones (hope the high temperatures aren't affecting my fps).


So my question is: is my gpu overheating or is this normal?" And if it is overheating, is there anything I can do to lower the temps back down besides opening it up and cleaning out the dust(already did that). NVIDIA Driver also updated to version: 306.97, so I don't think that's the problem either.


I've heard something about applying new thermal paste to the gpu and cpu. Not really sure how to do that, but I wouldn't mind giving it a try. I'm just kind of worried about my graphics card going out, because my 8800MGTS in my gateway fx laptop went out about a year ago. I don't want the same thing to happen to this laptop . Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Disconnect the AC power and take out the battery first.

Then the bottom needs to be opened(7 screws) and the fan removed(1 screw).With a can of compressed air blow the GPU and CPU vents out to remove the dust.

Then take a small brush and clean the fan blades.You don't need to disconnect the fan's power cable.

Only after doing this first and seeing if the load temperatures get better should you consider properly repasting with a quality thermal compound.

 

Make sure that after you unplug the battery and AC you hold down the power button for a few seconds to discharge the system fully to minimize the risk of ESD damage.

I would recommend to remove the heat sinks before you clean them so the dust doesn't get in to your system again.
Leave the thermal pads in place and remove the thermal paste off the heat sinks and gpu/cpu using isopropanole and put a small pea sized dot of thermal paste on the cpu ihs
and press down the heat sink on top of it and fasten it with the screws.

For the gpu you'll need to put a small line over the IHS(the shiny surface) because it is rectangular shaped, and put the heat sink back and fasten with the screws.

 

If you're going to attempt to open the unit to clean it, this is a very important measure to take. If you find that you need a repaste, here is a quick how-to guide.

How-To: Properly Apply Thermal Paste and Install a CPU | Maximum PC

 

Sorry for the late reply,

Prior to making this thread, I did blow the fan, and cpu and gpu vents with compressed air, but there wasn't really much dust in those areas. After reading WhatsThePoint's post, I opened it once more and thoroughly cleaned the fan blades. But unfortunately it didn't change anything. I'm still seeing temperatures rising to the 80's.

I think im just going to replace the thermal compound and see if it helps.

Thanks for the guide Prostar. I'll make sure to use it while changing the paste, but I'm not sure which compound I should use. I was thinking of going to my local best buy and picking up some artic silver, but there's four different kinds and I'm not sure which one is best for my laptop. Here is the website that shows the ones available at best buy:

Arctic Silver : thermal paste - Best Buy

Thanks for everyones help.

 

Arctic Silver is great - particularly this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Arctic+Silver+-+High-Density+Polysynthetic+Silver+Thermal+Compound/5860626.p;jsessionid=09CB613CBD492DDC0AC641B0BCBD2FCA.bbolsp-app03-03?id=1218696488908&skuId=5860626&st=thermal paste&cp=1&lp=1

I'm pretty sure you can find it cheaper at RadioShack though; I recall paying $12 for it in the past there.

Most enthusiasts will point you towards the IC Diamond, which is also very good: IC diamond - Google Search

If you want to simply pick it up somewhere locally, the Arctic Silver may be easier to come across; specialty electronics stores may carry other compounds (even Staples is known to carry some) too, but those are my top recommendations based off of "unbiased" benchmarks.

Happy hunting!

 

Arctic silver 5 is a very good TIM but you should also replace the thermal pads to 0.5mm phobya or fujipoly.
When applying AS5 you should first tint the heatsink and the IHS with a small amount using a razorblade or credit card to fill the small imperfections and then put a small rice grain sized blob on the IHS and then push down the heatsink and put the screws back in.
Another really good TIM is arctic cooling mx-2 or noctua NT-H1.

 

If you're interested, you can view a comparison here: Thermal Compound Roundup - January 2012 | Hardware Secrets

And if you want/need any advice with application, feel free to look at this: 80-way Thermal Interface Material Performance Test | Thermal Interface Material,Thermal Paste,Heatsink Compound,80-Way Thermal Interface Material Best Thermal Paste Heatsink Compound Cooling Performance Comparison Benchmark Tests

You'll need to navigate through the pages on each to get a broader view of the test and results, but they're handy.

 

Thanks for the reply, but is it necessary to replace the thermal pads? Won't replacing the compound alone lower my temps? And what do you mean by "tint" the heatsink. Thanks.

Thanks for the info. I think im just going to buy the one at best buy Arctic Silver - High-Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound - AS5-12G or this one at RadioShack Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound : Computer Cooling Systems | RadioShack.com . I have been watching some videos of how to replace the compound and there is one thing that confuses me.

The Mounting Pressure: If I am correct, to little or to much pressure can lead to heating issues? How do I know how much pressure to put when pressing down on the heatsinks?

Thanks again.

 

My 680M which is a lot more than 2x as powerful as your GPU.
I`m using Noctua NT-H1

 

Yes, your temps will likely drop some. I don't know that it's necessary to replace the pads - to each their own for maximum effect, really. As for tinting, he means to apply a small amount and evenly spread it over the pad, then use a conventional application method (typically, just apply enough in the center and then press down to spread it). Spreading a small application prior will help to fill in any gaps that the second application I mentioned might not fill.

You want minimal force. It's hard to describe, so you may want to find a video or guide that goes more in depth on the procedure. It's one of those things you develop a feel for, I suppose.