Laptop fan

jaffacake

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I`m getting a bit worried about my laptop. Really can`t afford a new one right now and I get serious withdrawls when I can`t use it BUT I`ve noticed the last few days when I use it the fan is on all the time.

I`m sure that is a bad sign
Does anyone know if that means it`s overheating or about to blow up? Is that something that`s easily fixable, do you think?
 

sandtigress

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Two things you could do that might help. One that might possibly fix the problem is if your fan/heatsink is clogged with dust and what not, and so the computer is starting to overheat. You can buy some canned air (get the kind made for electronics/computers) and blow it into the fan intake. I try to blow so that dust goes out, not further in, if that makes any sense.

The other thing that might help some if its overheating is to buy a cooling pad, sort of like this one. http://www.amazon.com/Targus-PA248U-.../dp/B0000AKA8Y

All that would do is provide some extra circulation though, and keep the bottom of the laptop from being too hot. A computer savvy person might be able to take it apart, check the heatsink compound on the processor, and possibly even replace the fan, but I don't suggest you try to do that yourself, especially with a laptop, unless you're pretty sure of what you're doing.

Good luck!
 
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jaffacake

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Ah, Thanks!
I will get a can of air and give that a go. I put some coasters under the back to raise it up a little to get more air going round. It doesn`t feel so hot but the fans still going. I`ve never cleaned it with air before so that could well be it. Those chill pads are pretty reasonably priced too


Fingers crossed the air fixes it!
 

laureen227

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Originally Posted by Jaffacake

Those chill pads are pretty reasonably priced too
i saw some laptop cooling fans [that you set the laptop on top of] @ BigLots for around $15.
 
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jaffacake

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Originally Posted by laureen227

i saw some laptop cooling fans [that you set the laptop on top of] @ BigLots for around $15.
Wow! That`s cheap! I looked at some on Amazon UK and they are around £17.

I`m going to hold off for the time being because I got the air today and just gave it a blast and it seems to have done the trick, touch wood! The fan is coming on and running quieter and then switching off. It doesn`t stay off for long though
I`ll see how it is after it`s been on for a while
 

strange_wings

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Since the air worked and the fan was louder before - it was probably some hair in there, not just dust. Just one of the things that comes from living with cats!
I suggest if you can do it yourself, or spare parting with it for a few hours, do have it thoroughly cleaned out. IMO all computers need this done regularly.
 
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jaffacake

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There was quite a big 'POOF' of dust blown out!
There is a good computer shop near me. I`ll ask them how long they would need it to give it a clean. More than a day and I`ll get withdrawl
 
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