Fan temperature 160* Farenheit

authorandrew

web designer-developer
Messages
103
Hi all,
So, my computer for a few months now has had the fan running constantly, and gets pretty hot even when I'm not doing much. I just downloaded Speccy and realized that though my secondary computer is running at 80 normally, my primary laptop is hitting 160 degrees. This is with a web browser and a Skype call going, but even when the computer is still the fan runs one hundred percent.

How can I solve this? What are common fan troubleshooting steps? If the problem persists, is it a crucial issue that warrants taking it to a professional? Looking for advice,

Andrew
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
First question has to be do you blow out the cooling vents with a can of compressed air? I do it at least once a week.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
I've never done so, no. The laptop is about a year and a half old. I have a can of compressed air ordered on Amazon. Should I take the computer apart and blow more directly on the fan, or is through the vents fine?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
That long is not good. Surprised if the fan is even turning as probably very clogged with dust and hair. I would just take the access cover off and see if you can get it done that way. Also can rig a funnel to a small vacuum cleaner exhaust and use it as a blower.

If that doesn't work, will probably have to open it up enough to get to the fan. The cooling fins also need to be clean. Good luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
There's not a cover directly over the fan. I've just taken apart my laptop (have a good amount of experience doing so) but I think getting to the fan would require removing the keyboard from below and I'm not really comfortable with doing that unless it's absolutely necessary. Do you know of any sites that keep teardown records?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
Have you looked at your CPU usage in task manager? You may have some process maxing your CPU constantly, driving up the temperature.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Well, there is this, and I'm wondering if the two are connected (high CPU usage, and not cleaning out the fan):

http://www.eightforums.com/performa...irewall-diagnostic-policy-base-filtering.html

It's a SVChost process, though, and it seems like it is something that I can't do anything about -- I mean, I don't want to disable a firewall, do I? But that could definitely be the culprit as those processes frequently take up a lot of CPU usage, and 100% disk usage, too. My disk never stops spinning, so that sounds suspect to me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
I've never done so, no. The laptop is about a year and a half old. I have a can of compressed air ordered on Amazon. Should I take the computer apart and blow more directly on the fan, or is through the vents fine?

I take the side off the case and blow it out every three months - depends on your amount of dust, etc. Wipe the vents while you are cleaning. Here in Oklahoma we have lots of dusty windy weather and I feel it needs it. I also see tiny lint balls inside the case.

BTW Walmart sells cans of air much cheaper than ordering on line.

(PS if you are married and your wife uses hair spray near the pc, move her to a more suitable location to spray her hair.)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion p6230f
    CPU
    HP AMD Phenom II X4 810
    Motherboard
    FOXCONN ALOE
    Memory
    8 GBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI/AMD Radeon HD 42
    Sound Card
    ATI/AMD SB600 - High
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SE198WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3750528AS
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Too bad about the air. I don't have any walmarts near me (bike only, and the nearest one is 15 miles), but I got one 12oz can for eight bucks, so I'm okay with it. Walmart (at least online) doesn't seem to be too much less.

Any tips for disassembling my computer? I have a pavilion dm4 -- I've often taken apart the back casing to get at the HD and RAM, and I've taken the DVD drive out, but there's not an easy way to access the fan -- I think I'd have to take the keyboard off. iFixit doesn't have my model, and the one teardown guide I've found (I have an HP Pavilion dm4) is not for my exact model number (I have the 3170se Beats Edition) and there are some discrepancies.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
all u have to do is
1. u have u screws/clips/lock on's on the sides of the fan.
figure it out so that u can remove it. its pretty easy make sure u have a flat screwdriver in hand.

2.remove thee fan from the heatsink if provided.

3.a paint brush comes in handy too to clean parts not visible or which dont get cleaned by the can of air.

4.before fixing everything back on buy a can of isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the wax like thing on your processor ( cpu ).

5.apply thermal paste - highlyy recommended - and then put evrything back in place ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Update 1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    Inspiron 530S
    Motherboard
    64Bit X64 based Processor
    Memory
    4.5GB Ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    1GB - XFX ONE ATI Radeon HD 5450 - Plus Edition
    Sound Card
    Inbuilt
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1440*900
    Hard Drives
    1*Seagate 150gb + 1*Seagate 320gb
    Cooling
    3 x fans
    Keyboard
    Dell Analog
    Mouse
    Dell USB Mouse
    Internet Speed
    1Mbps, 100kbps Download Speed
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, Bitdefender, but Switched off
Just a note, I have a laptop. It's not all I have to do is screws/clips/locks on the sides of the fan. It's embedded in the case.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
I've done the same google search, as I mentioned before, these are not my exact model, which has some unique differences. Specifically, their instruction to remove the keyboard does not work for me as screws are in different places and I don't want to remove screws from my computer without being positive about what they belong to.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
This one says: How to clean the inside of a Pavilion dm4?

It's link to the Maintenance and Service Guide for the DM4 which has explicit instructions on taking it apart. Should give you what you need.

If you're still leery about doing this take it to a repair shop and have them do it for you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Thanks for the link. That's not my exact model, even still, but I think I might be able to figure it out. Unfortunately, I have to remove over a dozen components just to get to the fan. It's just not worth it to me. I spent the ten bucks on the compressed air -- I'll blow it in the vents and see what I can do there. But I don't feel a pressing need to tear apart the computer. Any advice to the contrary? Fan repair starts at 75 bucks (at least from what I can find around here in MN) and I really want to avoid that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
If it was my laptop, I would disassemble it then remove the heat sink (fan & radiator) from the CPU and GPU (usually the same piece). Clean off the old thermal paste and apply a new layer. Clean everything else real well then reassemble.

At the temp it's currently running at something is going to die, probably sooner that later.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Just a note, I have a laptop. It's not all I have to do is screws/clips/locks on the sides of the fan. It's embedded in the case.

yup i know ;) i saw your specs
just open the undercase u probably have it in your manual
i'll try posting sum screenshots if possible :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Update 1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    Inspiron 530S
    Motherboard
    64Bit X64 based Processor
    Memory
    4.5GB Ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    1GB - XFX ONE ATI Radeon HD 5450 - Plus Edition
    Sound Card
    Inbuilt
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1440*900
    Hard Drives
    1*Seagate 150gb + 1*Seagate 320gb
    Cooling
    3 x fans
    Keyboard
    Dell Analog
    Mouse
    Dell USB Mouse
    Internet Speed
    1Mbps, 100kbps Download Speed
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, Bitdefender, but Switched off
Thanks Rich,
I'll try to get that done this weekend. I can see the logic in what you're saying. Where can I get thermal paste?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
Most any computer store has it. Arctic Silver 5 is one of the best.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Sounds good. I've got that in the mail as well. I'm going to try this this weekend, will update on how it goes. I'm a little bit leery, but I just can't stomach the repair cost of stores around here, which mostly seem to be 'virus cleaners' and not really guys who would have any more technical experience with this than I do. I found a teardown PDF from HP that covers my model, so I'm going to go forward with that and just document everything very slowly. I don't have any anti-static stuff -- is that important and is there anything I can do easily without having to buy a strap?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
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