Lap Top Fan Getting Hot.

[Tilly2]

As above.

When my laptop has been on for more than a few minutes, the heat from the fan vents is very noticeable. It also seems nosier than it was previously. Is it on the way out or can I do something about it?

[shoota]

Nothing worse than a nosy lappie...

[Tilly2]

More noisy!

Damn :-(

[Old_Geezer]

It may be. Or it may be noisier because it's having to work harder because, for some reason, the computer is getting hotter inside these days.

You can take it in for a fan replacement. But maybe a little maintenance might find the cause of it.

If it's any help I use SpeedFan to check my PC's temperatures. But there are other tools out there.

[Old_Geezer]

Check the fans are not getting clogged up with dust/fluff.

[Tilly2]

I'll have a look at Speedfan, thank you, OG.

If I take the back off and give it a bit of a dusting, will that help, or should I leave well alone?

[EDDIE51]

There will be an air vent slot on the base of the lap top. Have a look at it as they often get blocked up with dust. It is a good idea to clean this out every few weeks or days. I use a vacuum cleaner on 'low power' and the upholstery brush to do it. A blocked vent will make the fan run hot as it is not getting enough cooling air through it.

[Old_Geezer]

Depends on how confident you are. I don't own a laptop (but seem to have become responsible for my woman's somehow ?!?) but I have no problems opening up my desktop and giving it a vacuum. (Try not to let the fans spin uncontrollably.) Laptops are a little more nerve wracking but can be opened. Just need to take care you know what was removed and where you put the screws.

I think if you have to ask your confidence level is not great so simply open and peer and see if there is anything obvious; if so then remove the muck, if not close it all back up again.

[Tilly2]

There are two vents, one at the side and one underneath. I'll give them a bit of a vacuum, tomorrow.

Shall I take the back off?

[EDDIE51]

^^ Don't open it up.Just look underneath there will be an air vent. Clean that out with a gentle vacuuming.

[Old_Geezer]

One thing at a time. Try to clean what you can without opening first; then if that doesn't work one can consider other options.

[EDDIE51]

Information here, my lap top's air vent looks just like the one in this link's photo.
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-can-i-do-about-my-laptop-overheating.htm

[Lisa_Louise]

I had the same problem with my laptop. They say you're not supposed to have it on a bed because it can't 'breathe' properly, I was always aware of that just it still started to overheat. I bought one of those laptop fans. The laptop sits on top of what looks like a tray but it has a built in fan, it plugs into a free USB port. Did the job!

[Tilly2]

Lisa, mine is on the table. I don't use it in bed. Thank you for that suggestion, though. It might just work.

I shall get the vacuum out tomorrow. I'm not going to do it now. Thanks for all the tips. If vacuuming doesn't work, I'll take it to the computer repair shop down the road.

(I was looking forward to using my set of little screwdrivers. I'll have to save them until my glasses fall apart. :-))

Thank you all.