E6400 overheating throttling

[SethC]

Just thought I would post that I finally broke down and contacted Dell. I was too worried of leaving Throttlestop running and watching a movie or converting a video and having it go into meltdown....besides the problem should be fixed anyway.

I was expecting the worse but it literally took a 10 minute chat session with Dell and they didnt even have me run any tests they just took my word for it. The next day they had a new motherboard fan assembly and heatsink installed on my PC.

I'm currently converting a video having a skype call and transferring a huge file via FTP and I can't get it to throttle so I'm happy....we will see how long it lasts.

[tk1741]

Newbie here,

Need some Advice. My E6400 slows down whilst doing certain tasks (mainly while playing 3D games). As of late every time I try to play Team Fortress 2, after about 10 - 15 minutes of playing, game play gets sluggish so I monitored the CPU speed, which I found was dropping from 2.53 GHz (P9500) to between 400MHz and 666MHz (read from CPU-Z). This happens virtually every time. Game becomes unplayable and it takes a while just to exit the game so I can restart the laptop. The GPU also hits around 88 degrees C and the CPU around 75 degrees.

I spoke to Dell CS and they said the E6400 is a business machine so do not it expect it to play games and since it passed the hardware diagnostic test there is nothing they can do.

Has anyone else had this issue whilst playing Team Fortress 2 (or any other 3D games)?

P.S. I have cleaned the dust out (including taking out the fan and using compressed air). Also I had the palm rest replaced a few months ago and the heat sink was taken out so I think the thermal paste/pads just need replacing.

Thanks in advance

[SethC]

I would try installing the throttlestop to see if the problem goes away but keep an eye on your temps. Sounds you have the same issue I did.

I would definately leave out the gaming aspect. All I did was say my system became unusable and mentioned that it was a known issue. Maybe I got lucky. I did it all through chat as well never even spoke to anyone dude just showed up.

Every since they replaced the motherboard/fan assembly the fan rarely even kicks into high speed.

[GoodBytes]

Originally Posted by tk1741

Newbie here,

Need some Advice. My E6400 slows down whilst doing certain tasks (mainly while playing 3D games). As of late every time I try to play Team Fortress 2, after about 10 - 15 minutes of playing, game play gets sluggish so I monitored the CPU speed, which I found was dropping from 2.53 GHz (P9500) to between 400MHz and 666MHz (read from CPU-Z). This happens virtually every time. Game becomes unplayable and it takes a while just to exit the game so I can restart the laptop. The GPU also hits around 88 degrees C and the CPU around 75 degrees.

Don't worry dude, this machine is great for gaming. I even overclock my GPU almost double speed, and the laptop has no problem handling the extra heat (of course, I do it when I need performance, to not kill my battery life...and I mainly play on my desktop computer)

No problem dude, easy fix.
Open the bottom panel of the laptop (1 screw, slide out the panel.. the screw stays attached with the panel), and remove the dust with the can of compressed air. If you have not done that already... just to remove any dust that might build up heat other components that you might not be able to get the temperature.

Also, ensure that you have the latest BIOS version from Dell website. There was issues with old, and early version of the BIOS which caused that problem.

If the problem still persists, then contact Dell for a new heatsink.
Now I know you said that Dell said "it's not a gaming computer!"... so you have to play with your words with them. Tell them that your computer is slowing down and you can't do your work. If they ask what ou are doing, say that you are doing 3D work with AutoCAD. And that you tried the latest Dell video card drivers. And that the problem appeared since you got the palm rest replaced. You'll get a new heatsink.

If you have onsite service, be SURE the tech guy removes the old thermal paste on the CPU, GPU, AND north-bridge (very important).
Now, Dell doesn't provide them with anything to do this... as you notice when you got your heatsink removed, you are SUPPOSED to ALWAYS change the thermal paste.

So get the guy some Q-Tips, and some 70% rubbing alcohol (do not use peroxide), or any product to remove thermal paste, or ask Dell, to just send the part and do it yourself, if you know how too (thermal past and pads are already on the heatsink.. you just need to clean the old crap, send back the old one, with the box you got the new one, install the new one, and print (or look in the box, sometimes they print it for you), the pre-paid shipping label, if you don't have one, call Dell they'll give you one for free, stick it on the box, and call the mail carrier of the shipping label to come and pick it up.

[tk1741]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, since I did mention it, its on their files now :/

I have since spoke to someone else who has said that they would be willing to collect the machine and have it tested (instead of using the onsite warranty). But I was just wondering if there is anything I could say to have them repair it on site since off site takes 5-7 days.

I may try throttlestop though like you stated, I don't want to risk doing damage if the throttling is indeed trying to prevent a meltdown.

I guess it's hard to draw the line between throttling due to overheating and throttling due to the system being pushed too hard. They chose the latter and so I am still unable to play TF2 for more than 15 minutes.

[tk1741]

Hi GoodBytes,

Thanks for you lengthy reply, much appreciated.

I just realised I didn't make it clear that I have the Nvidia graphics card.

I have used compressed air with the cover off and even removed that clump of dust that builds between the fan and heatsink fins. This didn't help much. I made sure the BIOS was the latest too.

I did also notice a few slow downs with Solidworks (CAD program) when I used it for Uni, but it wasn't so bad then, and this was a few months ago. Perhaps I should have mentioned this (doh!!).

The other reason I think they may be reluctant to repair the system is that one guy said since I have had a few callouts (3, I think, plus replacements for bad PSU and hard drive) they would replace my system with a new one (a Latitude e6420 maybe). They would have given me a system with the value of 70% of what I paid for my new E6400 and I would have to pay the remainder. I was unsure and personally didn't like the e6420's design/screen so I said I would call back. But when I did, they changed their mind and said there was no issue...

I'll call up and see if they will send the parts to do it myself instead. I was planning to replace the paste myself, but was worried this would void the warranty.

Thanks for the advice.

[GoodBytes]

Because it's not an Alienware or an XPS, Dell tech support will tell you that your computer is not for games, even if you have a Geforce graphic card.. that's the problem when you train employee to scripts, and not allow them to use their head.

You can call them.. even if it's on file, they don't give a damn.
And in the case they do, just say, it was an example and that it affects your CAD program, and can't do your work.

The E6420 looks like has built quality issues.. mixed with """70%""" value, you'll end up with an Intel GPU, which is on par with your GPU (well the Intel GPU APPEARS faster in some games, but that's because the driver cheat by not drawing some stuff, even though you made extra sure that both have exactly the same game graphical settings, oh and OK multi-monitor support (much better than previous Intel graphic solution, but not on par compared to AMD (ATI) or Nvidia graphic cards). But I think, if you are offered this, make sure the tech guy puts it on a note, as a "next time", in the case the heatsink replacement still doesn't help. At least you'll have a system you can game on. And be sure to grab the guys name, extension, and so on to try and reach him. Don't assume with big companies, if it's not written, then it will be ignored. If it is written, it will be taken in consideration.