Arch Linux

mukti

Member

From: New Jersey, USA

Registered: 2012-01-25

Posts: 28

Laptop running very hot, need help configuring video settings

My laptop idles anywhere between 35-55C, and spikes around 70-90C when I'm running games. I have configured thinkfan which runs around 4500RPM (close to max) when the heat spikes, but it doesn't seem to cool down. There is not dust in the fan, and I'm not entirely sure what I should do next.

I have a feeling the heat is being caused by the discrete NVIDIA graphics card, but I'm not certain. Should I switch to the integrated Intel graphics? What would the process for switching be (x config file, and other config file changes, programs to install, programs to uninstall, etc.)? I don't mind the NVIDIA graphics, but I cannot play some games I downloaded because the laptop is getting too hot.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Pancake_Palace

Member

Registered: 2012-07-27

Posts: 21

Re: Laptop running very hot, need help configuring video settings

If using the nvidia binary driver, check this out, including the one just under the linked anchor, telling it to manage itself.

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/NV … laptops.29

I can't say for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if it is simply going to the maximum speed state and staying there, even though you would prefer it to slow down to stay cool.

zero_one

Member

Registered: 2010-07-07

Posts: 104

Re: Laptop running very hot, need help configuring video settings

Also, I don't see where you mentioned what *Brand laptop. Ive seen that temperature from a few different brands/models (Sony laptops run hot) and on different OS's while running games. Check to see if your make and model runs hot as well.

runny6play

Member

Registered: 2012-02-18

Posts: 85

Re: Laptop running very hot, need help configuring video settings

mobile nvidia cards run hot. 35-70 is a normal range.still 90 C is hot even for max clock on max load. If the laptop isn't new I would physically open the laptop and blow out the dust. The dust doesn't have to be near the fan to make the system overheat. if you really want to use intell graphics http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= … 7iY4ld25hw I would highly discourage it for many reasons. If you really can't make your system run cooler and its unnecessary to do so I would just use what pancake linked you to and set it to always run performance level 1

Last edited by runny6play (2012-08-17 08:44:10)