Vortex II overheating problem

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Dioltas

Active member
Hi guys,

Ive had this (excellent) laptop since September 2011 but a few days ago it has started to shut down due to overheating, in particular it appeared to be the GPU according to my temp monitors. I cleaned out gunk from the vents and seemed to be back in business but now it seems to have gone properly and I've noticed the gpu fan no longer spins. Processor temps seem

I've got a silver warranty but with work demands I can't really afford to lose this laptop for even a day so I'm seeking advice on DIY fixes such as getting a replacement fan, applying arctic silver or upgrading the gfx card altogether if that's cost effective? It could potentially of course be a different problem altogether for all I know!

Is there anything I could do in short term to keep my laptop functional too? Like underclock or slow system down enough that the laptop will stop switching off even when idle?

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

photo 1.JPGphoto 3.JPGphoto 4.JPG

The fan on the left is the one no longer functioning.
 
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SmokeDarKnight

SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
I would give PCS a call, they might be able to send you out the compatable bits and pieces and maybe give you a talk through on how to perform the operation.

If that fan isn't spinning i wouldn't be using it as it doesn't take much for the GPU to get hot unless your using a cooling stand to keep the air moving a bit.
 
ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
Can you not turn the GPU off until you've fixed the fan? At least you'll be able to continue using it for work if not gaming.
 
D

Dioltas

Active member
Thanks for the feedback guys, I wasn't aware I could just shut off the gfx card, I've tried to underclock it abit through amd overdrive and slow down power saving functions with laptop overall. I also use a cooler master stand.

Ultimately my work involves photoshop and similar graphic intensive program's so I still need some power just not to the extent of gaming. I'll need to give PCS a call as you say I guess I just wanted to see whether I was right with my diagnosis and whether it's worth just replacing a fan or upgrading the gpu? I've a 6900m.
 
SmokeDarKnight

SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
You would be about £400 buck to upgrade to the HD7970m and it is a better card that includes fitting, i've been toying with this upgrade myself but i think the 8000 series GPU will be out in a week or so so i've been holding off to see if they will be compatable with the Vortex 2.

Im not sure what would be involved in changing the GPU yourself but i have seen a few youtube videos on it. It is possible though without soldering as the vortex does have upgrade options.

If you go to upgrade my system on the main PCS page it'll give you options for your machine.
 
D

Dioltas

Active member
Cheers, just checked there, seems to be 332 with vat to upgrade to the 7970, although my 6990m truthfully hasn't failed me yet with games or other software I just worry whether it's the fan itself broke or components that should be telling it to spin etc before I replace it and have the same problem. Interesting that the new one will be out soon too.
 
D

Dioltas

Active member
I've no idea, but I'm just off the phone with PCS there and they were very helpful. I've ordered a replacement fan which was quite cheap and hopefully it will arrive soon and solve the problem.

I seem to have the system somewhat balanced at the minute on low settings across the board - gfx temp sitting at steady 60 degrees at the moment which is probably fair enough without the fan but I don't dare try to run an intensive program or game.

Appreciate all the support!
 
D

Dioltas

Active member
Just to confirm for anyone else interested. I promptly received the replacement fan and I also got some Arctic Silver 5 for the GPU as I only had stock thermal paste originally. Everything is going great now and I'm backing to around 40-44 degrees with normal usuage (watching videos, web etc).

Very happy with the level of support from both PCS and this thread.
 
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