I have a Toshiba Satelite & the fan seems to be dying. It is really loud & is really slowing down my computer. I opened it up & removed the dust, which helped some. My computer gave a warning message about it too. In the past my computer would overheat sometimes. Should I just go buy another fan? Is there a certain one which would be good?

Thanks for any help.

10/17/2005 11:23:12 AM

Are you certain the fan is dying? Most laptop fans spin at a variable speed depending on the tmperature of the unit. The hotter the laptop, the faster it will spin. If you laptop has a P4, your only problem is probably overheating.

Intel uses what they call speedstep technology in their laptop P4s. The processor only runs at full speed when needed and runs and a reduced speed when the system isn't under load. The processor runs cooler when it isn't running at full speed. In many cases, the cooling capacity for the laptop isn't sufficient to keep the processor cool when it runs at 100% for an extended period. Thus, overheating issues develop.

I recommend finding an application that monitors your fan speed and make sure that it's running within specifications (you'll have to look up what they are for your specific laptop). Otherwise, make sure all the vents on your laptop aren't blocked and pay attention to how you fan sounds when the processor is working hard (i.e. playing videos or gaming).

10/17/2005 12:11:26 PM

I have a Toshiba Satellite 1905-S303 laptop, and its cooling ability is absolutely worthless at best. If I try to run games, or anything CPU intensive the laptop will almost immediately overheat and abruptly shut off.

I have minimized my problems by using Toshiba's power management utility to set the cooling mode to "Silent" which according to the docs allows the computer to reduce the CPU speed when the temperature rises.

I would recommend finding a local toshiba service center, and have them clean out, and possibly replace the laptop fan. Also buy an aftermarket laptop cooler with fans. Some plug into the wall, others plug into a USB port and get power from that.

If you really want to fix the problem, buy a new laptop. Get an IBM laptop, it is well worth it for the extra money.

10/17/2005 1:50:16 PM

I'm going through the exact same thing right now
I have the Toshiba Satellite A35 laptop, from Nov. 2003 (got it when my Sony VAIO died enough times to qualify for Best Buy's lemon policy).
I keep using an Air Duster can to clean out the fans, but it doesn't seem to be working.
This weekend, I started to notice an odd smell coming out from the vent behind the computer (like around my USB plugs). That can't be a good thing, right?...

Quote :

"I have minimized my problems by using Toshiba's power management utility to set the cooling mode to "Silent" which according to the docs allows the computer to reduce the CPU speed when the temperature rises."

So I should change it from Max Performance to Silent? I thought Silent meant it just cut off the fans to minimize sound.

10/17/2005 3:04:17 PM

what silent mode does, from my understanding, is reduces the CPU speed in order to reduce heat, which in turn makes the fans come on less often since they have to dissipate less heat. And it appears that when the fans come on in silent mode, they only run in the lowest speed setting.

10/17/2005 4:08:38 PM

thanks for the help

10/17/2005 5:02:52 PM

when my laptop is plugged into the wall outlet, the fans stay on a lot...they will go off for 1-2 minutes every once in a while, then come back on...

when it is running on battery the fan doesn't come on half as much....
my laptop fan runs on low pretty much all the time though when it is plugged in

10/17/2005 5:05:17 PM

I got one of the laptop cooling pads & it is helping. The fan doesn't try to run nearly as much now. I may take it to Digitz though & see what they say.

I can't do anything about the power management though. When I open the power options, nothing is able to be changed. I don't know why, but it won't even allow me to pull down the tool bar. Okay & Cancel are the only things that can be selected.

10/17/2005 8:28:12 PM