Computer help!

[lizziegrace]

I have a Gateway MT6916 laptop. I think the fan is failing. I know what a hard drive sounds like and this isn't is.

Besides, it's in an area with a lot of vents and warm air is blown out. ;)

Anyway, I don't want to burn up this computer searching for a fan.

If anyone has time, can someone point me to a vendor where I can order one TODAY. I think it's something I can install myself.

My professional life is on this computer (resumes, correspondence) and while it's all backed up, I'd rather not have to go through the reinstall process.

Thanks. (Throw this on the pile with all the other disasters in my life...)

LG

[ghostsofgiants]

1. Newegg.com

It's probably an 80mm fan that you need.

[lizziegrace]

16. Thanks!

I've got the number written down. It's a matter of time now.

[ghostsofgiants]

17. I read below that it's a laptop? Disregard the 80mm comment if that's the case.

But Newegg is a really good spot to order computer stuff.

[mojowork_n]

2. This time of year, don't forget the ESD risk.

Electro-Static Discharge -- just the tiniest little spark of static (which you likely wouldn't even feel) -- is like a lightning bolt to some of those incredibly fragile, small circuits.

Here's a general procedure manual (OK, sorry, it's for desktops)

support.gateway.com/s/Manuals/Desktops/8510333.pdf

and here's a possible vendor:

http://www.priorityelectronics.com/gateway/laptopfans.htm

They list a fan on their clearance page for a little more than 30 bucks. Their phone number is 800-331-3224.

Don't forget you can always use the computers at the public library -- two hours free, every day, if you want to do some more digging yourself.

[lizziegrace]

14. I have a lot of that here

the cats are afraid to touch my hand it's so dry. I've got a humidifier going in the room with the computer now. Not that it will help much, but it makes me THINK it will. ;)

[hobbit709]

3. Laptops are a real PITA to work on.

You have to disassemble the thing to get at the fan in the bottom of the case-not a job for amateurs. Have you tried getting a can of compressed air and blowing the vents clear of dust and dirt? Do you hear the fan speeding up and slowing down or is it making a rattling or howling noise? The former is normal. If it overheats from fan failure it will shut down automatically. The best way to keep a laptop from overheating is to always use it on a hard flat surface. Don't sit on your bed or couch or put on the rug on the floor-that blocks the air vents. You can always get one of the laptop cooling pads-they run about $20 or so.

[lizziegrace]

4. I just took it all apart and vacuumed out the dust and blew out

the rest with canned air. It's surprisingly easy to get to on this model. My fear at this moment is that it's not running at all and will toast the HD, so I'll print off what you've all said and call in an order.

Y'all are the best. :)

[NJmaverick]

5. Here this program will monitor your computer's temperature

http://majorgeeks.com/Coolmon_2_d5181.html

[lizziegrace]

6. Installed part way and got an integer error message

:(

No go.

[NJmaverick]

7. Try this one then.

http://majorgeeks.com/Core_Temp_d5665.html

[lizziegrace]

8. That worked

What should the core temp be? Is 99 too high?

[lizziegrace]

9. Never mind

it's reading in Celsius Currently says 0.99.4 as core temp with Core 0 at 42 C and Core 1 at 42 C

[NJmaverick]

10. 40-50 under load isn't a bad temp

[lizziegrace]

11. Thanks

I need some standard or relative number to understand if what I'm seeing is good or not.

I think blowing out all the dust (and cat hair) helped and now the fan seems to be working but quiet. Not sure if I should invest in a cooling mat or just hold on to the money for a new fan.

My computer went out of warranty on 12/14/08. Just in time!

:)

[NJmaverick]

12. Not sure a cooling mat is needed

I would suggest you keep on eye on the temps, with that program.

[lizziegrace]

13. Core temp is holding around 40-42

but the fan is a bit noisy when it turns on. (not as bad as before I cleaned it) I'll keep the $$ set aside for a new fan. It's just a matter of time, I think. In the meantime, I'll watch the temps.

Thank you for your help. :hug:

[NJmaverick]

15. No problem, good luck

[meegbear]

18. GET A MAC!

Now it's an official computer thread.