Temperature problem in my Compaq Laptop.

[Absolut Rookie]

Dear new friends:

As my name indicate, I'm an Absolute Rookie in overclocking. I'm not a rookie in computers but neither a pro. My problem is that I have a Compaq Presario 1200 XL 101 laptop for two years and I have some problems. When it's been 6 months since I bought it, I had to take it to the service because the system didn't power on. They didn't found the problem so, cahnged all the components. When they returned my laptop, it worked a little bit warm that it usually did. In this moment, this wasn't a problem 'cause in Buenos Aires, Argentina the temperature is not a problem, but, now I'm in Monterrey, Mexico and here the temperature is a big problem! My computer works ok for 3 hours and then starts to work very slowly and it hangs up for 1 second every minute (aprox.). The aparent problem is the fan cooler doesn't work properly. It starts up when the computer base is hot as usually, but runs only for 2 seconds, and then it keeps the low speed that is not sufficient to cool the processor. My question is, is there any program or whatever that make the fan cooler to run always? My battery also is dead, so, I must to plug it in 110V to make it runs so the power saving is not a problem to me.
Please, if anybody can help me I will appreciate it!
I know that going to a Compaq service my problem will be resolved, but I don't have any money to spend now 'cause I moving in from Argentina just few months ago.
Thanks in advance!!!

Your friend...

Rodrigo.

[mw521]

Well, I would first get a stronger fan for it. I have seen some but can't remember link right now. (anyone?) TO make it run all the time, just wire it to a 12 volt supply in the puter that is switched. But, how new are you? Wouldn't try it if not familiar with it. Perhaps a friend or computer shop might help.

[mw521]

You might want to Blow 'er out too. Have you been in a dusty environment with it? Get you a can of spray air (just about anywhere that carries computer supplies,paper,ink, etc.) Blow it out really good with it. You may just be "clogged up".

[Maximus Nickus]

The only concern is how to get into the laptop.... some are awefully small and some can't be opened at all.

[cowanrg]

compaq's are pretty easy to open up. crack er open, and you will most likely see power cables that power the HD's and such. there is probably not an extra one, so you may have to splice into one. this way you can get continuous power. hook the fan up to that...

[Maximus Nickus]

Buy a splitter or a plug wif the cables hanging out don't go chopping!!!!

[cowanrg]

uh... laptops arent like desktops... its not like you can just get a splitter. it a bit different. there is a space issue in there too.

[Absolut Rookie]

Buddies:

Thank a lot for all your help!!!
I thought in connect the fan cooler to a continuos power supply, like the hard disk or whatever. I was afraid of blow up some component in the power suplly or something like that, but I remember that the charger connector has contacts under the PCB, so, I will to solder the cables on it and that's ok (I supposed...). In facts, my laptop has room to put another fan cooler what I will to utilize. Only a question, my charger is 19 Volts output, what is the usually voltage input for a normal fan cooler? I will connect it straight, it going to be too much tension for a fan cooler?
Again, thanks for all your help, I owe you a couple of beers for everyone. I will pay for it when some of you come to Mexico!

Your friend...

Rodrigo.

[mw521]

I wouldn't use the charger connector @ 19 volts, most fans are 12 volts. You don't wanna overclock the fan! Try measuring voltage at the hard drive connector to get a steady 12 volts. I am leaving tomorrow to come get that beer.

[Intraveinous]

Best thing to do is look at the fan that you are hooking up. While most DESKTOP fans run on 12V, there are a lot of laptop fans that run on only 5V. If you're replacing the fan, and the replacement is 12V, then you can obviously give it 12V, but I'd look on the existing fan and see before wiring it into something.
Peace
John

[mw521]

Good point! Could be 5 volts on a laptop as they want to minimize drain on battery. That's why it doesn't run all the time anyway. If you don't have a voltage rating on the fan, just measure the voltage going to it to find out.

[mw521]

Originally posted by nick_cw
The only concern is how to get into the laptop.... some are awefully small and some can't be opened at all.
You can open any of them, it's the reclosing that might be a problem.