Laptop systems

[Dow Dog]

My Dell laptop keeps clicking off during trading. I think it is a overheating problem and it cuts out as a safety measure ( I think ).

I now keep a bucket of ice cold water next to me and I slosh it all over my computer hourly in order to stay cool.

 

[Nildes]

I had a program on mine called "RAIN" I think which was supposed to help keep things cool.
I never had a shutdown with it.
I daresay you could track it down on the internet.

 

[Dow Dog]

I'll try. Thanks

 

[oatman]

I heard of someone who ran their laptop on top of a wire cake cooling tray as it was too hot for their lap. Why call it a lap top?
Wonder if they cooked cakes on it

 

[Dow Dog]

You can fry eggs on mine at the moment.

 

[oatman]

Do you want any recipes?

 

[Nildes]

Rain

Your CPU is idle most of the time when you're using your computer; when word processing, writing emails, browsing the web, the CPU does nothing else than just wait for user input. It produces substantial amounts of heat doing nothing.

This means that everytime the CPU executes a hlt instruction, it will go into "suspend mode" for a short time.
So, while the idle loop is being executed, the CPU will be in suspend mode, use much less power, and stay much cooler.

I have tried few apps of this kind, and Rain 2.0 is the best. It can decreas the temperature of the cpu up to 10°C and is 100% freeware. Only one (heavy) limitation: can be used only on Win98. If you have win Nt/2000/XP, you have to look for CpuIdle in the shareware section...

Anyway, if you have a laptop, or you have oveclocked you pc, or simply you do not like to have a 'ball of fire' in your mid-tower (if you own an Athlon XP 1800+ or better you should know what I mean), and you are running under Windows 98, this should be your most loved application.

CPU Eat 'n' Cool tries to keep the CPU (and the overall system) cooler while the system is busy. Works only with NT 4.0 or higher (like XP). Unlike other software of this kind, it executes the HLT instructions when the CPU is heavy busy, for example when you are playing a game. The game (or 3D app, etc.) will run slower, but your pc will not turn off. Great if you want to run 3D games during a hot summer with a laptop...

http://www.10ts.com/out10software.htm


Hope this helps

 

[Dow Dog]

Fried eggs with a plate of silicon chips is cool Oatman

 

[Dow Dog]

Nildes, can you run " Rain" on Windows XP ?

 

[Nildes]

I've not tried for XP on my new laptop but it does run hot.

Go to the shareware section of the site listed above and look at:
CPU Idle
"CpuIdle lowers the CPU temperature. This enhances CPU life (a decrease by 10°C doubles the life span) and cuts power consumption. Unlike normal power management CpuIdle is active all the time and works even when you're actively using your computer!
CpuIdle works with any version of Windows. There has been a major improvement in its efficience since last version, so I suggest you to give it a try. The shareware version can be used with no limitation for 30 days (the registration fee is 20-30 USD).
The version Extreme (7.0) adds support for most recent CPUs and motherboards."

I must stress that I've not tried this program so I can't speak from personal experience.
Good Luck

 

[Skimbleshanks]

My Dell laptop gets nice and warm too, so I prop it up on a telephone directory - air circulates underneath it, and solved the problem. And at least the telephone directory is put to good use!

 

[Dow Dog]

Have you ever had your laptop just cut on on you Skim and just click off ?

 

[Skimbleshanks]

No, never.

 

[jpwone]

Dow Dog

it sounds as if your laptop is seriously overheating. There is a danger of secondary damage - hard drives are easily damaged by heat. You need to get it checked ASAP. It is possible that one of the fans has given up or it is full of dust or you have inadequate ventilation access (you are covering the holes in non-techie speak).

The power cut outs are a feature of the motherboard and are to protect it and other components when a serious overheat is developing. The fact that it is cutting out is a warning to get it looked at.

Installing heat reducing programs is an option once you have sorted the underlying problem. There is a danger of masking the problem whilst it slowly cooks your laptop. Get it looked at by a laptop specialist.

 

[Nildes]

Dowdog,
JPWone's advice is good and, FWIW, Dell is pretty good at dealing with customer problems and I've found that their products rarely go wrong.
It's a pity I can't say that for a lot of other suppliers.
e-buyer seems to take weeks to turn round kit, even that which is under warranty.

I suggest you get the details off of the underside of your machine and get on the Dell website and ask for help.

 

[Dow Dog]

Yes Nildes, I have done just that.
Thanks

 

[Dow Dog]

Just propped it up on a couple of telephone directories too and also opened the freezer door to get a polar blast.

Bloody nuisance when you have a couple of active Nasdaq stock trades in progress, with the price jumping all over the place and the computer clicks off.

Time then to put your hands together and look to the heavens.

Hope Dell respond soon.

But at least I can simmer my casserole lunch on my Dell laptop oven.

 

[Nildes]

My old ZX81 used to respond well to a bag of frozen peas on the 16k rampack...you had to watch the condensate though :cheesy:

 

[Trader333]

How does this Cpuldle work ? If it makes your CPU run cooler then it must be slowing down the CPU usage ? or does it do it some other way ?

I have a SONY Laptop and the CPU is at full blast during trading when I am monitoring 130 stocks as well as having several other applications running at once but it does not get unduly hot.


Paul

 

[Dow Dog]

I have now downloaded CPUIdle and will see if it makes any difference to both temperature and computer speed.

I suppose trading Red Hot Penny Shares must heat the old puter up a bit.

What do you use to monitor those 130 stocks Paul ?