Gateway Laptop Heating Problems

An overheating computer is a malfunctioning computer. If your computer is operating at a higher- than-ideal temperature, it will not be at its most efficient. If the computer gets too hot, it will either shut down, or break. Gateway laptops are no more susceptible to overheating than any other computer, but will probably experience overheating problems at some point, regardless of age.

Avoid Overheating

Your computer produces heat as it operates. Although Gateway computers have a sophisticated and extensive heat-transfer system, all laptop computers are less than perfect at removing heat.

After a few hours of use, the heat buildup can become serious if the computer is not well- ventilated.

When a computer overheats, it may shut down. Many laptop computers include a heat sensor and software that will shut the computer down if the components get too hot. This can be problematic because the shutdown is not usually preceded by a warning, and it is instantaneous.

Some computers, usually older ones, may or may not shut down. In certain cases, the solder joints on the motherboard may heat past the melting point of the solder used. Additionally, the motherboard may flex, causing components to disconnect. When the board cools and returns to its original shape, the component will remain disconnected, and the computer will not operate.

Symptoms

The first and most noticeable symptom of an overheated computer will be that it feels warmer than usual. Generally speaking, you will notice hot air coming from the vents, and heat through the keyboard.

The next stage of overheating will be the computer's fans running at a higher speed. Most computers vary the speeds of their fans in order to move heat most effectively. A fan running at normal speed will produce a barely audible hum. A fan running at high speed will be significantly louder. When your processor is working hard, the fan may kick into a higher speed momentarily; sustained high speed is the clue that the computer may be running hot.

Finally, the last stage of overheating is shutdown. The computer will either shut down, requiring a cooling period before starting up, or possibly stop working altogether. If the computer won't restart, it may require the services of a professional.

Dust

One of the most common causes of computer overheating is dust buildup. The processor of your Gateway computer includes a heat sink, which will be made of a heat-conductive metal. A fan coupled to the heat sink blows the heated air away from the heat sink, allowing the processor to operate at its ideal temperature.

If dust builds up on the heat sink, it can act as an insulator and trap the heat in the heat sink. The fan will not be able to transfer heat as efficiently from the heat sink, and eventually, the heat buildup will be too great for the components. This is not seen often in newer computers.

Dust problems can be remedied easily; regularly blowing compressed air through the computer's vents will usually remove dust buildup. If you do not feel comfortable servicing your computer, contact a professional technician.

Blocked Vents

Laptop computers are famous for their portability and convenience. You can use them in your lap, after all. However, the term "laptop" is being replaced by "notebook" because the computers are not really designed for laptop use. The heat exhaust vents on the bottom of the computer are too easily blocked when the computer is used in your lap. In addition to causing the computer to overheat, it is possible to sustain a burn to your legs from the computer.

An easy fix for this problem is to place the computer on a flat, hard surface, like a table. The computer should have enough clearance to allow proper ventilation if the heat transfer components are working properly. It is also possible to purchase or make a portable computer pad that will allow proper clearance of the computer's heat exhaust vents.

Malfunctioning Components

Your laptop computer may be overheating due to non-functional fans. This is unlikely, but if the computer continually overheats, feel the vents. If you do not feel air moving, or hear the fans running, it's possible that the fan has quit working, or is improperly connected to its power source. Correcting this problem may require the services of a professional technician.

Expert Insight

To avoid overheating, make a habit of using compressed air to blow your computer out every few months, and purchase or build a laptop computer pad that provides at least 3/4 inch of clearance for optimal cooling.