HELP!CPU overheat problem!

[test1999]

I used a T41 for one and half years. But in recent months, I felt the system efficiency dropped dramatically. The typical problem is the CPU is throttling when I play games, which never happened before.
I checked the CPU temperature, and found it was around 85C degree when playing games and 55C-60C when zero load.(CPU idle)
Even the slight load on CPU, such as using IE for navigating on Internet, could easily increase the temperature to around 70C.

Anyone has the same experience before?
thanks alot if you could give a good suggestion.

[leegaard]

If the unit is still under warranty I would use that.

Otherwise it seem like its time to reapply som thermal paste of good quality between the cooler and CPU, and of course be sure that all the airflow channels and stuff are clean.

[Greg Gebhardt]

Is your fan running?

Got to be a reason it is "all of a sudden" over heating, maybe the fan has stopped?

[test1999]

YES. The fan IS running.But it seems like not much air blew from it.

[Jason986]

Just because the fan is running does not mean it is necessarily running correctly. If it's not pushing much air, the bearings may be stuck or going. Try blasting some compressed air through the vents and see if any dust and other assorted grime comes flying out. Sometimes that can "cure" overheating issues /or free up the fan enough to spin up fully.

Otherwise, it sounds like your fan may be heading south or your embeded fan controllers are malfunctioning. I second the idea about reapplying thermal paste to the CPU though.

If your machine is still in warranty, call IBM...