W520 hot CPU

[DJ6JZ]

Hi, my W520 did shut off without prior warning several times. Some time ago I already noticed strange behaviour, directories could not be opened by double click. After reboot it worked ok again for an hour or so.
I installed Core Temp 1.0 RC6 and HWinfo64; here are some measurements that were taken:
Power - Temperature - Load - Frequency
6W - 76 deg C - 5% - 797 MHz
12W - 81 deg C - 13% - 797 MHz
20W - 96 deg C - 21-40% - 1.7 GHz

I am using the "balanced" energy mode.
CPU Brand Name: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2760QM CPU @ 2.40GHz
CPU Code Name: Sandy Bridge-MB SV

Obviously the temperature is too hot, even with low load. Are there any recommendations what I can do myself or will I have to get the notebook repaired? Free airflow is guaranteed, as the notebook is standing elevated, 2 cm above the desk.

Regards, Willi

[richk]

I am guessing that the fan is not making good contact with the CPU die. You need to remove the fan, clean the old paste off, put on new thermal paste and reattach.

[Cigarguy]

Yes something is very wrong. A W520 should not be that old that the original thermal paste have dried up that much. But you never know. Besides reapplying new thermal paste, it would be a good time to blow out any dust.

[Sleepy664]

Well, the W520 stock thermal paste is not the best and the cooler is weaker than I'd like to see

Add a lot of thermal cycles and flexing and thermal expansion, sprinkle a little bit of a dust over the cooler's fins and there is your problem. So that is where I would start.

[MSKFAHIM]

Hello,

I made a post on here complaining about my thermal problems. My W520 often reached over 90 degrees C and eventually it was shutting down. Got it fixed!! It turns out that there was way too much dust inside. Had to take it to a technician who took it apart and thoroughly cleaned everything and put it back together and it is now working like magic. No detectable heat so far. I tested it and the temperature was in the 40 degree range. Make sure your laptop's thermal system is not clogged like mine.