X220 tablet - how to improve cooling?

[bonoz]

I love this laptop. But it very easily overheats when docked and everything becomes slow and choppy real quick. I have done all the basics of dusting out all the insides, getting TPFanControl, etc. etc.

But is there absolutely anything else I can do? Get a fan upgrade of sorts? Anything?

Thanks

[brchan]

Have you tried repasting the thermal paste on the CPU? Arctic Silver 5 is popular, but Tuniq Tx4 works very well and doesn't require a break-in period.

[bonoz]

Have you tried repasting the thermal paste on the CPU? Arctic Silver 5 is popular, but Tuniq Tx4 works very well and doesn't require a break-in period.

Yes I have. I've used the proper technique. It's fine when undocked. But when docked.. it overheats fast.

Any other ideas?

Thanks

[brchan]

All X220 tablets came with the same fan assembly. Maybe an X230 tablet fan would fit, but someone would need to confirm this. What are the exact temps and fan settings you have used?

[MisterB]

Check your CPU usage when docked. This could be some software driver issue if it is fine undocked. I had Windows update get caught in a loop and make my X220T's fan run and slow everything else it was doing to a crawl. Sounds like it could be a runaway background process to me.

[brchan]

Does this also happen when you plug the power directly into the laptop without using the dock? Do you have the power profiles set to maximum performance when undocked?