T43 shuts off

[cbz]

I bought a used T43 to replace my very beat up old T43. Installed Ubuntu 10.4 on it and it ran perfectly for 2-3 weeks. Lots of heavy multi-tasking, video playback, games, etc. no prob.

A few days ago it started powering off. It seems to happen during cpu spikes -- starting a video, opening a large pdf, or even a heavy web page. It won't restart until I both unplug the power cord *and* remove the battery. Then it starts but shuts off within a minute, even if I don't load the OS but am just in the bios setup. But if I wait a good 15 minutes or so, it will start and run fine for hours, assuming I am easy on it.

I've tried swapping the memory from my old T43, reseating the hard drive, and slowing the cpu in the bios.

The fan seems normal, and it doesn't appear to run overly hot (at 50 C right now). I just started logging cpu temperatures using the gnome temp monitor. There's been one shut off since and the last log entry shows 59 C , but its only logging every 5 seconds so maybe it is overheating during a cpu spike I'm not sure yet.

I'd appreciate any advice, not sure what my next step should here.

[cbz]

Update: I removed the fan and applied a dab of arctic silver to the cpu. So far it's running stable I've even tried forcing shut downs by maxing the cpu, which would always cause a shutdown within a couple seconds before. It's running 10+ C cooler, and the temp doesn't fluctuate much now. Man I hope the next 24 hours is shut down free. Fingers crossed!

[RealBlackStuff]

It'll run even cooler after the Arctic Silver has "settled in" (after ca. 200 Hrs.).

[cbz]

Sweet, I didn't know that.

Still running smooth after 4 hours. From a look at the temperature monitor logs, the max temp has been 52 C. Nice.

[cbz]

Ran all night and still running perfect I'll post again if the shut downs start, but it looks like the problem is fixed!