Graphics problem on Dell Inspiron notebook

[Sydney]

After approximatly 45 minutes of operation, the screen get scrambled. I
suspect a problem of heating since none of the 2 fans operate when I switch
on the notebook.
anybody for an idea ?
Is there a specific newsgroup for Dell ?

 

[Paul]

After approximatly 45 minutes of operation, the screen get scrambled. I
suspect a problem of heating since none of the 2 fans operate when I
switch on the notebook.
anybody for an idea ?
Is there a specific newsgroup for Dell ?

If you know the fans are malfunctioning, why continue to run the machine ?
Operating the machine at a high temperature, will shorten its life. And
if you're not careful, could lead to a battery malfunction.

You can try Speedfan if you want, and see if that can adjust the fan speed.
If the fans still do not spin, clean them out.

http://www.almico.com/speedfan440.exe

It is also possible, for the power source feeding the fans, to be broken.
Some people with retail motherboards in desktop computers, manage to burn
out the +12V copper track, feeding the fan headers. But that happens, because
it is too easy on a desktop computer, to play with the fan header connector
while the computer is powered (and one mistake can result in damage).

Paul

 

[Sydney]

If you know the fans are malfunctioning, why continue to run the machine ?
Operating the machine at a high temperature, will shorten its life. And
if you're not careful, could lead to a battery malfunction.

You can try Speedfan if you want, and see if that can adjust the fan
speed.
If the fans still do not spin, clean them out.

http://www.almico.com/speedfan440.exe

It is also possible, for the power source feeding the fans, to be broken.
Some people with retail motherboards in desktop computers, manage to burn
out the +12V copper track, feeding the fan headers. But that happens,
because
it is too easy on a desktop computer, to play with the fan header
connector
while the computer is powered (and one mistake can result in damage).

Paul

This notebook was given to me to see what was the problem.
i have described what I saw.
My question was rather : Do you know enough the Dell Inspiron to acertain
that the fans should run as soon as they are in operation or should they run
at a certain temperature.
I am conscious of the effect of heat on components.

 

[Paul]

This notebook was given to me to see what was the problem.
i have described what I saw.
My question was rather : Do you know enough the Dell Inspiron to
acertain that the fans should run as soon as they are in operation or
should they run at a certain temperature.
I am conscious of the effect of heat on components.

The fans should be temperature controlled. The reason for that, is
the laptop manages power consumption, and a fan draws power from
the battery. When the laptop is turned on, it is still cold, so
can run for a few minutes, before the fan comes on. The fan is only
used, to keep temperatures to relatively high limits.

If a laptop has a powerful graphics subsystem, it might have one fan
for the CPU and one for the GPU. Or, it could have one blower, tied
to both chips, using heatpipes.

The CPU and the GPU could have thermal diodes, which are devices on
the silicon die, to monitor temperature. Depending on the design,
the CPU fan speed may be automatically monitored. (Some SuperI/O
chips can be programmed to automatically operate the fan, as
a function of the measured temperature.) I'm not sure what
they use for the GPU, but it could take advantage of the same
concept. Some Intel chipsets, also have built-in fan control
(QST?).

In any case, I suggest installing SpeedFan and verifying the fans
still work. The program can set the fan speed manually. The program
can also read out temperatures. At least, as long as the chip
detection routines work properly when the program starts.

Paul

 

[Sydney]

The fans should be temperature controlled. The reason for that, is
the laptop manages power consumption, and a fan draws power from
the battery. When the laptop is turned on, it is still cold, so
can run for a few minutes, before the fan comes on. The fan is only
used, to keep temperatures to relatively high limits.

If a laptop has a powerful graphics subsystem, it might have one fan
for the CPU and one for the GPU. Or, it could have one blower, tied
to both chips, using heatpipes.

The CPU and the GPU could have thermal diodes, which are devices on
the silicon die, to monitor temperature. Depending on the design,
the CPU fan speed may be automatically monitored. (Some SuperI/O
chips can be programmed to automatically operate the fan, as
a function of the measured temperature.) I'm not sure what
they use for the GPU, but it could take advantage of the same
concept. Some Intel chipsets, also have built-in fan control
(QST?).

In any case, I suggest installing SpeedFan and verifying the fans
still work. The program can set the fan speed manually. The program
can also read out temperatures. At least, as long as the chip
detection routines work properly when the program starts.

I think the fans re temperature controlled. Dell does not give details about
the sensors the machine may have ( nor any repair manual)
I will test with speedfan and possibly with a voltage controller at the fan
terminal.