Thinkpad L 15 gen 2 advice

[Karl Auer]

On Sun, 2022-05-22 at 10:04 +1000, Phil wrote:
> My main concern is for the waste of a perfectly good laptop, it only 
> overheats under heavy loads such as watching YouTube videos. I'm 
> assuming that a newer laptop will not overheat but I don't know.
> 

Does it actually overheat? It is normal for the fan to come on when a
CPU is working harder. A correctly functioning laptop in a normal
office or household situation, literally cannot overheat - the cooling
system is designed to deal with it running at maximum capacity (though
not 100% of the time). If the fan seems unduly loud, louder than it
used to be, or doesn't seem to be cooling the laptop (check with
something that actually shows you how hot the CPU is), it is most
likely the fan itself. Especially if the unit is old or has been in
dusty situations.

First make sure there is no obvious blockage of the vents or suchlike.
People putting their laptops on bedclothes, cushions etc is a prime way
to block vents *and* provide plenty of dust. A vaccuum cleaner *very
carefully* applied to the vents is a good way to get some stuff out.
Put your fingers over the end of the nozzle to control the suction and
ensure the nozzle does not directly touch the vents.

If you feel up to it, open up the laptop and find the fan. If it seems
caked up with dust etc., *carefully* clean it (no undue pressure on the
vanes, no scratching). You may have to remove it to get to both sides
of the vanes. If it doesn't seem overly dirty and is cooling the CPU,
but is making a lot of noise, it may need replacement. You can get
replacements from Lenovo.

Any computer service shop will be able to check, clean and/or replace
the fan for you for a lot less than the cost of a new laptop. Lenovo
service centres can do the same, but get a quote first.

Regards, K.

-- 
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Karl Auer (kauer at biplane.com.au)
http://www.biplane.com.au/kauer

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