Standard processor temperature for a high-end notebook?
 

Howdy.
I own a Gateway notebook equipped with an Intel Core Duo 2 T7200 processor and I frequently monitor its temperature. It used to sit between 46 and 49 degrees (C), but recently the temperature has shot up to upper 50s.

Nothing has really changed in the amount of load I put on the processor, nor has my computer's physical setup been altered (ie, I leave enough space around the machine).

1) What are some common causes for such spikes in temperature and 2) should I be worried? I'd like to get a laptop cooler but I'm having trouble finding one that'll fit a 17" widescreen.

Thanks for any comments.

The causes? It isn't "breathing" well from the underside.

If you creep over 85 degrees, then its getting into the danger zone. The climb in temperature could be due to hardware not gauging the temp right or something.

http://www.xpad4laptop.com/

I was looking into this for future laptops. It doesn't rely on fans, but moreso acts as a surface to absorb or dissipate heat. I'm unsure how well it works, but it is cheap, doesn't require USB ports/plugs/etc and looks decent. Anyhow, this fits up to 17".

Have you checked the Task Manager? A faulty application/spyware could be causing CPU load and, thus, a rise in temperature.

85 degrees? Holy crap, I didn't realize processors go that hot. I guess I'm not as worried now. That Xpad thing is interesting; I hope to get something soon that cools my computer.

As far as the task manager goes, I check that often: nothing out of the ordinary aside from Firefox using more memory than it should. Thanks for the responses.

If the Xpad works as advertised, awesome. If not? You didn't pay much for it =p I see an 8 degree drop as rather nice for something that doesn't involve fans.

How long have you had this laptop for? It's possible that all your troubles could just be unwanted dust and grime in the fans and heat spreaders. If it isn't the processor running high for periods of time, clogged fans are usually the next big culprit.

I've had this computer since early November. So it's not that too old yet.

They never should get that hot, but it's within the safe range. If you run them without a fan or a heat sink, they get to 300 degrees before melting. I saw a video clip once. It was fun.

Link to that video NOW! :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1qr6lZ52-k

It's been a while since I saw this. I was way off with the temperatures, and the term "melting" only applies to the actual die, but it's still pretty amusing to watch.

Lots of smoke. Apologies for remembering the video as better than it was.