Okay, maybe I'm just paranoid and haven't truly noticed this before but I need to know. Is the fan on the laptop suppose to run all the time or just periodically as it detects the need to release heat on your laptop? I recently had my arm close to the vent, not covering it in any way, for the fan (side of laptop) and felt the warm air it was blowing out, then it stopped for a few minutes and started back up, wasn't sure if this was normal or should I replace the fan because its not blowing "all the time, just periodically". Thanks ahead of time for any advice etc.
Hi INTHEBUFF.To answer your question, the fan on the laptop should only run when the sensor senses that the fan needs to come on (sort of like a thermostat for an A/C unit). In fact, if the fan stays on all of the time, the laptop should be checked out (to avoid potential damage to the internal components of your laptop). I hope that this helps. Take care.
The motherboard has a chipset temperature gauge. You're correct, it will turn on and off as needed. If it's an HP, check the website for BIOS updates on fan operation. They had problems with many models where the base temp was not set low enough to activate the fan. That vent your arm was next to needs periodical cleaning if you want the unit to last. Take a flashlight and look down into that vent. Use compressed air to clean it out occasionally. Short bursts of air. Long bursts may damage the fan blades because it will spin and exceed the RPM rating.
Thanks so much for your advice, much appreciated. I get a little paranoid at times because all my work is done on this laptop and one other desktop. I absolutely have to keep everything running in top condition, so I worry sometimes. I also noticed the other thread on purchasing a laptop and am very thankful for your advice once again, as I was considering the need for another laptop as my main source for work and use this one as a backup (its going on 4-years-old) plus I'd feel better about having more than one I use for my work.
Backup Device? Hi again. Just wanted to ask, do you have an external hard drive, USB thumb drive, or some other way to back up your files? These type of devices are inexpensive and are a reliable way to back up your files (sort of like insurance- hopefullly you'll never need it, but if you ever do, it sure is nice to have). Sorry to ask such a basic question here, but I have worked on many a computer/laptop where the user/owner never backed up their files and then lost the files due to a hard drive crash or other failure. I would not want to see you (or anyone else for that matter) lose files/documents that you have spent a lot of time working on and them not being backed up.
I truly appreciate you advice, thanks. Yes, I learned the hard way many years ago about backing up my files etc. I have a quadruple system for lack of a better description. I backup daily to two external systems, one being Simpletech and the other is online service called Box.net I backup monthly to another external Simpletech and save that in the safety deposit box at the bank. The physician that works with me saves our documents likewise in two different locations. So, we feel we've saved as much as we can, maybe a little overboard but maybe not.
