Your Dell laptop may overheat for several reasons.
Dell laptops have evolved rapidly since the debut of the 316LT in 1989. While the portability of a full-powered computer has been a major incentive for consumers, the confined space of the laptop case does not provide the same level of ventilation of a desk-top computer. Overheating in a laptop can be a serious problem and lead to erratic performance or hardware failure.
Normal System Heat
As with any electrical device, your Dell laptop will generate heat while it is in use. Your laptop may become warm when used for a prolonged period of time, watching a DVD or Blu-ray disc, streaming online content, playing video games or using any other CPU-intensive program. If your laptop shuts down, restarts, locks up or freezes randomly, it may be a sign that your laptop is overheating. Dell recommends that you use your laptop in room temperatures ranging from 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Proper Ventilation
The primary cause for overheating in Dell laptops results from a decrease in airflow to the cooling-fan and vents. Place your laptop on a hard, flat surface to increase the airflow to the computer. Avoid placing the laptop on a cloth surface, as the cloth can retain heat in addition to blocking the air vents on the underside of your computer. A cooling pad designed for your laptop can increase airflow and provide a cooled surface for your laptop to rest on while in use.
Cleaning Dust Out of the Vents
Even with proper use, dust and dirt may collect in the vents and system fan of your laptop. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air to loosen and remove built-up dust that is blocking circulation to your laptop's motherboard. Clean these vents out weekly to prevent dust from building up over time.
Update the BIOS
The basic input/output system is the initial software that runs each time your computer boots up. The BIOS regulates processes such as starting the hard drive, turning on the cooling fan and launching the operating system prior to the operating system taking control. An out-of-date BIOS can load incorrect heat tables for your laptop, causing it to over or under-perform. The BIOS for your Dell laptop can be located at support.dell.com on the "Drivers and Downloads" page. Select your model number and follow the installation instructions provided at the Dell support website for your laptop's model number.
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