Laptop freeze and auto turn off problem

Why laptop turns off or freezes?

My computer runs very hot and eventually turns off or freezes – this is one of the most common complaints I have been receiving from my customer for many years.

Why it’s happening? Is there an easy fix for that?

Most likely this problem is heat related. Take a look at the following picture.

Any laptop has a cooling module which includes two parts: the heat sink and cooling fan. When it works, the processor (CPU) heats up and the heat sing heats up too. At some temperature level, the fan kicks in and cools down the heatsink.

The problem starts when the cooling module collects too much dust inside. The dust kills normal airflow inside the cooling module. Eventually, the processor overheats and the laptop turns off unexpectedly or freezes.

This problem can be fixed by cleaning the cooling module.

Cleaning the cooling module.

Some laptops give you an easy access to the heatsink and fan. In laptops like that you can access the cooling module through the bottom cover.

In my example I had to remove the cooling module. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to remove the fan and access the heatsink.

In some models you can remove the fan without separating the heatsink from the CPU.

After I removed the fan, I found a thick layer of dust inside. Cleaning it up will fix the overheating problem.

     Apply thermal paste on the processor.

You should apply new thermal paste before installing the heat sink back in place.

Remove old thermal paste from the processor and heatsink using alcohol swab.

WARNING: In some models the heatsink also covers the graphics chip. The part of the heatsink which covers the graphics chip might have thermal pad on it instead of regular thermal paste.

Do not replace thermal pad with thermal paste! Do not apply thermal paste on the thermal pad! Just leave thermal pad alone and apply thermal paste only on the processor.

I usually use Shin-Etsu paste which is relatively cheap and performs well.

After applying new paste, install the cooling module back in place. Do not forget to connect the fan cable to the motherboard!

What if the cooling module cannot be removed easily?

In some laptops the cooling module is buried deep inside the case and cannot be easily accessed and removed. In order to remove it you’ll have to disassemble the whole laptop but it’s only for experienced users.

In this case you can use the following technique. It’s not perfect but works very well.

Buy a can of compressed air or use a compressor.

1. Blow air into the fan grill on the bottom.

2. Blow air into the fan grill on the side.

Switch direction a few times until all dust is gone. Most likely this quick cleaning will fix your problem too.

"That’s all for now, thanks for sticking with the article, let me know if my article helps you alot ,send me  feedback  by your commends  below."