Dell laptop runs fast

its normal for fan to turn really fast during start-up but if it stays that way means, your unit is very hot and the system is continuously trying to cool it down. open the bottom cover and clean the vent this might fix the issue apply thermal paste of high quality if you have some. it can greatly reduce temp up to 5 degree instantly. as to your question whether its fan or heatsink problem, i assume it is fan. heatsink is passive and less likely to have problem

it may be clogged filter that causes fan to run fast check under laptop for clogged vent

you might need to upgrade your power supply unit with more wattage
possibly a heavy duty one any extra devices added to a computer will add more strain on the psu
hope it helps

How, too slow, too fast ?
If it's too slow it could be a build up of dust and fluff that gets in to all laptops and blocks the fan or the vents on the side / back of the laptop case.
If it's too fast then it will need to be stripped down and the fault found by a technician.

Your processor fan is designed to run in response to the temperature sensor thats on the motherboard. If it's running too fast, it's likely your processor is running too hot. Make sure the case has adequate ventilation and is clear of dust and debris.
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Try to check the fan and the inside of the desktop for any dirty things in there. Especially check the fan to see if something is stuck!

hi
first off all open hdd screw and pulld hdd in laptop then check
if not stuck problems in hdd if stuck then check rams super drivewifi card and othere hardware
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The way i see it you have 2 solutions:

Either go to your retailer and get them to dust the laptop and clean it`s fans. (You didn`t specify if it`s still in warranty)

Or solution number 2 would be to buy a special support for laptops.. most have 2 or more fans incorporated so that u get more ventilation. Of course that will not solve the noise problem really..

You also didn't specify how long have u been using your laptop as... with age they of course degrade and there is really no solution for that.

It is overheating. This is the #1 killer for cpu's. First check all your vents to make sure they are dust free and blowing air out. If they are then you'll want to either upgrade your cpu fan or you could buy one of those laptap cooling pads to keep the laptop on while in use. Hope this helps.

Inspiron 5160 is probably at least 3 or 4 years old. If it is running slow, (and maybe fan is running all the time and fast) you might need to check if the heat sink/fan assembly is in need of cleaning. You have to remove this assy from the laptop, and remove all the accumulated dust and gunk from the INSIDE of the copper fins. Inside meaning remove the fan from the assembly and with a fine brush, GENTLY remove the gunk from the fins, or with the fan removed, try canned air.