Overheating problem I would like to know if I can replace the fan unit myself. I am pretty computer savvy and built my own some years ago. Can a replacement fan be ordered and installed without the help of a repair shop?

I have a toshiba laptop which was unexpectedly switching off. The laptop was 2 years old. I did lots of searching online to discover this is a VERY COMMON ISSUE. The problem is, dust blocks the heatsink. When I took my computer to pieces, I found a strip of dust half an inch (1cm) thick covering the back of the heatsink which prevented air flow. If your laptop is a couple of years old, this could be the problem. When I removed this dust, the problem disappeared. If you are computer savvy, then try the following - if not, take it down to a computer shop! 1) Remove the 5 screws holding down the heat sink cover and processor cover. These are on the bottom of the laptop, in the centre, at the back. 2) Remove the 3 screws which hold in the heat sink in place. 3) Remove the heatsink 4) Take the dust out 5) Re-assemble a note: be careful not to get dust in the thermal paste on the cpu - unless you have replacement paste. Good Luck!

CompUSA runs a great deal now and then on a dual fan Antec. I got mine for 10 bucks online due to a rebate, its great, variable speeds, quiet, and great at cooling down any laptop.

As long as you keep good track of every little screw and part you should be able to replace it yourself. If your fan still runs but the computer gets hot it might be the cooling ribs are packed with dust. I reagularly clean it out with compressed air, and that really helps. Just blow compressed air from a can (or a compressor for your nail gun etc) into the air intake and outlets. If you use a compressor you should reduce pressure so that you don't blow 10bar preasure into your PC. It is also a good idea to be outside when you do this, as there is likely to be a lot of dust flying!

Don't worry it is just a design flaw. I have the same exact same problem. Sometimes freezes due to excessive heat build up.

Hey, fixitmyself -- I JUST finished fixing this problem with my GP22W... strange I would stumble on this while looking for drivers for it, eh? I started by trying to replace the entire heatsink\fan assembly via SHARP... the part has been discontinued. Several parts resellers claimed to have the assembly in stock, but soon after the order I was informed that they had none in stock and the manf. had discontinued it. My final solution was to go directly to the manufacturer -- Y.S. Tech -- for the individual fan assemblies (not the heatsink, too) of which there are 2 of the same fan. Y.S. Tech confirmed the fact that the fans themselves have also been discontinued, but they still had stock (as of 9/22/06). They referred me to Denver Beta (in Denver, CO) who is a reseller. They quoted me $15 some odd dollars each and sent me 2. I just replaced them and the machine works wonderfully! Been on solid 18 hours now (much better compared to my previous record of 20 min before it shut itself off) Call Denver Beta @ (303) 431-7161 Good luck!

You may be able to... building a tower is a different ball of wax than disassembling a laptop. check here for the guides on how to do this.. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/

Fixitmyself, Try this suggestion. It worked for me. Post: 45501 Compaq Presario R3430US - CPU overheat Hi, I have had a presario R3430US for over an year and for the past 2 month, had a hue problem of CPU overheating .. the laptop would shut off when i used to play games or use software. (the nominal CPU temperatures I recorded using various softwares ... used ot be in late 70 deg C....) I tried many thing like restoring to a point earlier and even called up HP.... finally I thought of dust in and around the CPU as a problem.... and opened the base cover that covers the fan and the CPU and tried to vacuum very carefully.... then i turned on the blower on my vacuum,, to my amazement... i saw a huge cloud of dust and trash .. flying out from the fins and area below the fans (could not see all this dust even when i had opened the cover) After the cleaning .. the CPU overheat problem has gone away.. and shows normal operating temperature in late 50's.

Ebay is a constant source for these fans. First, because it is so easy to remove the fan and heat sink..do that first... you will likely be able to clean out the accumulated dust and other airborne crap and may find the unit cooling much better and the fan not fighting crud on its now unbalanced blades. If the fan is shot, you'll see how easy it is to remove if replacement is needed. BTW, a little silver paste on hand for cpu/cooler connection is a good idea.

It would be alot easier to just buy a laptop cooler unit there are many options and they work very well heres a few http://www.xoxide.com/vantec-lapcool-4.html http://www.xoxide.com/vantec-lapcool3-lpc-401.html depends on how much you are willing to spend and how much cooling you really need