Symptoms
- Fan runs loud and fast before shutdown
- Bottom of laptop gets very hot to the touch
- Shutdown happens during gaming, video export, or other heavy tasks
- Laptop feels fine when doing light tasks like browsing
Likely causes
- CommonDust-clogged air vents and fanDust buildup blocks airflow and is the single most common cause of overheating.
- CommonDried-out or degraded thermal paste on the CPU/GPUThermal paste loses effectiveness after a few years, especially in gaming laptops.
- CommonUsing the laptop on a soft surface (bed, couch) that blocks ventsFabric surfaces trap heat around the intake vents.
- PossibleFailing fan that isn't spinning at full speedA worn fan bearing can slow down or stop under load.
- PossibleAggressive performance settings pushing the CPU/GPU too hardHigh-performance power plans can push components past safe temperatures in a laptop with limited cooling.
What to do
- Always use the laptop on a hard, flat surface that doesn't block the intake and exhaust vents.
- Shut down the laptop and clean the vents and fan with compressed air, holding the fan blades still to avoid over-spinning them.
- Check fan noise and airflow at the exhaust vent by hand; weak airflow despite a loud fan can indicate a clog or failing fan.
- Use a monitoring tool to check CPU/GPU temperatures under load and compare to the manufacturer's safe range.
- Switch to a balanced power plan instead of maximum performance if temperatures are borderline.
- Consider a cooling pad for laptops that regularly run hot under normal use.
- If cleaning doesn't help, have the thermal paste reapplied, which usually requires opening the laptop.
Tools and parts
- Compressed air
- Cooling pad (optional)
Thermal pasteSearch: “laptop CPU thermal paste”
Laptop cooling padSearch: “laptop cooling pad with fans”
When to call a pro
If cleaning and repasting don't resolve the overheating, or opening the case isn't something you're comfortable with, a repair shop can service the cooling system.
Safety
Use caution
Let the laptop cool completely and power it off before cleaning; don't spin the fan blades by hand at full speed with compressed air, as this can generate excess voltage and damage the fan motor.