Toshiba A120 (loud)

[Neil Cooper]

The laptop was sent off to be repaired a few months ago after failing to start at all wouldn't even power on tried everything in the end sent it off however now its really noisy the fan is always on full tried optimising it in BIOS, the reported temperature is normal around 30 when its idle, its loud from second its turned on. I'm guessing faulty temp sensor?

 

any ideas?

[KenB]

Hi Neil,

 

All I can suggest is that you get a can of compressed air ( any computer shop ) and give it a blast through the vents.

There could be a buildup of dust - although if it has been repaired they should have given it a clean then.

Short blasts are best as the propellant can build up and you get liquid from the spray.

 

You could contact Toshiba and ask if this is a know problem and what can they suggest.

 

It may be that they will recommend a BIOS update.

I don't like suggesting this as if it goes wrong you could be left with a machine that will not boot up.

[Neil Cooper]

Thanks for the interest i've tried all this already ive stripped the laptop cleaned it put back together and then updated the BIOS but same problem.

[KenB]

Hi Neill

 

When you had the machine apart - did you take the fan off and give this and the surrounding area a good clean ?

[Neil Cooper]

yes i took it down to every component cleaned everything and installed a new fan thinking the old one was damaged but after putting it all back together it still has the same problem

[KenB]

Hi Neil

 

CTRL + ALT + DEL click on the Processes Tab

Take a look down and see what is there.

Make a note of anything that is using over 20,000K and post them here.

 

Also run MBAM from here:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Click on Products - you want the FREE version.

 

Install - update - run it.

It will produce a log.

Copy this > post it here.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, try all that KenB recommends first, but if no malware reported or anything using very much RAM (other than Firefox if using it) I would suspect the fan controller chip on the motherboard.

The sensor seen in the BIOS is the same one used by the controller so if it shows a low reading in BIOS, it must be further down the line.

 

Nev.

[Neil Cooper]

Hey thanks again for helping with this it should be free of malware after just reinstalling the os for about the 3rd time hoping that it might of been that obvs its not going to be but you know xD. i can do the log anyway if you want it means waiting for brother to give me the charger back as hes lending it atm. however to Nev's question for some reason toshiba sent the laptops out with out a feature of being able to view CPU or any other temp for that matter in the Bios, taking a guess apart from the last time i had it on about a week ago and being able to see the temp around 33 - 39 degrees the case stays cool not hot to the touch.

 

ps i have to use CPUid to view temps.

 

thanks again for helping me, really helps knowing people care enough to spend their time helping. specially when toshiba dont seem to care:mad:

 

thanks

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Neil, sorry for not getting back to you earlier, but been busy trying to get my car through the MOT test, lots of welding work and a broken spring.

 

Anyway, I know Toshiba and their BIOS, just a series of icons on the display for selecting the boot device, not a lot of use and neither is some software either. (I have an older A60)

However, I am still concerned that the controller chip is the problem, the fans should not be on full right from the start and stay that way. Unfortunately, being a motherboard mounted chip it will require a replacement motherboard.

Considering it has recently been in for repair, have you tried contacting them, as apart from the original fault I assume the fans ran at sensible speeds. It may be something they have inadvertently done to cause it.

Nev.

[Neil Cooper]

Hey Nev, Sorry to hear about you car. it was sent to toshiba for repair when it was under insurence however its not under insurence anymore :( so i guess going to have to get a new motherboard i guess.

 

If i took it to a repair shop could i pay for them to replace the controller chip?

 

thanks

[Plastic Nev]

Once again, sorry for not remembering this, I would be asking for an inspection and quotation first if you do take it to a shop, describe the problem, IE, the fans run full speed from start up etc, but let them diagnose what the fault is. Be aware some shops may charge just for that, though others may not in the hope they can recoup their costs from doing the repair. However let us know what you find out from a shop if you take it in.

 

Nev.