Can I test a laptop's cpu cooling fan before replacing it?

[compmech]

I have a Gateway 450sx4. The case gets really hot, almost too hot to touch. It spontaneously shuts off after a few minutes. I've taken the CPU cooling system out. It looks OK, except for several discolored fins. The fan spins freely and had almost no dust on the blades. Is there a way I can test the unit before I reassemble the laptop?

[Geek-9pm]

Yes, but you have to remove the fan.
Can't you hear the fan when it comes on?
Mine sounds rather loud when it starts.

[jason2074]

Internal laptop fans are inexpensive. I would suggest adding another external laptop cooling fans if laptop works for many hours.

[compmech]

Yes, but you have to remove the fan.
Can't you hear the fan when it comes on?
Mine sounds rather loud when it starts.

I haven't heard the fan run. That's what led me to take it out. I've been into BIOS and there are no fan alarm settings. DevMgr and SysInfo report no problems.

[compmech]

Internal laptop fans are inexpensive. I would suggest adding another external laptop cooling fans if laptop works for many hours.

That's the problem. It runs from 10 minutes to at most 30 minutes. It gives no warning. It just shuts off. BTW, I run it on AC power. The battery is long gone.

[Geek-9pm]

Put some spacers under the laptop. About 1/4 to 1/2 inch an inch is enough. Put a small desk fan behind it The will keep it cool.

Or make a stand fro your laptop.

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