Dell complaints

[TunieV]

Still dealing with the 5100 overheating issue I posted about before. Dell sent a replacement heatsink unit which arrived last Friday. Second one since I've had the computer, purchased it in July of 03.

So, I open it up, take out the old heatsink unit and the processor is stuck like glue to it - will not come loose. I didn't exert too much pressure because I didn't want to break something but it would NOT come loose.

So I can't use the heatsink replacement because the processor is stuck to the old one.

Called Dell. I think they thought I was nuts but it is what it is. They are shipping a new processor and a heatsink unit for me to replace.

Is it possible that the processor adhered to the heatsink over time because of the intense heat generated in the 5100??? Weird.

[anonymous guest]

Oh, yes! When I worked for one of the Dell waranty providers, I routinely ran across that. I would gently slip a flat blade screwdriver between the processor and the heat sink and twist. The heat sink would free itself. I kept extra heat sink compound with me to reinstall the processor and heat sink. Rubbing alcohol works good to clean the heatsink.

Boubon works good on the tech. hic.

[TunieV]

Thanks for the reply. I was afraid that trying to pry the processor unit off the heatsink would damage something. I'm like bull in a china shop sometimes! I imagine the techs at Dell will think I'm useless when they get the part back and just pop off the processor!

So you think the fact that this 5100 gets so hot might have something to do with the chip being so stuck to heatsink, hey?

[paul_dellcc]

Don't worry, you did the correct thing.

Why should you take the risk of breaking the processor when you should have been sent a non defective laptop BTW, I'd like to know what would have happened if you broke the processor. Would it be covered under the warranty
_________________
I see DELL people!!

If we don't remember our past, we can't understand our present and we can put in danger our future...

[TunieV]

I'm wondering too why after all the trouble I have had with this system (my 5th Dell, first laptop) that I haven't been offered a complete replacement of the unit despite my scrambling up the chain and requesting the same.

This 5100 has known overheating issues and all the parts replacing in the world isn't going to change what, I believe, is an inherent design flaw.

I'm glad you agree I did the right thing. I was truly afraid I would break something and make things worse.

The last thing I need at this point is a completely wrecked system because I didn't know what I was doing. I doubt my warranty would cover me on that!

[Badger]

If you are on the phone with tech support, and they are walking you through doing something inside the computer, reseating RAM/PCI card/CPU/cable or whatever, and you somehow manage to put a screwdriver through the motherboard, it's covered regardless. A *hint hint* good way to *wink wink* get yourself some *nudge nudge* replacement parts if necessary. Just make sure you're on with a tech who knows what they're doing and isn't about to hold/disconnect you when things go wrong.
As for the replacement: they know it's screwed but they can't afford to replace every 5100 laptop out there with a new 9300 or 600m, and you wouldn't want them to send you a 2200 or 1000. They're content with you calling up tech support and having them ship out parts you can replace.
_________________
I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight for your right to say it.

Midget Tossing funds Terrorism

[TunieV]

At least someone in the know admits the 5100, (and, I personally, think the 1100 and 5150) ARE screwed! For a while I thought it was just me but I read so much everywhere and on Dell's "Community Forums" as well, about the same exact problem. Seems like they're good for about 8 months, then you replace some parts and they last about another year and then more parts and so on. You get the picture, for sure, and you're 1000% correct - they want to just keep replacing parts. I would think that by now they would realize it's probably costing them more in parts than replacements.

I did install the new processor and heatsink yesterday and things seem to be running okay - for now. I still have until June 06 until my lease is up and you can bet I won't be keeping it. I don't really have a choice, I wouldn't feel right passing it on to anyone I know, knowing that eventually it'll give out on them and it'll be out of warranty.

I'm just praying I get thru to June of 06 without any more problems but I have don't have that much hope left now!

[paul_dellcc]

I think that your best shot is to sell it right now as it has new processor and heatsink, and while it is under warranty.

You can transfer the Laptop's ownership to the buyer and so the warranty. You can transfer the Laptop's ownership on line whithout calling anyone (in fact, if you call Dell CC, they will do the same)

You'll need to go to http://support.dell.com click over Home & Home Office (or Small Business), click over Product Support and then click over Ownership Transfer.

After you get paid by the buyer I suggest you call Dell Financial Services or your Credit Card Company and pay off the account.

Just an advice
_________________
I see DELL people!!

If we don't remember our past, we can't understand our present and we can put in danger our future...

[TunieV]

I would never foist this piece of (fill in the blank) system on ANYONE - friend or foe. My conscience would never let me take money for a system that will surely fail again. The warranty runs to the very last minute of the lease, until then I will live with it as it fouls up again and again, and I know it will, then Dell gets it back. I have no intention of even using my $1.00 buy out option on the lease because, by then, it probably won't even be worth 50 cents.

How could anyone with a conscience even consider selling it to some other poor sucker - I've been sucker enough and could simply not do that to someone else.

C O N S C I E N C E - ever heard of it??? I know it was probably a harmless suggestion, but geez....

[paul_dellcc]

It was a harmless suggestion
_________________
I see DELL people!!

If we don't remember our past, we can't understand our present and we can put in danger our future...

[DDS]

psycho......

[Blaze]

You got a problem with psychos ? I suggest you try a little tolerance.

[gorffy]

I'm posting this from a dell 5150. And what a lovely wonderful system it is!... Scratch that. Was. for about 5 months. It was exactly what I had wanted... then the overheating. then the dead mobo..

But hey! it works now! so long as I don't move it/play any type of game for more than 3 hours

[mattyroberts]

Hi,

I repair laptops as part of my job(UK). Over the past 2 years I've seen an increase in the number of overheating Dell laptops, typically 13-16 months after purchase.
On opening the machines I have found that the processors are always stuck with some form of glue (not true thermal paste) to the heatsink.
It appears that this glue dries over time, leading to overheating problems.

At the risk of losing what has become a good revenue stream for me - this is how you fix it.

Follow the instructions for replacing the heatsink (models differ, get details from Dell's support site)

Take the heatsink out, pull the CPU off it (I normally have to prise it off with a thin flat head screw driver - be carefull, try loosening it on all 4 corners first)
Clean ALL of the gunk off the heatsink (you can get thermal paste removal solution from any decent PC store- failing that I use washing up liquid!)

Next lapp your heatsink http://www.overclockersclub.com/guides/heatsinklappingguide.php
This takes hours, but it really helps. Dells heatsinks are dreadful chunks of metal, you ideally want a mirror finish.

Put CPU back in case
Then use a thin smear of a decent thermal paste (my favourite is Artic Silver) on the heatsink and clip back onto CPU. Reassemble and you're done.

Best of luck with it, if anyone needs clarification or more help, please feel free to email me
_________________
be the change you want to see in the world

[Nebuchadnezzar]