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I'm a tech who rebuilds the D610 model and I've rebuilt and sold over 40 of them. If the cooling fins are kept clean and fan is working properly, they will feel warm to the touch but that's normal for the area where the processor is located. One of the key problems I have found is that the cleaning is not done completely (by taking the keyboard out and then removing the heat sink). With the heat sink out of the unit, it's much easier to take an air can and thoroughly clean all the accumulated dust and lint out of the heat sink, the fan and the fins that stay in the back of the laptop. (hold a blade of the cooling fan when you use the air - to keep from over-spinning the bearings) The CPU should always have fresh heat sink compound wherever it's reassembled. Another issue that I've warned my customers about is that the 'intake' area must not be blocked - like can happen when you rest it on your lap for long periods of time. I also sell the laptop coolers that fit under the laptop and prevent any heating issues. You can get them for about $15 ... and well worth the cost.

Hello,

Thanks for the information.

I've had the same problem for quite some time and now I have the impression that the fan and heatsink does not work. My Dell D610 still gets hot and freezes to the point that I have to press the area below the spacebar with my writs in order for it to unfreeze.

I'm wondering If I need to replace the fan or the heatsink, or both?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Thank god! I've been having this problem too and I would take my battery out because it would get so crazy hot!

I just finished cleaning the heat sinkn and fan like you described. It worked great! My laptop's been on for many hours and is surprisingly cooler than before! Thanks for the great tip!

Thanks for the tip! I'll definetely have to grab a can and clean my baby this weekend! I'll post the results.

I have the same laptop. what you are felling is the CPU heat sink and fan. I would guess that the fins on the heat sink and fan are clogged with dust. This is easy to clean.

You will need:
1) small flat screwdriver
2) small phillips screwdriver
3) can of anti-static canned air

With the power off and unplugged. Open your laptop all the way flat. you will notice a small notch in the bezel at the far top right of the lower section. Next to where the monitor connects to the bottom. Insert the flat screwdriver into this area and gently pry up the bezel. This bezel will cover the volume, mute, and power buttons. Be careful not to break any of the connecting points.

With the bezel removed you will see two small philips screw directly above the F4 button and above the Pause button. Remove the screws, make note not to drop it into the motherboard. You can now slide the keyboard tward the monitor and lift away from the case. The keyboard is connected by a flat ribbon cable. Now swivel the keyboard to reveal the CPU fan and heat sink. Make sure not to damage the ribbon cable.

Use the caned air to blow the dust and dirt from the fan and heat sink. You can also clean any other area you see fit at this point.

Reverse the process to assemble the laptop. Your system will run better and cooler with a clean innerds. I do this about every year as a maintenance plan.

Good Luck
Todd (NetWrkGamr)