Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: Gabriel_Knight on January 13, 2010, 12:38:34 PM

Title: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Gabriel_Knight on January 13, 2010, 12:38:34 PM
Not sure if this is an overheating problem, a video card problem, an LCD problem, a software problem, etc etc.

It generally only happens when I'm playing a game. The screen starts to flicker, almost as if the bulb is dying or something. Eventually, the monitor turns off. The only fix I've found that works is closing the laptop lid and opening it again. In a few more minutes, it happens again. Could some wire be caught or pinched somewhere? The only thing that doesn't make sense to that though is that if I'm not playing a game and, say, leave the computer on overnight, nothing happens, it's generally fine. It's driving my eyeballs insane, so any quick help would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Gabriel_Knight on January 13, 2010, 12:43:23 PM
Sorry forgot to post specs.

ASUS Model G2P
Windows 7 Ultimate x86(not sure what build, 7600 I think)
2GB RAM
Intel Core 2 Duo T7200@ 2.0ghz
ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1700 512mb

If anything else is needed, let me know.

Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Gabriel_Knight on January 15, 2010, 10:43:38 AM
What also works is, on my laptop, there is an option to turn the LCD on and off. If I do that, it comes back on, but eventually goes back off. I tried unscrewing the case to get to where the ribbon cable would be, but there are SOOOO many *censored* screws and the ONE I need to take off to get to the cable is stripped. I called ASUS and they said, since I don't remember when I bought this piece of scrap metal, that I cannot be covered under the warranty. Even if I lie, they still want a copy of the invoice, so I'm screwed either way. Also, if I lower the brightness as low as it can go, it really goes crazy and sometimes it makes a sound (almost like a fan dying or something). Not sure if that helps at all. I'm thinking it could be the video card, but what do I know.
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Broni on January 15, 2010, 06:25:24 PM
Download, and install SpeedFan: http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php
Post your computer temperatures:

(http://209.85.48.8/228/109/upload/p4377202.gif)

Post two sets of readings, while computer idle and while playing your game.
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Gabriel_Knight on January 16, 2010, 01:23:11 AM
OK, thanks for the app, looks useful. Should I have anything checked (like automatic fan speed) or unchecked? Any settings that should be modified?

HD0 - 32C
Temp1 - 31C
Core0 - 47C
Core1 - 50C

This is at idle.

I am going to try to play the game for a few minutes and see what the temps read.
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Gabriel_Knight on January 16, 2010, 02:41:00 AM
After about an hour playing Star Trek Online (beta) on almost max settings, here's what I have.

HD0 - 54C
Temp1 - 101C (anyone need some water boiled?)
Core0 - 95C
Core1 - 96C

So it would seem that the computer is overheating...unless those readings are normal...Which I don't see as being possible...
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Broni on January 16, 2010, 10:01:37 AM
Yeah, definitely. Max temperature for your processor is listed at 100C and you're getting really close.
Use a can of compressed air to clean all vents, elevate laptop, consider getting cooling pad...

BTW....Temp1 - 101C is most likely your video chip
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Gabriel_Knight on January 16, 2010, 12:31:43 PM
OK, I left the computer on all night to see where my temps would end up. Could it be that maybe a fan is out because it doesn't seem to have cooled down all that much.

HD0 - 50C
Temp1 - 98C
Core0 - 62C
Core1 - 65C

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Broni on January 16, 2010, 05:33:57 PM
Idle computer should keep pretty much steady temperature, no matter, if it's up for 1 minute, or 1 day.
With laptop there is really not much you can do: clean vents, elevate it, use cooling pad, or.....bring it to the shop to see what's wrong there.
Did you try any of the above?

Not to mention, that laptops in general are really not gaming devices....
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: rthompson80819 on January 16, 2010, 08:02:30 PM
Max temperature for your processor is listed at 100C and you're getting really close.

Don't you mean 100F?  I think that system is running really hot.

http://www.pcpower.com/technology/optemps/ (http://www.pcpower.com/technology/optemps/)

http://reviews.cnet.com/tablet-pcs/toshiba-portege-m400-core/1707-3126_7-32331045.html (http://reviews.cnet.com/tablet-pcs/toshiba-portege-m400-core/1707-3126_7-32331045.html)
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Broni on January 16, 2010, 08:07:33 PM
Quote
Don't you mean 100F?
No, I mean 100C. Processor temps are usually listed in Celsius.
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: rthompson80819 on January 16, 2010, 08:14:13 PM
I know usually they are, but this is what I found on C-net's site for the processor.

Quote
Max Operating Temperature 95.0 °F
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Broni on January 16, 2010, 08:19:29 PM
It really doesn't matter, 5 degrees this, or that way, but my site says 100C: http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_2/Intel-Core%202%20Duo%20Mobile%20T7200%20LE80537GF0414M.html
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: rthompson80819 on January 16, 2010, 08:23:33 PM
Am I reading something wrong or did one of the two sites make a typo?
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Broni on January 16, 2010, 08:24:45 PM
I have no idea. Either way, the laptop is hot :)
Title: Re: Laptop screen flickers and turns off
Post by: Helpmeh on January 16, 2010, 08:35:10 PM
100c for a laptop is extremely hot. A larger computer would have better longevity in temps like that than a laptop (but it is still very bad) so I would stay away from gaming unless you have a better cooling system. And maybe (if this is even possible, and your system runs SUPER-fast), you can under-clock it. That could work in theory, but it isn't a great idea.