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Recently, my laptop has begun to randomly switch off. I assumed it was overheating, but monitoring the cpu temperatures doesn't seem to indicate this. It stays around or below 50*C in normal usage, which is pretty good I would think.

What else could cause it to switch off like this? It makes a sort of a "beep" noise when it turns off. Dell tech support plainly said "overheating" and are sending someone down since I still have warranty on this, but I'd like to still be prepared for other issues. What other hardware failure could cause this?

$ sudo sensors
acpitz-virtual-0
Adapter: Virtual device
temp1:        +45.5°C  (crit = +100.0°C)

nouveau-pci-0100
Adapter: PCI adapter
temp1:        +50.0°C  (high = +95.0°C, crit = +105.0°C)

coretemp-isa-0000
Adapter: ISA adapter
Core 0:       +48.0°C  (high = +95.0°C, crit = +105.0°C)
Core 2:       +48.0°C  (high = +95.0°C, crit = +105.0°C)
FranciscoD
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1 Answers1

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What other hardware failure could cause this?

Virtually any other component, if malfunctioning, could cause this behavior. A short across the Mini-PCI bus (Wireless card), a short across the drive controller (bad hard drive or optical drive)... I suppose it is even possible for a bad stick of Ram to cause the laptop to shut down. A faulty power adapter, DC jack or even a bad battery could cause it. A component on the motherboard that isn't removable... I suppose even a faulty lid switch could give the impression of it turning off.

As far as being able to monitor your temperature, what are you using to do this? Not all laptops include chipsets that allow for temperature monitoring (although almost all newer ones do). Not all software can access those sensors. I've even seen where Speedfan caused a machine to BSOD every time it tried.

Bon Gart
  • 13,100