vaio VPCF11S1E overheat problem still after update bios

[cldsyl]

dear all,

I got Vaio F11( i7 cpu) on March 2010. I had overheat issue for more than 6 months. Just try to look into this issue recently since overheat issue is getting serious. Laptop can be burning even I just browse internet or do nothing( power on).

Following the instruction online, I have update bios, but it doesn't seem the answer. I have call for technical help. But seems my machine has passed the warranty. To get sony check my laptop, I have to pay 60 pounds first.

After review discussion online, it seems to me, the batch I got has default problems including high pitch noise, overheat, etc. I had send my laptop back for noise issue last year. And the only way to get around is to turn off the microphone( in setting).

What I want to say is that this patch ( f11) has so many annoy issues( faulty product?). It doesn't make sense for user to pay for service charge even the warranty is past. Any suggestion except paying 60 pounds first?

This should be a case for sony. I have looked into the way to contact Sony. But all of these are directed to technical repair provider. Any tip which directory I should contact?

[pctech33]

Hi,

If Sony VAIO Z Series notebook shuts down too frequently due to overheating, then it can be an issue with the graphic card. You can resolve the issue by replacing the graphic card. The other possible solution is to clean the system from dust and try to keep its air vents open while sitting on bed as it will heat up if the air passage is blocked. Do not let the problem to prolong as it will damage the processor and the chipset. If the problem persists then contact the specialist or hardware vendor. Take care of the machine and do not let the dust to settle. You can also use an air blower to allow fresh air to circulate through the system to cool it down.

_______________

Life is too serious to be taken seriously

Message was edited by: pctech33

Message was edited by: pctech33

[sydelie53]

References to VPCF11S1E excessive fan noise:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B0034M45UC

http://forums.techarena.in/portable-devices/1362912.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFoUQZ3eoN4

http://www.testseek.co.uk/computers/notebooks/sony_vaio_vpc-f11s1e_-_intel_core_i7-p-ae5e9ecc-e95c-a...

http://www.digitalversus.com/laptop/sony-vaio-vpc-f11-s1e-p8584/test.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/471335-sony-f11-fan-loud-always.html

http://www.sony-europe.com/discussions/message/393650

(etc etc etc - the list goes on and on and on).

I'll definitely be purchasing a MacBook. What Sony have done (by releasing such a noisy laptop) is criminal.

To anyone else who hasn't already been suckered into buying a Sony - BUYER BEWARE! If you're going to be wearing headphones whenever you're using the unit, you'll be fine. Otherwise, be prepared to be driven insane by a laptop that sounds like a hair dryer (I'm not even exaggerating).

[sydelie53]

Sony will be picking up my Vaio on Friday to examine it.

[sydelie53]

You're a liar, and most likely a Sony employee. I've stripped my Sony Vaio VPCF11S1E right down, there's no dust in it, and it's still hot a noisy. I noticed the noise from day one, and lodged several calls to Sony about this (along with a barrage of posts/complaints). It's clearly a design flaw.

Message was edited by: sydelie53

[sydelie53]

And to other Vaio F Series users who read DJEnrique's post, be warned - the moment you open up your unit any warranty becomes null and void.

[sydelie53]

I have found a way to significantly reduce the fan noise on my VPC-F11S1E/B, but it is not very practical for most users:

1. Install Ubuntu 12.04 Desktop (64-bit).

2. Install all updates: sudo apt-get update, then sudo apt-get upgrade

3. Install the CPU frequency setting app: sudo apt-get install indicator-cpufreq

4. Restart the computer.

5. Use the CPU frequency app to set the CPU frequency to 0.93GHz (top panel, can't miss it).

6. Turn off all but 2 CPU cores: echo 0 | sudo tee /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu2/online

If you have been running hot for a while, then there will not be an immediate reduction in fan noise. However, after 5 or so minutes, you should see (hear) a reduction of at least 50%. On my VPC-F11S1E/B, it's actually usable after performing the above steps. Running on 2 cores at 0.93GHz means everything will run slower, but since I'm not gaming, it's acceptable for me. I do notice the difference when compiling C++ code though (it takes much longer). My system monitor shows the active CPU cores are not under any strain during normal operation (emails, YouTube, browsing etc):

I now have a core i7 laptop I paid over £1,000 for that is running slower than a dual-core Atom netbook.

[sydelie53]

One more suggestion: remove the 2GB RAM stick. To be thorough (i.e. trying out different HDDs and RAM), I decided to run the unit with 4GB instead of the factory 6GB. So after installing Ubuntu 12.04 (GNU-Linux), reducing the CPU cores to a total of two, reducing the CPU frequency to 0.93GHz and removing the 2GB RAM stick, I now have a unit that is almost completely silent.

[sydelie53]

Sony collected my VPCF11S1E/B as they said they would. I have to say I've been extremely impressed with the service received. I was contacted via SMS about the pick-up time, and a Sony support person has been keeping me in the loop by phone.

I was told that the problem with my unit is due to a faulty fan sensor. I have measured the noise levels before it was collected (have video) and will measure the noise levels when it is returned. Will post here when the unit is returned.

Sony really should put a little more effort into ensuring their customers will find it a pleasure to use a Sony laptop. One of the requirements to achieve this is the make laptops that are near silent (if not completely silent). Hopefully, with the new 22nm Ivy Bridge CPUs just around the corner, this will become a reality. Throw an Ivy Bridge into a Sony Vaio SE Series (with the full HD IPS non-gloss/non-glare display), and I'll seriously consider buying Sony again (I hate the MacBook Pro keyboards - too many missing keys, like '#' and INS and DEL etc... I can never remember the key combos).

I do like Sony products, and the Sony service received recently has been first class. Sony just has to lift its game a little - "go the extra mile", so to speak. Silence is golden, and this should have been identified during the usability studies. A good QA process would have also picked up on excessive noise levels before the units went into mass production.

[sydelie53]

I have completely changed my mind about Sony :smileyhappy:.

I was contacted by Sony, both by phone and SMS, to tell me my VPC-F11S1E would be returned between 12 noon and 1pm. It was returned 12 noon, almost on the dot.

I returned from the office and immediately fired up the unit.

It is now COMPLETELY SILENT!!!

The repair details state that my mainboard has been swapped for a new one:

1. Part No. SV-A1759308B M930 Thermal Module

2. Part No. SV-A1765409B M930 MB ASSY PM55

It's so silent now that my ears are ringing from the silence. I can't believe I was using a hair dryer for about 2 years. I wish Sony had actioned the support call I made 18 or so months ago about this issue. For the entire time I've owned this laptop, I've been warning people against buying Sony because of the noise. I've lost count of the number of times I took my F Series to a meeting and tried to keep it off because of the noise. In such meetings, whenever I had to turn it on, people would naturally comment on the noise (very embarrassing).

WOW! Just felt the bottom of the unit after running it for about an hour now, and it's soooooo much cooler! It used to be hot to the touch - so much so that it would burn my fingers (too hot to touch). Now it's just "warm".

Thank you Sony!!!!

[spyder52]

Please can you tell me how you got in contact with sony? Phone or email.

I have the same problem and would like the same solution!

Thank You,

Austin.