Performance Problems with 9800 Mobility

nextyoyoma · Jul 3, 2005, 02:22 AM

I seem to be having general performance issues with my laptop, and I'm not sure to what extent they relate to my video card/drivers. Specs:

Dell Inspiron 9100
P4 3.2 w/ HT
512 RAM (not sure what speed)
60 GB 7200 RPM
Mobiltiy 9800 256mb
Omega 5.6

My main problems are related to video performance, but I have generally decreased performance as well. DVD, mpeg, and basically all video playback is choppy, often trailing behind the audio, or locking up for up to 30 seconds at a time. This occurs with both large and small files. Until recently, I've been played Jedi Academy with no problems, but since I don't have the game disc with me (I'm at a month-long music festival) I can't test the computer's performance with this either. What I HAVE tried is playing HL2 and GTA-SA, both set at minimal resolution/detail options. When I start gameplay, I'd estimate the fps at about 3, tops. Games are completely unplayable.

This particular line of laptops is known to run hot, so I've tried moving the unit to a space with sufficient airflow. In the past, this has helped sluggish overall performance, but now it seems to have no effect. Any other suggestions?

BTW, if anyone thinks I should roll back to earlier drivers, where can I get omega 5.4 or anything else? Thanks!

mikey42 · Jun 7, 2006, 10:43 AM

I had exactly the same problem with my 18 month old 9100.

I went thru all the drivers/virus/registry repairs/defrags etc but could not fix it.

I even formatted the hard drive and rebuilt from the hidden ghost image on the hard drive....this still didnt work.

Eventually I gave up and bought a new desktop.

Having spent so much on the 9100, which is still reasonable spec I wanted to try and sell it so started looking again.

Eventually I found out that its a common problem.
The intakes of the fans and the heat syncs get clogged with dust. To prevent the boards melting the CPU is throttled back but you are not told this is happening. You are probably getting a lot of fan noise as it tries desperately to cool down.

All you need to do is remove the two fans and clean out all the dust.

I didnt believe this would work but it did !

Its only 5 screws to remove the fans, but worth checking the user manual online to make sure your heading in the right direction.

I only fixed it yesterday, and am real chuffed. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Mike.

Jul 3, 2005, 02:22 AM	#1
nextyoyoma DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Performance Problems with 9800 Mobility I seem to be having general performance issues with my laptop, and I'm not sure to what extent they relate to my video card/drivers. Specs: Dell Inspiron 9100 P4 3.2 w/ HT 512 RAM (not sure what speed) 60 GB 7200 RPM Mobiltiy 9800 256mb Omega 5.6 My main problems are related to video performance, but I have generally decreased performance as well. DVD, mpeg, and basically all video playback is choppy, often trailing behind the audio, or locking up for up to 30 seconds at a time. This occurs with both large and small files. Until recently, I've been played Jedi Academy with no problems, but since I don't have the game disc with me (I'm at a month-long music festival) I can't test the computer's performance with this either. What I HAVE tried is playing HL2 and GTA-SA, both set at minimal resolution/detail options. When I start gameplay, I'd estimate the fps at about 3, tops. Games are completely unplayable. This particular line of laptops is known to run hot, so I've tried moving the unit to a space with sufficient airflow. In the past, this has helped sluggish overall performance, but now it seems to have no effect. Any other suggestions? BTW, if anyone thinks I should roll back to earlier drivers, where can I get omega 5.4 or anything else? Thanks!

Jun 7, 2006, 10:43 AM	#2
mikey42 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	I had exactly the same problem with my 18 month old 9100. I went thru all the drivers/virus/registry repairs/defrags etc but could not fix it. I even formatted the hard drive and rebuilt from the hidden ghost image on the hard drive....this still didnt work. Eventually I gave up and bought a new desktop. Having spent so much on the 9100, which is still reasonable spec I wanted to try and sell it so started looking again. Eventually I found out that its a common problem. The intakes of the fans and the heat syncs get clogged with dust. To prevent the boards melting the CPU is throttled back but you are not told this is happening. You are probably getting a lot of fan noise as it tries desperately to cool down. All you need to do is remove the two fans and clean out all the dust. I didnt believe this would work but it did ! Its only 5 screws to remove the fans, but worth checking the user manual online to make sure your heading in the right direction. I only fixed it yesterday, and am real chuffed. Hope this helps. Regards, Mike.