Gateway T-1631, Overheating (possibly??)

I have recently purchased my Gateway laptop and I had to return my first purchase to Circuit City because it was completely shutting down on me after short periods of use (anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour). They said it was probably a hardware problem and I exchange the computer for the exact same model. With my new computer I am experiencing this problem yet again. Is this a common problem for this model or is it normal for it to overheat so quickly if that is the issue? I have tried all of the overheating tips such as using the computer on a flat surface, not blocking the ciruculation, etc. I contacted Gateway and was told to use a household fan to cool it down. I can't believe they did not even recommend a notebook fan.

I want to note that it does not do this everytime but it is always when I least expect it. I am a little shocked because I have never had a laptop shut down on me due to overheating, not my Dell or Toshiba.

 

I have the Gateway MX6450 for nearly 3 years now and never had that issue. You would not anticipate having to use a household fan to cool it down when it is straight out the box, unless you are in a climate that is excessively hot and humid perhaps? You don't say where you are.

Have you tried running an app to see what temp your laptop is actually running at?

You can find them here http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads11.html

I would be taking it back to the store, or using my Gateway warranty which covers everything for the first year. You can chat to a tech free online here - a service I have found useful at times http://support.gateway.com/support/allsysteminfo.asp

 

I am located in Ohio. Thank you for the advice. I just downloaded and ran the temp check. It is reporting that I am running around 43-46 C.