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Networks and Remotes => Media Network => Topic started by: duclosa on May 25, 2011, 03:25:46 pm

Title: Advice on laptop?
Post by: duclosa on May 25, 2011, 03:25:46 pm
Hello.

Using an aging Dell E1505 with MC15. Media library is local (2TB external through USB) or NAS (gigabit ethernet).

I would like to replace the laptop, as the fan drives me nuts when I listen to my music. I already put a SSD to reduce heat, but it did not do much...

Can someone advise me on a fanless laptop? The only job for this laptop is accessing the music library and playing it on a CLASSÉ preamp/amp through an AudioResearch DAC8 on B&W speakers.

Ideally, 15 inch.

Thanks in advance.

Alain.
Title: Re: Advice on laptop?
Post by: Concordio on June 11, 2011, 07:07:47 am
I suggest something simple, rubber wedges 2 doors at the back of the laptop lift, and heavy table, so you do not need anything else.  The air flow is much better and keeps the laptop cool.
Title: Re: Advice on laptop?
Post by: MrC on June 11, 2011, 11:49:28 am
If this particular Dell model has had a history of trouble with heat and fan noise and cycling, there may not be much you can do.  Check Dell's site for BIOS updates, particularly for fan and/or control.  Ages ago, I had a Dell Inspiron 8100 laptop, and the noise from the fans was like being behind a jet.  At first purchase, they cycled and were loud all the time.  Then after Dell addressed the issue with an update, they cycled rarely, and went into high-speed mode only under duress.

Their current BIOS for this model is A17.  Version A11 fixed some thermal control issues.  Check your BIOS version.

Hard to advise about a new laptop w/out more requirement info.  There are *plenty* of inexpensive models that will run with lower power, low heat, and hence silent.