hotrod4x5 - 9:11 pm on Dec 10, 2009 (gmt 0)

Thanks. I have noticed that the fans seem to be running all the time lately. So I bet you are right. I may be keeping the RAM cool with the external fan, but not the graphics chip.

I should have said that yes, from completely cold startup, I have been able to stream videos and get smooth screen draws, but only for 5 minutes or so. I didn't think that the chip could heat up so fast, but I bet that is what is happening.

I watched the DELL tech repair the machine, so I think I can take it apart and see if the fan and air channel is blocked.