NUC X15 overheat, no solution, no fan controls yet

[x15user]

So it's been about a year of the issue with X15 fans not cooling the laptop, and no custom fan controls possible.

Mine still freezes even at idle, and temperature is regularly high enough to make using it a hassle.

Is there a fix besides returning the laptop and exchanging it by one that works?

Has Intel at least acknowledged that it's a design flaw that should be addressed?

Thanks in advance.

(P.S.: yes, of course I'm using the latest BIOS.)

[Alberto_R_Intel]

x15user, Thank you for posting in the Intel® Communities Support.

In reference to this scenario about the fans of the X15 laptop, we will do further research on this matter to confirm those points and to provide the most accurate response to your inquiries. For us to be able to do that, please attach the SSU report so we can verify further details about the components in your platform, check all the options in the report including the one that says "3rd party software logs":

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility-for-Windows-?product=91600

Any questions, please let me know.

Regards,

Albert R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jean_Intel]

Hello x15user,

I hope you are doing fine.

Were you able to check the previous post?

Let us know if you still need assistance.

Best regards, 

Jean O.  

Intel Customer Support Technician

[x15user]

Hi Jean and Alberto,

    sorry for the delay.

I don't use applications that potentially infringe privacy and safety, but I have no issue telling you the system's specs. It's precisely this model:

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=1446_3796&item_id=220350

or, in short, a rebranded KC57 (Product Code BKC71FBGU6000). The only modification was to replace one of the supplied Corsair DRAM modules by a G.Skill Ripjaws F4-3200C22D-64GRS, which to my surprise made it more stable than either 2 Corsairs or 2 Ripjaws when set to 100MHz base frequency.

  Other than this, I've removed its lower cover, which makes it impractical for use as a laptop; luckily I now work at home most of the time.

  My hypothesis is that the proximity of the RAM stick to the heatpipes/heatsinks, allied to the terrible stock fan control, makes the chips overheat, causing the freezes. Removing the lower cover reduces freezes by maybe 90% and also makes it possible for me to type without thermal discomfort, especially on warmer days - we've had plenty of >30°C ones, during which I'd often put the machine aside and use an external keyboard.

Otherwise, it freezes on Linux, it froze in Windows 7, it freezes in Windows 10, if freezes while in the BIOS or UEFI console - haven't tested DOS yet, should I?

  By the way, why should I submit a full hardware report for Intel to recognize it's a good idea to unblock custom fan controls, like almost every other current system (including other NUCs) does?

  Thanks in advance.

[Jean_Intel]

Hello JL15,

Thank you for posting on the Intel️® communities.  

We understand that you would not run the Intel SSU application due to privacy and safety concerns. This report would've helped us further investigate this matter.

However, thanks for your feedback regarding the cooling system for your unit. We will pass the information on to the corresponding team in charge. Let us know if you have any questions.

Best regards, 

Jean O.  

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jean_Intel]

Hello JL15,

I hope you are doing fine.

Were you able to check the previous post?

Let us know if you still need assistance.

Best regards, 

Jean O.  

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jean_Intel]

Hello JL15,

I hope you are doing fine.

I have not heard back from you. So I will close this thread. If you need any additional information, submit a new question, as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards.

Jean O. 

Intel Customer Support Technician.