Who here knows laptops well?

[99FRC]

@Ilya

He said it runs good if he’s running air into it from another source (and not relying on the Dell fan).

I’d get it working with another air source, update the bios, and then check the memory per your guys’ suggestion(s).

Which really solidifies the idea that the CPU shit the bed. If adding cool air to the system allows it to run longer, and this happens every time you run air over the CPU you basically have your answer.

My vote in order of most likely:

1. CPU (95% sure this is it based on previous experiences without being able to look at it)
2. North/South Bridge BUS failure on mobo (although I doubt this would make the machine completely turn off)
3. RAM issue