Author

Topic: Bitcoin overheats and crashes my computer (Read 3535 times)

legendary
Activity: 1456
Merit: 1000
April 14, 2015, 10:09:52 PM
#39
its best to use v.high speed internet connection to download the blockchain as it may take days running u PC at full load on a slow network
nope, if your peers have a slow speed connection, no matter how fast your speed is, the syncing is still going to be slow. as far as i know, bitcoin syncing  doesn't use much bandwidth considering most places already have at least 1mb/s of internet. the main bottleneck will still be your cpu speed and your hard disk speed.

yep, its harddisk for me.

cpu shows a measily 6% utilization and disk stays at 100% network usage is less than 300kb. perhaps i should try a new harddrive and a good cleaning and reseating of my cpu

Make sure it's not under warranty still.   I would open and see if there is dust or if fan's work completely.  I have only had one laptop that had a overheating problem. After I oiled the fan in it worked great for another few months till it needed more oil again.
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
its best to use v.high speed internet connection to download the blockchain as it may take days running u PC at full load on a slow network
nope, if your peers have a slow speed connection, no matter how fast your speed is, the syncing is still going to be slow. as far as i know, bitcoin syncing  doesn't use much bandwidth considering most places already have at least 1mb/s of internet. the main bottleneck will still be your cpu speed and your hard disk speed.

yep, its harddisk for me.

cpu shows a measily 6% utilization and disk stays at 100% network usage is less than 300kb. perhaps i should try a new harddrive and a good cleaning and reseating of my cpu
hero member
Activity: 910
Merit: 1000
The initial sync process does clog up slower system pretty badly though. For me that's 24h+ of a pretty useless (home server) machine.
hero member
Activity: 504
Merit: 500
its best to use v.high speed internet connection to download the blockchain as it may take days running u PC at full load on a slow network
nope, if your peers have a slow speed connection, no matter how fast your speed is, the syncing is still going to be slow. as far as i know, bitcoin syncing  doesn't use much bandwidth considering most places already have at least 1mb/s of internet. the main bottleneck will still be your cpu speed and your hard disk speed.
full member
Activity: 182
Merit: 100
DaDice! Next Generation Dice Game
its best to use v.high speed internet connection to download the blockchain as it may take days running u PC at full load on a slow network
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
legendary
Activity: 896
Merit: 1000
Time to get a Mac, r3wt!
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
i've pretty much come to the conclusion that it is the laptop. its just out of warranty too. bah humbug
legendary
Activity: 1456
Merit: 1000
I'm not at all suprised at the responses i'm getting. I guess many of you are unaware of just how resource intensive bitcoin is. I will also reiterate, if bitcoin is the only thing running, it doesn't overheat as bad. it gets warm but not overheating. its when i'm doing my normal multitasking (ssh, filezilla, dev-c, npp, skype, toggl) that it happens. the same thing happens during skype calls as well.
I'm sure a number of us are indeed quite well aware of the resources the core client consumes during initial blockchain synchronization.  What the majority of us are saying is that the problem is NOT the software, but rather the HARDWARE you have.  Your opening post states:

I think its safe to say that this model is unsustainable on consumer grade hardware.

Your first statement is simply not true.  There are plenty of users with consumer grade hardware that do not have your problem.  By the way, you acknowledge the problem in the same post:

My computer doesn't have sufficient cooling to keep from overheating, and bitcoin happily overheats it in about 30 minutes.

You then state later on that Skype causes the same overheating issue.

Your problem is your hardware - not the software.

I think were all in agreement something is wrong with the laptop.  It's hard to tell if bad airflow, bad heat sink.  There are lot's of options.   But when you can run a full client on a raspberry pi a high priced laptop should be able to do it.

And if Skype kills the computer that is only more evidence its hardware.  I would contact company if in warranty.  If not I would open it up and see what it looks like inside.
legendary
Activity: 1344
Merit: 1024
Mine at Jonny's Pool
I'm not at all suprised at the responses i'm getting. I guess many of you are unaware of just how resource intensive bitcoin is. I will also reiterate, if bitcoin is the only thing running, it doesn't overheat as bad. it gets warm but not overheating. its when i'm doing my normal multitasking (ssh, filezilla, dev-c, npp, skype, toggl) that it happens. the same thing happens during skype calls as well.
I'm sure a number of us are indeed quite well aware of the resources the core client consumes during initial blockchain synchronization.  What the majority of us are saying is that the problem is NOT the software, but rather the HARDWARE you have.  Your opening post states:

I think its safe to say that this model is unsustainable on consumer grade hardware.

Your first statement is simply not true.  There are plenty of users with consumer grade hardware that do not have your problem.  By the way, you acknowledge the problem in the same post:

My computer doesn't have sufficient cooling to keep from overheating, and bitcoin happily overheats it in about 30 minutes.

You then state later on that Skype causes the same overheating issue.

Your problem is your hardware - not the software.
newbie
Activity: 31
Merit: 0
That's because you have a shitty computer.

Anyway, you can throttle your CPU so it doesn't overheat.
legendary
Activity: 3248
Merit: 1070
I'm not at all suprised at the responses i'm getting. I guess many of you are unaware of just how resource intensive bitcoin is. I will also reiterate, if bitcoin is the only thing running, it doesn't overheat as bad. it gets warm but not overheating. its when i'm doing my normal multitasking (ssh, filezilla, dev-c, npp, skype, toggl) that it happens. the same thing happens during skype calls as well.

Yes, bitcoin core is CPU intensive (at least until it has caught up with the blockchain), that's no secret.
But there are several thousand users all over the world who are able to run it on hardware ranging from top-notch speed demons to computers salvaged from scratch heaps. Somehow, overheating does not seem to be a common problem for them, maybe because the hardware and operating systems they use are able to cope with CPU intensive stuff.
If your laptop isn't able to either transport the heat away from the CPU when it's under full load, or reduce CPU speed so that it does not create so much heat, it's a problem with your laptop and the operating system it runs. Bitcoin core can't fix that problem.
I already suggested to check for temperature management software - do you have anything like that? If not, you should definitely install it.

Onkel Paul

Any recommendations for temp management software? preferably open source

the best one are HWmonitor and real temp, but aren't open source

all the other display wrong temp, i don't recommend them
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
I'm not at all suprised at the responses i'm getting. I guess many of you are unaware of just how resource intensive bitcoin is. I will also reiterate, if bitcoin is the only thing running, it doesn't overheat as bad. it gets warm but not overheating. its when i'm doing my normal multitasking (ssh, filezilla, dev-c, npp, skype, toggl) that it happens. the same thing happens during skype calls as well.

Yes, bitcoin core is CPU intensive (at least until it has caught up with the blockchain), that's no secret.
But there are several thousand users all over the world who are able to run it on hardware ranging from top-notch speed demons to computers salvaged from scratch heaps. Somehow, overheating does not seem to be a common problem for them, maybe because the hardware and operating systems they use are able to cope with CPU intensive stuff.
If your laptop isn't able to either transport the heat away from the CPU when it's under full load, or reduce CPU speed so that it does not create so much heat, it's a problem with your laptop and the operating system it runs. Bitcoin core can't fix that problem.
I already suggested to check for temperature management software - do you have anything like that? If not, you should definitely install it.

Onkel Paul

Any recommendations for temp management software? preferably open source
legendary
Activity: 1039
Merit: 1005
I'm not at all suprised at the responses i'm getting. I guess many of you are unaware of just how resource intensive bitcoin is. I will also reiterate, if bitcoin is the only thing running, it doesn't overheat as bad. it gets warm but not overheating. its when i'm doing my normal multitasking (ssh, filezilla, dev-c, npp, skype, toggl) that it happens. the same thing happens during skype calls as well.

Yes, bitcoin core is CPU intensive (at least until it has caught up with the blockchain), that's no secret.
But there are several thousand users all over the world who are able to run it on hardware ranging from top-notch speed demons to computers salvaged from scratch heaps. Somehow, overheating does not seem to be a common problem for them, maybe because the hardware and operating systems they use are able to cope with CPU intensive stuff.
If your laptop isn't able to either transport the heat away from the CPU when it's under full load, or reduce CPU speed so that it does not create so much heat, it's a problem with your laptop and the operating system it runs. Bitcoin core can't fix that problem.
I already suggested to check for temperature management software - do you have anything like that? If not, you should definitely install it.

Onkel Paul
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
I'm not at all suprised at the responses i'm getting. I guess many of you are unaware of just how resource intensive bitcoin is. I will also reiterate, if bitcoin is the only thing running, it doesn't overheat as bad. it gets warm but not overheating. its when i'm doing my normal multitasking (ssh, filezilla, dev-c, npp, skype, toggl) that it happens. the same thing happens during skype calls as well.
legendary
Activity: 3248
Merit: 1070

no, not really. i remember about 6 months ago i was on a skype call for several hours and the pc just died. now it gets very hot for bitcoin syncing and skype calls. everything else it runs fine. my only guess is it either needs cleaning or has some hardcore malware i haven't been able to find

you should clean it. you will be surprised the performance after the cleaning.

he already cleaned it, so i assume that's not the problem

"i've cleaned and reseated the heatsink twice to no avail."

could be OS problem imho
legendary
Activity: 1344
Merit: 1024
Mine at Jonny's Pool
Wow... your laptop craps out just from the CPU spooling up?  Have you tried other processor intensive tasks to see if it behaves the same way?  I mean, I know that Bitcoin Core can run up the CPU usage when it's synching up the blockchain... but the issue is definitely in your hardware.
legendary
Activity: 1120
Merit: 1002
.... computer issue.. indeed.  Cool
hero member
Activity: 910
Merit: 1000

no, not really. i remember about 6 months ago i was on a skype call for several hours and the pc just died. now it gets very hot for bitcoin syncing and skype calls. everything else it runs fine. my only guess is it either needs cleaning or has some hardcore malware i haven't been able to find

you should clean it. you will be surprised the performance after the cleaning.

I was going to suggest this also. I have a laptop that overheats sometimes too - but usually only if I attempt mining or some other intensive actions. It happens sometimes while compiling large software from source. Summer time is the worst. I know this can be very annoying if you're in the middle of something. A cleaning really helps... but I've also become more choosey about what I'm running on this laptop. I have a desktop I can use for those intensive tasks.
sr. member
Activity: 476
Merit: 250

no, not really. i remember about 6 months ago i was on a skype call for several hours and the pc just died. now it gets very hot for bitcoin syncing and skype calls. everything else it runs fine. my only guess is it either needs cleaning or has some hardcore malware i haven't been able to find

you should clean it. you will be surprised the performance after the cleaning.
legendary
Activity: 1456
Merit: 1000
How is Bitcoin at fault here? You have a shitty computer. Get some proper cooling or buy a new one. My laptop has never had any problems with Bitcoin and I have an Nvidia GPU, which are known to become way to hot.

eh its a pretty bad ass computer, it just doesn't have sufficient cooling. the cpu is designed to run between 100-105 C the internal design doesn't allow enough airflow. it has only one small opening on the side to vent heat

What model computer are you using?  That is very very hot seems like possibly defective.
i5 3230m. i had a lenovo with the same processor. loved it. this one is an Acer, purchased it from the bitcoinstore back in the day

Has it always been this bad on heat?  It just seems like maybe it's dirty and needs dusted out, or fan's are not up to original spec.  I have had an asus gaming laptop (it as a while back) but never had it get heat so bad from CPU, it was GPU that really heated up.
no, not really. i remember about 6 months ago i was on a skype call for several hours and the pc just died. now it gets very hot for bitcoin syncing and skype calls. everything else it runs fine. my only guess is it either needs cleaning or has some hardcore malware i haven't been able to find


Assuming its out of warrenty I would open it up and check air pathways, most gaming laptops seem to have two pathawys.  I would use canned air to push the dust and dirt OUT don't spray it where dust comes in.  

After that I would really check fan's make sure they spin good.  If they have problems try to oil them, if oiling does not work then you might need to replace.
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
How is Bitcoin at fault here? You have a shitty computer. Get some proper cooling or buy a new one. My laptop has never had any problems with Bitcoin and I have an Nvidia GPU, which are known to become way to hot.

eh its a pretty bad ass computer, it just doesn't have sufficient cooling. the cpu is designed to run between 100-105 C the internal design doesn't allow enough airflow. it has only one small opening on the side to vent heat

What model computer are you using?  That is very very hot seems like possibly defective.
i5 3230m. i had a lenovo with the same processor. loved it. this one is an Acer, purchased it from the bitcoinstore back in the day

Has it always been this bad on heat?  It just seems like maybe it's dirty and needs dusted out, or fan's are not up to original spec.  I have had an asus gaming laptop (it as a while back) but never had it get heat so bad from CPU, it was GPU that really heated up.
no, not really. i remember about 6 months ago i was on a skype call for several hours and the pc just died. now it gets very hot for bitcoin syncing and skype calls. everything else it runs fine. my only guess is it either needs cleaning or has some hardcore malware i haven't been able to find
legendary
Activity: 1456
Merit: 1000
How is Bitcoin at fault here? You have a shitty computer. Get some proper cooling or buy a new one. My laptop has never had any problems with Bitcoin and I have an Nvidia GPU, which are known to become way to hot.

eh its a pretty bad ass computer, it just doesn't have sufficient cooling. the cpu is designed to run between 100-105 C the internal design doesn't allow enough airflow. it has only one small opening on the side to vent heat

What model computer are you using?  That is very very hot seems like possibly defective.
i5 3230m. i had a lenovo with the same processor. loved it. this one is an Acer, purchased it from the bitcoinstore back in the day

Has it always been this bad on heat?  It just seems like maybe it's dirty and needs dusted out, or fan's are not up to original spec.  I have had an asus gaming laptop (it as a while back) but never had it get heat so bad from CPU, it was GPU that really heated up.
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
How is Bitcoin at fault here? You have a shitty computer. Get some proper cooling or buy a new one. My laptop has never had any problems with Bitcoin and I have an Nvidia GPU, which are known to become way to hot.

eh its a pretty bad ass computer, it just doesn't have sufficient cooling. the cpu is designed to run between 100-105 C the internal design doesn't allow enough airflow. it has only one small opening on the side to vent heat

What model computer are you using?  That is very very hot seems like possibly defective.
i5 3230m. i had a lenovo with the same processor. loved it. this one is an Acer, purchased it from the bitcoinstore back in the day
legendary
Activity: 1456
Merit: 1000
How is Bitcoin at fault here? You have a shitty computer. Get some proper cooling or buy a new one. My laptop has never had any problems with Bitcoin and I have an Nvidia GPU, which are known to become way to hot.

eh its a pretty bad ass computer, it just doesn't have sufficient cooling. the cpu is designed to run between 100-105 C the internal design doesn't allow enough airflow. it has only one small opening on the side to vent heat

What model computer are you using?  That is very very hot seems like possibly defective.
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
How is Bitcoin at fault here? You have a shitty computer. Get some proper cooling or buy a new one. My laptop has never had any problems with Bitcoin and I have an Nvidia GPU, which are known to become way to hot.

eh its a pretty bad ass computer, it just doesn't have sufficient cooling. the cpu is designed to run between 100-105 C the internal design doesn't allow enough airflow. it has only one small opening on the side to vent heat
legendary
Activity: 3248
Merit: 1070
well it seems strange because it show only 59%, it shouldn't overheat at that % of usage, maybe there is some problem with your OS, could be software related
legendary
Activity: 1456
Merit: 1000
How is Bitcoin at fault here? You have a shitty computer. Get some proper cooling or buy a new one. My laptop has never had any problems with Bitcoin and I have an Nvidia GPU, which are known to become way to hot.

You were much more blunt that I was Smiley but it is a valid question.

Unless he is mining I can't imagine laptop overheating for just running bitcoin core.
copper member
Activity: 3948
Merit: 2201
Verified awesomeness ✔
How is Bitcoin at fault here? You have a shitty computer. Get some proper cooling or buy a new one. My laptop has never had any problems with Bitcoin and I have an Nvidia GPU, which are known to become way to hot.
newbie
Activity: 47
Merit: 0
buy the new computer on webhallen.com they accepts bitcoins. Tongue
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
Sounds like it could be a graphics card issue; that's if it has a separate card? I had that with my desktop... The fan broke on the card and anything graphics intensive caused the card to overheat (105+ C) and within 10-20 minutes of turning on the computer would shut off.

its got the built in intel graphics as far as i'm aware. every so often the driver crashes and restarts. i think its just a poor cooling design and a myriad of other problems probably. ive got it propped up right now with a box fan on my desk blowing full blast and its syncing bitcoin and the laptop is not overheating now. after this syncs, i'm gonna send all my coins to electrum and be done with the reference client. atleast until i can get a new computer.


jr. member
Activity: 56
Merit: 1
Sounds like it could be a graphics card issue; that's if it has a separate card? I had that with my desktop... The fan broke on the card and anything graphics intensive caused the card to overheat (105+ C) and within 10-20 minutes of turning on the computer would shut off.
legendary
Activity: 1039
Merit: 1005
Are you in any way overclocking it?
If not, this sounds like your machine is just broken. Shit happens Undecided
Check whether your laptop has software to manage temp by reducing the clock speed when CPU gets too hot - I think that many Windows laptops have somethign like that preinstalled.

Onkel Paul
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
Are you using boostrap files for initial sync ?

Hopefully not if 0.10.0 is being used.  r3wt, what version are you using?  

yeah, i'm using 0.10.0

Are you using a laptop?

If not what computer are you using?  I have never had one overheat from the just downloading the BTC chain.

I am using a laptop. it has the i5-3230m which is designed to run at much higher temperatures, and offers decent performance and multitasking ability but for some reason bitcoin and skype really do a number on the machine, overheating it often. during syncing of bitcoin or videocall of skype it overheats and powers off. i've cleaned and reseated the heatsink twice to no avail.
legendary
Activity: 1143
Merit: 1000
If you are using the latest version, 0.10, you shouldnt have any issue. Unless you are trying to mine with the bitcoin-core, i dont see a possible cause for overheating that relies on bitcoin as a cause, I would suggest that you look into other things that may be overheating your computer or at least give us more information about your issue.
legendary
Activity: 1456
Merit: 1000
Are you using a laptop?

If not what computer are you using?  I have never had one overheat from the just downloading the BTC chain.
legendary
Activity: 4228
Merit: 1313
Are you using boostrap files for initial sync ?

Hopefully not if 0.10.0 is being used.  r3wt, what version are you using? 
full member
Activity: 149
Merit: 100
Are you using boostrap files for initial sync ?
hero member
Activity: 686
Merit: 504
always the student, never the master.
I think its safe to say that this model is unsustainable on consumer grade hardware. This is now the 10th time in 3 months ive had to complete resynch the chain. My computer doesn't have sufficient cooling to keep from overheating, and bitcoin happily overheats it in about 30 minutes. this only happens during syncing. any other time, bitcoin is fine if the wallet is already synced. also, i left it running overnight to resync after the crash. its been frozen on block 316268 since i got up, 2 hours ago. restarting the client does no good. still stuck.
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