Gateway M-1634u shuts off intermittently.

Let me clarify further...I already dusted out the area around the fan and cpu. Also, the case cover around them has been removed and i have an external fan directly underneath. The recorded temperatures listed above are with the computer in this condition.

Then it maybe time to redo the cpu thermal paste. verify that its OK and/or recheck the HSF setup is fully seated and functional, not loose or spatted cpu paste. If you had done the cpu thermal paste, understand only a little is needed, too much can hurt the properties of operation. Also, if this came "pre-installed" with thermal pad applied, remove and clean all of it away before putting new paste in its place. Some users actually add on top of the thermal pad and that isn't correct. Check the bios "over temp" setting if that setting is reached, then you know the PC is reacting correctly to over-temp. Alas, is the HSF the one that came with the system? Is this maybe an after-market one? Also, is this system the same as day-1, any changes, etc.. please provide. Please check the PSU fan, is it running?

How do I check the bios over temp settings? I have very little experience dealing with bios.

Everything inside is factory. I will have to take a look to see if the "HSF" setup is fully seated. The PSU fan runs, but it sounds as though it is varying in speed, sort of a faster, slower, faster, slower, sound constantly. Not sure if that is normal. Yes, it is a laptop, and the battery is original.

Now that we know the compound is factory, spend one or two dollars for fresh compound.

On the CPU there is what appears to be a copper bar that runs from the top of the CPU to the fan. It looks like the fan cools the copper bar.

Just a note, on most laptop fan control. the laptop will allow fan control or operation as needed, so if its real hot, it will spin faster(RPM) and that's what is needed. You may notice when you had it on day 1 it tended to be cooler or fresher and didn't need high RPMs as it did what was needed. Now, that's aged and maybe needs cleaning, the over effect is its hotter now. One common fix is to re-apply the cpu paste after the old paste is cleaned and remount it etc.. That should cure many over-temp problems. As for the "over-temp" setting disregard as that's usually a desktop item, laptops are pretty much set-up for best operation as is. Also in regard to fan control, if it applies to you but check the support website. They may have a newer fan control pgm., which some laptop may benefit from, but that's WAG on my part. It's worth the check to find out. Older batteries to if constant recharging may cause a heat level to rise, so its worth the effort to get a new one, old batteries tend to do odd things and there no real cure other than replace from a trusted battery source.

Ive actually had the problem for several years. I put the laptop up and just got it back out. Runs great when it runs. Does the varying speed thing as well. Where you able to fix yours? Thanks a million!

Yes. I've used both canned air and in really bad situations had to open it up to clean and in a few cases had to refresh/replace the thermal paste.

I won't carry on further here. Make a new post with the make, model, age and story so you get the best advice.
Bob

Some get distracted by measuring CPU temps where one dollar could fix it or remove this from the discussion.