@ atty - while it still runs very warm (as it always did) it doesn't get boiling hot anymore after i decreased the maximum processor state from 100% down to 75%. apparently, a windows 10 update threw something into overdrive
lots of complaints on the web for that same problem
nonetheless, the laptop needs a proper cleaning
lots of complaints on the web for that same problemnonetheless, the laptop needs a proper cleaning

Yikes!
in some areas.