I'm relatively new to Linux, but from what I'd been able to gather from my limited usage, I'd say Linux is generally faster and less processor intensive than Windows. This, I can observe on my desktop PCs, both of which are dual-booting Windows/Linux.

Not so on my laptop however. Windows runs perfectly fine. Whenever I boot into Linux, the fan goes bonkers and the laptop heats up like mad, even if the least number of processes are running. (Linux Mint 12)

I'd say that the heat generated by running Linux is roughly the same as running a game on Windows, which baffles me. I thought it'd be more like the other way around.

I've tried other distros, too ... Ubuntu 11, Debian, Fedora 16, Mandriva. Same problem. Mint just happens to be the one I'm using right now.

My PC Specs:
CPU - Intel Core i7 at 2.00GHz, Sandy Bridge 32nm Technology
RAM - 6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 at 665MHz
Motherboard - Dell Inc. 0MY6GN (CPU)
Graphics - NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M, 2GB

Any help would be appreciated

What say and Any process using a lot of CPU?

Some things to check:

Run 'lsmod' and make sure you have the 'processor', 'thermal', and 'fan' modules modprobed.
Make sure you have lm_sensors installed and run 'sensors-detect' as root, then do what it says.
Clean dust out of the vents.
BIOS fan settings. Put the fan to always on if there's no other way.
Some mention laptop cooling pads, but I've had mixed results. At least elevate the laptop above the table and keep vents clear.

those specs. i suspect that's a problem with "not yet fully supported features in linux". (Nvidia Optimus or AMD PowerXpress)

when you run linux in these laptops with such features both GPU is running by default(since it is not yet fully supported).
you can turn the discrete graphics one off with something like Bumblebee for Nvidia Optimus.

i'm using one of these laptops, it has AMD discrete graphics cards. i can turn it off with acpi_call.
and i highly suggest buying and applying a good thermal paste to your laptop(if yours is out of warranty).

sorry for my English

@Celyr
Nope, no such process .. 0% or 1% CPU is the max usage i can see.

@H_TeXMeX_H
tried all that from various help sites / previous forum topics, even installed a power management applet. Doesn't seem to help much.

@th0gz19
I think you may be right . i've suspected as much ... i'll try this Bumblebee thingy. And your english is fine!

Thanks, guys .. appreciate the help