If your computer feels hot to the touch, it can have slow graphics or take longer than usual to launch. It sounds like the fan is working extra hard. These are common signs of overheating.
Your laptop or PC may overheat for several reasons but identifying the cause is the first step towards fixing the problem.
Overheating occurs when the internal cooling system is unable to sufficiently expel the hot air generated by the hardware components processing your requests.
Computers are designed with fans, heatsinks and vents to help manage this heat and prevent damage to the delicate inside components. Before we examine how to prevent PC overheating, let’s look at the reasons why a computer overheats.
Reasons why a Computer or Laptop Overheats
- Warm conditions: Prolonged sunshine and high temperatures can intensify heat stress to the point where an organism’s defenses against heat exhaustion fail.
- Blocked air vents: Internal temperatures rise as heat builds up inside the system when hot air cannot leave.
- Fan failure: Dangerously high temperatures can result from insufficient heat regulation brought on by a broken fan.
- Apps that are difficult to use: The CPU and GPU may overheat if they are used excessively in programs like Adobe Premiere Pro.
- Outdated software: When utilized for demanding tasks like gaming, outdated software can be very energy-intensive and inefficient. applications that are not responding: When the computer attempts to fix issues, applications that are not responding use a lot of memory and energy.
- Numerous tabs open in the browser: When a lot of browser tabs are opened, more CPU and memory resources are used, which raises the temperature of the system.
From the above point, undoubtedly, you have seen reasons why PCs overheat. Let’s find out how the solution to these problems.
How to Prevent PC Overheating
1. Check your fan
The fan is the main component of your computer’s cooling system that distributes heat and circulates air around it. A blocked, damaged, or dirty fan can cause overheating since it will reduce airflow. To prevent PC overheating, you should regularly clean your fan with a soft brush, compressed air or a vacuum.
Furthermore, make sure that nothing is obstructing your fan, such as wires, dust or anything else. If your fan is making unusual noises or isn’t spinning at all, it could need to be replaced or professionally serviced. However, Checking your fan is one of the ways on how to prevent your PC overheating
2. Adding a case fan
How to prevent PC overheating is also by adding a case fan. It provides additional ventilation for your components. For high-performance computers, it is advised to install two fans: one to expel warm air and the other to bring cold air inside.
Before installing case fans, ensure that the intake and exhaust levels match. If you install an 80mm fan at the front and a 120mm fan at the back of your case, the difference in size will cause negative air pressure, which increases the chance of overheating.
To help control temperature, laptops may also be fitted with external cooling fans or you can just set your laptop on a cool pad.
3. Maintain your fans
The first line of defense against high temperatures is your fans and dust and grime may wreak havoc. Use canned air to blow away any dust or dirt buildup to keep them debris-free.
Turn down your computer, take off the case and clean the vents on the fans. There is usually one or more on top of the CPU, one within the power supply and one on either side of the casing.
Furthermore, avoid using vacuums for cleaning; the static they produce often does more damage than good! Furthermore, Maintaining your fans is one of the ways on how to prevent your PC overheating
4. Examining the fan on your power supply
If you do not have a case fan, the only thing removing hot air from your system is the built-in fan in your power supply.
If something is wrong with your system, it will heat up rapidly, so check it often and replace it right away if needed.
5. Adjust your settings
Changing your computer’s settings to maximize performance and reduce power consumption is another method of preventing overheating. This can be accomplished by adjusting your power plan, installing new drivers, turning off unused apps and reducing the brightness of your screen.
By taking these actions, you can lessen the strain on your CPU and GPU, which are the primary heat-producing components. Additionally, you may monitor and manually or automatically modify your fan speed and temperature using a software program.
6. Use a cooling pad
If you use a laptop, you may wish to spend money on a stand or cooling pad to increase circulation and ventilation. A cooling pad is a gadget with one or more fans that direct cool air onto your laptop’s bottom, which is typically where the heat is concentrated.
A laptop stand raises your laptop and provides additional room for ventilation. These tools can improve your comfort and ergonomics while assisting you in avoiding overheating.
7. Choose a suitable location
The temperature and cooling effectiveness of your computer might also be impacted by where you use it. It’s best to keep your computer away from heat sources like ovens, heaters and direct sunlight.
Additionally, as they can obstruct vents and retain heat, soft surfaces like couches, beds and carpets should not be used when using a computer. Rather, you ought to use your computer on stable, level, and hard surfaces like trays, tables, and desks.
8. Upgrade your hardware
To avoid overheating, you might need to upgrade your hardware if none of the aforementioned solutions work. Increasing the number of fans, installing a liquid cooling system, changing the thermal paste, or improving the CPU or GPU can all help achieve this.
While these alternatives can help you increase the efficiency and capacity of your cooling system, they can also be expensive, difficult to use, or dangerous. As a result, you ought to think about them only if you have the resources, expertise, and money to do so. Upgrading your hardware is one of the ways how to prevent your PC from overheating
9. Shut down your computer
Your PC will occasionally require a rest. Turning off your computer until it is entirely cool is the simplest and most dependable technique to allow it to cool down.
You’ll start from scratch when you boot up again, and everything ought to function without a hitch. If the overheating problem reappears, it’s time to follow some of the previously mentioned instructions or consider switching to a computer that can handle your needs!
10. Close your system’s case
Contrary to popular belief, an open case restricts interior temperatures rather than aiding in their regulation. Comparable to shutting down your car’s windows when you switch on the air conditioning, closing your case keeps your system cool and preserves the dependability of its parts.
Moreover, a closed case lessens the accumulation of dust and debris on the cooling fans, which over time may cause your fans to malfunction or slow down completely. Closing your system’s case is one of the ways on how to prevent PC overheating
I believe with this brief explanation you can prevent your PC from overheating.