Overheating of PC components can lead to various unpleasant consequences. The most harmless outcome is that the fans and coolers will start making more noise, even while you are completing some of the easiest tasks at work or playing simple games at betchan.com. However, in rare cases, more serious issues can occur, including component failure.
This problem is especially critical during hot weather when the room temperature rises, making it harder for the PC’s cooling system to do its job. Here’s how to prevent overheating and what to do if it happens.
Make Sure Your Computer Has Enough Airflow
For your computer to function properly, there should be at least half a meter of space between the ventilation openings of the case and the walls. This allows hot air to freely exit the case and not mix with cooler air.
So, the first thing to check is whether there is enough space around the system unit for proper air circulation. If not, consider moving the PC to a better location — this alone could be enough to improve the climate inside the case. If your PC is placed in a special compartment in your desk, make sure there are ventilation openings — especially for the back of the case, where most of the hot air is expelled.
Diagnose Your PC
Before disassembling the computer, you need to determine how severe the overheating is and whether it requires intervention. Check the temperature of the components under load, when the computer is operating at its maximum capacity.
To do this, download the AIDA64 program for testing your PC. This is a paid tool, but it has a trial period during which you can check the system’s stability. Open the stability test — look for the icon with a flame on the top panel of the program.
Clicking on it will open a window where the program will prompt you to select which components to test. By default, the video card isn’t included — click the checkbox next to “Stress GPU(s)” to change that.
Run the test for 10-15 minutes and carefully monitor the temperature — this time should be enough to evaluate the system’s efficiency. If the CPU temperature under load exceeds 80-85 degrees Celsius, and the GPU temperature exceeds 75-80 degrees, it’s time to consider improving cooling. Be sure to take a screenshot of the data or write it down to compare the results before and after.
If the CPU and GPU temperatures don’t exceed 60-65 degrees, there’s no need to worry — these are normal indicators under load. However, it wouldn’t hurt to check the condition of the dust filters, fans, and radiators.
Just Clean Your PC
Dust accumulates on the fans, radiators, and dust filters of your computer, hindering air circulation.
To clean it, you’ll need:
- A mask or respirator to protect your lungs from dust.
- A soft-bristle brush.
- A can of compressed air.
- A vacuum cleaner.
- A screwdriver to remove the case panels.
First, disconnect the computer from the 220V power source, and take it to a balcony or bathroom to prevent dust from spreading throughout the room during cleaning. Then, remove all dust filters — they are usually located at the bottom, top, and front of the case. They may be attached with magnets or mounted on rails, depending on the case design.
Next, open the side panel of the system unit to access all components. Use the soft-bristle brush and the can of compressed air to remove dust from the filters.
Carefully brush the dust off all the fans — the CPU, GPU, and case coolers. Then, clean the radiators of the GPU and CPU — these components are most affected by dirt. While cleaning, avoid pressing on the radiator fins and fans to avoid damaging them.
Use the can of compressed air to thoroughly blow out the radiators and fans, removing any remaining dirt. Leave the computer for 5-10 minutes to allow the dust to settle, then remove it with a vacuum cleaner.
For a more thorough cleaning of the CPU and GPU coolers, they need to be removed. If you’re not confident in your skills, it’s best not to do this. If you want to fully clean your PC, it’s better to contact a service center.
After removing the remaining dust with the vacuum cleaner, reassemble everything in reverse order. Reconnect the computer and run AIDA64 again to evaluate the results of your work.
