Like automotive engines, computers can sustain catastrophic damage if they overheat. As the temperature increases, you may notice your computer freezing or randomly rebooting itself. Alternatively, your computer may fail to turn on altogether. All computers produce heat; it’s a natural byproduct of their electrically driven components. You can keep your computer cool, however, in several easy ways.

#1) Don’t Obstruct the Vents

Whether you have a desktop or laptop, your computer should have at least one vent. Vents are designed to release the hot air so that it doesn’t get trapped inside your computer. If any of the vents are obstructed, your computer may overheat. The hot air will accumulate inside your computer where it subsequently raises the temperature of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and other components. Therefore, you should avoid obstructing the vents.

#2) Clean the Fan

You can keep your computer cool by cleaning the fan. The fan will inevitably collect dust and dirt. It may not happen immediately, but the longer you use your computer, the more dust and debris the fan will collect. The good news is that you can typically clean the fan using a can of compressed air. After identifying the fan, spray a few short bursts of compressed air directly onto it. This should dislodge and remove any stubborn dust and dirt.

#3) Add a Case Fan

All computers are manufactured with at least one fan. For additional cooling power, though, you can add a second fan. A case fan, for example, is a supplemental fan that lives up to its namesake by being installed on the case. They are easier to install than standard fans, making them a popular choice. With multiple fans, your computer is less likely to overheat.

#4) Move Your Computer

You may be able to cool your computer by moving it to a different location. If your computer is currently near a window where it’s constantly exposed to sunlight, it will inevitably heat up during the midday hours. By moving it to a different area of your office where there’s shade, it will stay cool more easily.

#5) Kill Unnecessary Processes

When using your computer, keep an eye on which processes are running. If your computer runs Windows, you can use the Task Manager for this task. If you discover several unnecessary processes that are consuming valuable resources, fore-stop or “kill” them so that they don’t increase your computer’s temperature.

#computer #keepcool #tipsandtricks