Have you ever experienced some ghostly entity or other unexplained phenomena that caused your computer to shut off while you were in the middle of working on an important task?
One culprit that causes shutdowns is a computer’s processor overheating. There are several ways to avoid system shutdowns due to overheating. If you are familiar with the internal workings of a computer, these solutions may help you solve the problem. If you are not able to perform these types of repairs, we can assist you with the following thermal solutions.
Culprit 1: Dust Buildup
One major cause of computer overheating is dust buildup and pet dander inside your computer. Dust bunnies and pet hair can get trapped in fans and heatsinks and reduce the efficiency of these components. This results in the computer overheating and shutting itself down to prevent damage, which can result in data loss. I recommend removing the computer’s side-panel cover and using compressed air to blow out the debris. If you have pets in your home, this may need to be done more frequently. Do not use any kind of vacuum. Vacuums may subject your computer to static electricity which damages internal components. Frequent internal cleaning can minimize thermal problems that result in system shutdowns.
Culprit 2: Poor Cable Management
Another cause of computer overheating is poor cable management inside the computer. Cable management is the term used for organizing the internal wiring of computer components. When properly done, computer cables are organized to prevent airflow blockage. Using nylon wire ties and Velcro straps to bundle wires together can aid in facilitating the movement of airflow in and out of the computer’s case. Speaking of cable management, a modern computer case that is designed well allows for discrete wiring so that maximized airflow can be achieved. If you are considering upgrading your computer case, be aware it is in-depth task and requires complete system disassembly and reassembly. Good cable management can aid in more efficient cooling of your computer and its associated internals.
Culprit 3: Not Enough Fans
Another solution to better computer cooling and thermal management is the inclusion of more fans inside the computer. A well-designed case will provide options for the addition of more fans. The more fans you add, the more efficient the cooling will be. Fan placement and orientation is also critical to system cooling. If the fans are not oriented properly when installed they will not adequately cool the computer, regardless of how many fans are added. On a typical system, forward-mounting fans are set up as intake fans and the rear fans are installed as exhaust fans. This allows cool ambient air to be pulled in through the front of the system while the rear fans dispel the internal warmer air out of the back. Ideally, you should install an equal amount of intake and exhaust fans, or at minimum more intake fans for pulling in cooler air. If fans are improperly installed, they can create either a negative air pressure or positive air pressure situation within the case and prohibit airflow. Inclusion of additional fans and properly orienting them can help to reduce internal system temperatures and provide a more stable running system.
Bonus Option: Remove and Reapply Thermal Compound
One final option to consider, especially for older computer systems, is to remove the CPU heatsink or water block if using liquid cooling for the processor and remove all pre-existing thermal compound. Then reapply new compound. Also of note, I have seen improper CPU heatsink and fan assembly installations that were directly responsible for CPU overheating. This option requires someone who is familiar with and possesses competent technological skills to perform the replacement. Once the CPU heatsink and fan/water block assembly is removed, the heatsink/water block and CPU lid must be cleaned thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Then reapply a new thermal compound, preferably a silver-based high-quality compound, to the CPU lid. It is highly important that the right amount of compound be applied. Too much, and you will insulate heat in the CPU and cause it to overheat. Not enough, and it will prevent heat from being conducted and dissipated through the heatsink and dispelled into the environment, causing the CPU to overheat. Also, it is critical to ensure that when reinstalling the heatsink and fan assembly or water block back onto the CPU that it is installed and tightened down correctly. If it is not, the computer will overheat.
Computer overheating is one of the many reasons computers shutdown without warning. If your CPU is overheating, then following all the steps above can reduce or eliminate the problem. Need assistance or have questions? We are always happy to help! Contact us at Nelson Mobile Computer Repair today.