Experiencing computer overheating can be a frustrating issue that affects the performance and longevity of your PC. When a computer overheats, it means that its internal components are operating at temperatures higher than recommended.
No doubt, many modern gadgets are there which can cool down the computer on hot summer days. But the missing part is that you can keep your PC cool and prevent it from overheating even without spending money on these gadgets.
This computer overheating can lead to various problems such as sudden system shutdowns, performance slowdowns, and even permanent damage to hardware components. To keep your PC running smoothly and avoid overheating, it’s crucial to understand why this issue occurs and take preventive measures.
Computer overheating can occur due to several reasons. One common cause is inadequate airflow within the computer case. If the fans and vents are clogged with dust and debris, the airflow becomes restricted, preventing proper cooling.
In this article, you will learn how to stop your computer from overheating, and how to make pc cool with the easy-to-use free tips.
How Hot is Too Hot for the CPU and Other PC Components?
The temperature threshold for a CPU and other PC components varies depending on the specific hardware and manufacturer. However, as a general rule, temperatures exceeding 80-85 degrees Celsius (176-185 degrees Fahrenheit) under heavy load are considered too hot.
For example, the i7 CPU temperature can get up to 105 degrees Celsius whereas, hard drives have a lower operating temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. So you can use different measures on each hardware to prevent computer overheating.
While focusing on overheating the computer you should also keep an eye on how hot should my GPU be. As already said it’s also one of the main causes of computer overheating.
So when you play games the normal GPU temperature should be around 60-80 degrees C. If it exceeds 80 C then it will cause GPU overheating. The idle GPU temp must be around 45-63 degrees C.
You should also monitor GPU temperature using the best temp monitoring tools i.e. Core Temp, HWMonitor, SpeedFan, Open Hardware Monitor, and NZXT CAM so that you can learn how to stop computer overheating.
How to Stop Computer From Overheating
In this guide, we will outline effective solutions to stop your computer from overheating. These solutions are either free or budget-friendly, ensuring that you have no excuse to neglect the issue of computer overheating.
By following these do-it-yourself (DIY) tips, you can easily keep your computer cool and maintain lower temperatures for your PC.
Cleaning, improving airflow, and stoping overclocking are the main three preventive measures that you should take to prevent your computer from overheating.
1. Enhance Airflow of your Dekstop PCs/Laptop
To effectively prevent computer overheating and keep your laptop cool, it is crucial to ensure unobstructed airflow. Implement the following measures to maximize airflow within your computer system:
- Provide Ample Space: Allow a clearance of 2-3 inches around your computer, particularly at the back. Ensure that no objects are obstructing the airflow path. By creating sufficient space, you enable better ventilation and heat dissipation.
- External Fan Placement: Consider incorporating an external computer fan to enhance airflow within the system. This additional fan can effectively supplement the cooling process by increasing air circulation and reducing heat buildup.
- Desk Placement: If your computer is situated inside a desk enclosure, be mindful of the desk door. Keeping it closed at all times can impede the intake of cool air. Allow the front and side openings of the desk to remain unobstructed, enabling fresh air to enter the system and facilitate heat dispersion.
By implementing these measures, you can prevent the recycling of hot air and minimize the risk of computer overheating, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for your PC.
2. Check That the Fans are Working
Internal computer components generate a lot of heat, especially when you use your computer for extended periods of time. This heat can cause the computer to overheat and malfunction. To prevent this, computers have fans that circulate air through the case to help keep the components cool.
But if your computer fan is loud consistently, here are several easy ways to check if your fan is working properly:
- When turning on your PC you should hear the fans whirring into motion
- Place your hand near the computer’s fan grille and feel for vibration
- Confirm the fans are running by using a flashlight to look for movement through the fan grille
If your fans won’t stop buzzing, it may be time to replace or upgrade your hardware with heat sinks to soak up excess heat, or even use an external PC cooler to help regulate temperatures.
3. Set Higher Fan Speeds
Default fan configurations can contribute to overheating. Your fans may be running too slowly to actually cool down the components effectively.
To gain control over fan speed, programs like Core Temp, HWMonitor, SpeedFan, Open Hardware Monitor, and NZXT CAM are the best PC fan controller software. These PC fan controllers allow you to improve PC cooling by letting users manually increase or decrease fan speed. Just click on the up arrow to increase the fan speed percentage. Keeping every fan speed around 50% will keep your PC running at a cool temperature and help you prevent computer overheating.
4. Improve Cable Management
Disorganized hardware cables in your PC can lead to computer overheating as they obstruct proper airflow. To stop the computer from overheating, rearrange and secure the cables using zip-ties to create more space inside your PC. However, be cautious and turn off your computer before managing the cables.
Cable management may involve unplugging and reconnecting components, but it will result in easier component replacement, improved airflow, and a neater appearance for your PC.
5. Add a Case Fan
Installing additional case fans is an effective solution for preventing computer overheating, albeit at a cost of around $10 to $20. Case fans are small fans that can be attached to the front or back of a desktop computer case, improving airflow from the inside.
To find the best prices for PC case fans, Amazon is a recommended place to look. Some popular options include Noctua cooling fans, Corsair high-performance single fans, Rosewill cases, Be Quiet fans and Thermaltake quiet computer case fans.
The primary purpose of computer cooling fans is to facilitate air movement within the system, reducing the risk of overheating and ensuring the protection of valuable PC components.
For optimal airflow, it is advisable to install at least two case fans—one at the front and another at the back of the computer. Installing case fans is relatively straightforward compared to CPU fans, so don’t hesitate to delve inside your computer for this project.
Unfortunately, laptops do not offer the option to add case fans. In such cases, using an efficient cooling pad is a recommended alternative to prevent computer overheating.
6. Stop Overclocking
Overclocking can significantly boost component performance but often leads to higher temperatures as it pushes the system to its limits. If you’re using Ballistix modules for overclocking, our custom Ballistix M.O.D. utility allows you to monitor real-time temperatures. Regardless of your overclocking method, it’s crucial to take additional steps to enhance your system’s cooling capability.
Keeping your system cool is not difficult, and by following a few simple steps, you can improve its sustainability. Taking action now to cool your system will save you money and extend its lifespan.
7. Upgrade the CPU Cooler
When it comes to computer components, the CPU is both sensitive and expensive, making it prone to overheating. Upgrading the fan in your PC can effectively cool down other parts by improving overall airflow.
However, it’s important to note that simply upgrading the CPU cooler may not solve the issue of computer overheating. Before considering a CPU cooler replacement, it’s advisable to explore other free computer cooling solutions.
Many companies offer larger CPU cooling fans designed to maintain lower CPU temperatures compared to factory-installed CPU fans. These CPU coolers are available in two types: air coolers and liquid coolers. Air coolers consist of large and small heat sinks.
The larger heat sinks have a larger surface area, allowing them to absorb more heat. Before investing in a larger cooler, ensure that it will fit comfortably within your computer case. Recommended CPU coolers include the Corsair Hydro Series, DeepCool, MasterAir Maker 8, and MSI CPU Core FrozR L Cooler.
8. Close Unnecessary Browser Tabs and Programs
To stop the CPU from overheating, it is necessary to close background browser tabs and programs that can cause your CPU to sizzle.
To maintain optimal temperatures, it is important to minimize active processes and completely shut down unused programs. By uninstalling unnecessary apps and removing potentially unwanted programs, you can free up disk space and prevent background processes from causing overheating in your system.
9. Change the Power Supply
Upgrading the power supply unit is another effective computer cooling solution that helps prevent overheating. This is because the power supply unit typically comes with a larger built-in fan. You can easily feel a constant airflow when you place your hand behind the computer, which is generated by this fan.
In the absence of a case fan, the power supply fan becomes the primary means of expelling the hot air generated inside your computer. If this fan malfunctions or stops working, your computer can quickly heat up.
Unfortunately, you cannot simply replace the power supply fan alone. If the fan is no longer functioning, it becomes necessary to replace the entire power supply unit in order to prevent the computer from overheating.
10. Install a Water Cooling Kit
Water cooling kits are a costly but effective solution for reducing computer overheating, especially in high-end systems. They efficiently transfer heat and drastically lower CPU temperatures. Liquid coolers are easy to install and don’t require much space around the CPU.
11. Install a Phase Change Unit
Phase change units are highly effective cooling technologies for CPUs, functioning similarly to refrigerators. They employ similar techniques to cool or even freeze the CPU.
The cost of phase change units varies, with prices typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Enterprise-level PC cooling products with similar capabilities can cost $10,000 or more.
12. Reapply Thermal Paste On the CPU
Thermal paste is used to fill the gap between the processor chip and the heatsink. The heatsink transfers the heat from PC components to metal sheets, which are then cooled by fans.
If you have an older CPU heat sink, reapplying thermal paste can help reduce temperatures. However, this is generally necessary only when you remove or replace the CPU cooler, or if your computer has been in use for several years. There is no need to excessively reapply thermal paste as it serves no significant purpose.
