How to Reduce Computer Temperatures
The greatest threat for your computer is overheating. It can cause hardware failure and permanent damage. Let me show you how to prevent or fix an overheating computer and thus improve the performance and extend the lifespan of your computer.
A sure sign that your computer is overheating is when your fan is always running at maximum speed. You may also experience reduced performance because an overheating CPU cuts back its clock speed to escape heat pressure. Moreover, computers have a fail-safe which shuts down overheating parts to prevent permanent damage.
If your computer is sluggish or regularly freezes, that’s a major indicator that you’re exceeding the maximum recommended CPU operating temperature.
If you want to measure the actual heat values inside your computer, you can use a tool like HWMonitor. This might also reveal which part of your computer is getting too hot. Typically, you’ll find that the CPU or GPU are overheating the most.
Potential reasons for overheating include dust blocking intake grills or exhaust ports, a clogged up fan, or a degenerated thermal grease (aka thermal compound) between the heat sink and the CPU or GPU.
Keeping your computer’s environment cool is key. That can be as simple as opening a nearby window or placing an oscillating fan in the vicinity.
Potentially simple solutions include changing its surroundings (moving your computer or laptop to a cooler room in the summer, for instance), and using a can of compressed air to unblock vents.
You might also consider replacing your CPU cooler, especially if your PC has a standard Intel heatsink and fan.
Ideally, your room should be about 23°C/73°F, but anything in excess of 27°C /80°F can be detrimental to your computer.
What should the normal operating temperature of your CPU be? Your processor shouldn’t be hotter than 75°C/167°F, nor significantly colder than 20°C/68°F.
There are numerous things you can do to keep your PC cool, including:
- Keep your PC well-ventilated.
- Install a Case Fan.
- Clear dust from vents, fans and other components.
- Give your computer time to cool down.
- Clean and apply new thermal paste to CPU.