how can you stop a computer from overheating?

Answer 1

Keep the inside of the computer clean.

That's it. That's all you need to do, given most computers come with ample fans and cooling already.

Dust is the number one cause of heat buildup and deaths of computers (animal hair also if you own a shaggy pet). Either take your computer to a shop to have it professionally cleaned out or hire some neighbor computer geek kid to do it. Compressed air to blow out the fans, inlets, and heatsinks is all that is needed.

Answer 2

Pc Overheating

Answer 3

Computer Overheating

Answer 4

To stop a computer from overheating never keep a cloth or something else on the CPU or monitor. Also use the save energy option from properties so as to switch off the monitor when not in use. This will always help in keeping the computer cool and not overheating it. Also see to it that the fan (this fan is at the back of the CPU )is working properly.

Answer 5

There's the possibility that the fan is wearing out/slowing down. This is uncommon - usually they just stop working suddenly - but it's possible.

My suggestions - it sounds like you've tried some of them:
1. Make sure that the overheating warning is coming from the CPU and not one of the other components. Overheating warnings/shutdown can come from the chipset as well. Make sure that the chipset fan (if any) is spinning when the system is on.

The chipset is usually a smaller square/rectanglular chip covered by a heatsink or a heatsink/fan. It looks like a mini version of the CPU, and it's usually "down and to the front of the front" of the motherboard when viewed in a desktop system standing up.

2. Make sure all of the fans in the case - including the case fans, power supply fan, CPU fan and chipset fan (if any) are all spinning when the system is powered up. Check that none of them have stopped working.

3. Get a bottle of compressed air (from Office Depot, etc). Unplug the computer and take it outside, take the cover off and then thoroughly clean out the power supply fan/heatsink, the CPU fan/heatsink, and the chipset fan/heastink on the computer as well as any other heatsink you can see.

4. Take the CPU heatsink off and apply an extremely thin layer of "Artic Silver" to it. You said that you did this, but I just mentioned it again for thoroughness and to mention that the layer needs to be ridiculously thin. I put it on, and then scrap nearly all of it off with the edge of a credit card when I apply it. Too much thermal paste can be worse than none at all.

5. Make sure the heatsink is "seated" correctly. By this I mean, make sure that the surface of the heatsink is completely flat and level with the surface of the CPU. Make sure all of the four connectors tying the heatsink down to the motherboard are all tight and actively holding the CPU down. If one were loose, then that corner would edge up and then only part of the CPU would be covered by the heatsink. The only really good way to check whether the heatsink is seated properly is to completely remove the motherboard out of the case and then look at it edge-on by holding it up in front of a light and looking for gaps. If this sounds too intimidating to do then at least check that the heatink is solidly on the CPU socket by wiggling it a little. It shouldn't move at all - not even a little bit - when you apply moderately strong twisting to it. If it moves then figure out why.

If it's none of these, then I am stumped. There's the possibility that the thermal sensor has gone bad - very unlikely, but possible. In which case, I'd just turn it off and not worry about it unless the computer begins to act strangely.

Answer 6

With laptops, just elevate them slightly to let the fans do their job. Desktops can have added fans to increase cooling and air flow in the computer. Cooling pads can work on laptops, but are often unnecessary and are more or less for your lap to stay cool rather than the PC. Another, newer method, is liquid cooling. A heat-absorbing liquid is moved through the computer's hottest parts (such as the cpu) and brings the liquid to a radiator-like apparatus at the top of the computer. Check out the link to see and example.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
how can you stop a computer from overheating?

Answer 8

dust inside the the computer is 1 of your worst enemys --- it can cause overheating and slow down fans from dust buildup on the blades --- it can also build up on the components and create more heat --its very important to clean the inside and the outside of your computer on a regular basis --- ports in the case of the computer get clogged and this prevents circulation and overheating -- make sure the location of your computer has good ventilation --- im not sure the way i clean mine is correct but it works --- i turn the computer off and unplug the power supply -- and turn off any device that may be attached --- printer scanner speakers ect ect then i open the case and i use a little paint brush to knock the dust lose from everything then i use a shop vac to clean the dust up making sure not to bump anything -- when using brush make sure you dont short anything out if the brush has metal on the handle -- i wrap mine with electrical tape first and im very gentle with the whole process --- before touching anything in the case i ground myself out by touching a screw on a recptacle or light switch --- static electricity can ruin a computer so be very careful if you have carpet .

Answer 9

Keep in a cool area, if you have AC or fan in home that is a plus. Laptops have a built in fan however this aids it very little. Try not to do marathon sessions on the computer, take breaks when doing work on it and when charging laptop leave it to charge for a little bit of time before using it again.

Answer 10

Overheating of computer is a major problem. It often causes stalling of the system.
For laptops, use heat pads

For desktops, install heat sinks and heat fans for the CPU.
Also cleaning of heat fans with a paint brush is recommended.
For monitors, heating can be reduced using a silica gel pad.

Also suspend your system when not in use and use screen savers for power saving and reducing heating up of syetem.

Or the best way is to use CPU cooler programmes. These software reducing the CPU temperature by many degrees. These software are often freeware. Rain and waterfall are some of them. To download these programmes go to:

http://www.benchtest.com/downloads/index.html

Answer 11

There are laptop cooling pad you can buy for around $20 that you place beneath your laptop. A good laptop cooling pad should have at least 2 or even 3 fans that effectively sucks out the hot air. check the comparisons list online before you buy. PLEASE DON'T OVERHEAT LAPTOP TOO MUCH OR IT WILL CAUSE DAMAGE LIKE MINE DID.
Another method can do now is elevating your laptop above the surface of your table by placing anything at the four corners of your computer. reason for this is so there's space beneath your laptop so that hot air can escape more efficiently without the exit of the fan being blocked.