Computer overheating?

Question

I've got a P4 2.5 Ghz with a 500 watt power supply, 1 GB RAM, and an ATI X1300 video card. I've taken a side panel off of the computer so that it won't overheat since the video card gets very hot, and have a fan blowing into the PC itself. If I don't have the fan blowing into the PC, it will crash several minutes into playing games such as Far Cry. Also when I was burning a DVD with the fan on, it still crashed. I'm getting quite frustrated about what is causing the crashes because I don't want to ruin my computer. Thanks!

I don't quite understand about the paste; do I just squirt some more onto the heatsink?

Answer 1

Here are a couple of suggestions:

-Make sure your cpu fan is clean and not full of gunk. Lay your case down on it's side and blow into the cpu fan (computer and fan off) If a bunch of gunk comes out it needs to be removed and cleaned or replaced.

-The cpu fan may be too slow or worn replace it.

New fans can be found here:

http://gamegiants.net/index.php?cPath=1_8&page=1&sort=3a

-Did you use a good thermal paste when installing the fan? Clean the fan with this:

http://gamegiants.net/product_info.php?cPath=1_8&products_id=259

And replace the paste with this:

http://gamegiants.net/product_info.php?products_id=251

-It might be your chipset or graphic card overheating. Make sure your case is well ventilated add extra fans:

http://gamegiants.net/product_info.php?products_id=214

-Make sure you have a power supply with enough output for your needs (400W or more). If you have a bunch of add ons.

-Make sure your power supply fan is functioning. Place your hand near the outside vent while running. If you are not feeling a strong rush of air your power supply may be full of Gunk. Replace it, (Do not attempt to clean it as you may get zapped. It is dangerous even when unpluggged):

http://gamegiants.net/index.php?cPath=1_13&page=1&sort=3a

-Make sure you have the right settings for your memory in the BIOS.

-Visually inspect the capacitors on your motherboard, if they are swollen, burst open, or leaking replace the motherboard:

http://gamegiants.net/index.php?cPath=1_9&page=1&sort=3a

-Run burn in test software to help isolate the problem.

http://www.download.com

Following the above should help fix your problems.

Answer 2

open up your computer (no longer your exhibit screen) and examine if the fan is operating suited, and examine the open hollow and make certain there is no longer a lot of dirt there, (you likely favor to finish a touch upkeep ) also, do not basically rip off the fan and purchase new one, which will basically fee more beneficial money, and that's not a sensible idea, that's like trobleshooting, examine the obtrusive 1st, cleansing the computer is sturdy idea to save the computer from getting overheated, and it may look more beneficial useful if the computer is sturdy. The issues so that you may not in any respect use to scrub computer, and moniters are (vacuums, (in spite of if that's static loose)) not in any respect use some thing which will reason static, some thing magnetic, do not use compressed air contained in the computer it may, i suggested may, blow different ingredient that are small and reason problem. not in any respect use bathroom paper or random serviette to scrub moniter exhibit, use static loose rag. computer shouldn't in any respect be used on mattress, that's going to over warmth it and shrink to rubble the computer undesirable, may shorten the lifspan of the computer once back not in any respect USE VACUUMS they could suck up small ingredient it truly is necessary for the computer

Answer 3

The computer is not overheating, you have a serious problem with some parts of the motherboard. You can check the temperature of your computer by pressing 'Del' once you see the option during start-up. You will be directed to a Linux looking window, and it will show you everything that is installed into the motherboard. But it would be unlikely for a computer to shut down while overheating. Better check the power supply. Your overheating problems could be in that component.

Answer 4

If you have no build up of dirt on your components, your computer will run cooler. If so, blow it out with a compressor, but first, put a cloth in front to be sure there is no moisture coming out of the tip. Clear all of your fans, and heat sync...be thorough. If you are still having a heat issue, I suggest installing a couple of more fans, (or have someone qualified install them) They are not expensive. I would also pull the processor chip off of the motherboard, and put some proper thermal heat sync grease on it, and re seat it.

Good Luck

Answer 5

What I use to monitor my Motherboard and CPU temps is Motherboard Monitor...works will a bunch of different boards and CPUs...
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,7309-order,1-page,1-c,alldownloads/description.html
Also, I use Arctic Silver Céramique Thermal compound for attaching my heatsink....Made a Huge diff on the CPU temps!!!
Even while gaming my temps on the CPU never go above 115f.
Cost a few bucks but it's worth it to save the CPU from higher temps...BTW I'm using a P4 2.4 OCd to 2.68GHz.
http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique.htm

Answer 6

Have you checked to make sure your fans are running and are free of dust so the air can flow freely?Also if your house is very humid(allot of moister in the air)It can cause a computer to over heat or even to fry...Good luck

Answer 7

Just don't keep your computer on all the time. That is a simple solution to problems like this and others.

Answer 8

check to see if the heat sink is properly attached to the processor