My desktop has always had a heating problem, but lately it's gotten to the point where it shuts down every few hours.
I have been forced to always leave one side of the tower open in the hope that it would cool down the CPU, but it's still overheating and going into the "critical" heat level according to the Intel monitoring software that came with the computer.
My question: Is there anything I can do by myself that would help this, or should I just go and get the computer serviced?
Thanks in advance.
There's lots that can be done - but first we need to know where we are starting from.
For example, some information besides "desktop" would be nice. Make and model of computer, for example, or if self built, some information about the case, motherboard, and CPU is needed.
Also, we need to know what is overheating - the CPU or something else? And what are the temperatures?
Why was the overheating issue not addressed when the system is new? Is it still under warranty?
Have you cleaned the interior of heat trapping dust and dirt?
How many case fans are there? Does your case support more? Or bigger fans?
You would think it should run cooler if you leave the case open but the opposite is true. Cases are (usually) designed with airflow in mind. You also want to make certain none of the PCI expansion blanks have been removed.
Check to make certain there is no dust inside the case. Clean it all out. If there isn't a rear case fan, you usually have the option of installing one. Sometimes they are in the front instead.
If you have removed the CPU lately, what type of compound did you use when you replaced it? The only acceptable type is that with Silver in it.
DR
You would think it should run cooler if you leave the case open but the opposite is true. Cases are (usually) designed with airflow in mind.
I agree but would like to amend that to say "good" cases are designed with front to back air flow in mind. But then much depends on the placement, and orientation of the any fans too. Sadly, I have often seen fans mounted backwards, exhausting when they should have been drawing cool air in, for example. Wire management plays a key role in unrestricted front to back air flow too. I recommend replacing all flat IDE and floppy ribbon cables with round cables.
If you run more than a degree or two cooler with the side panel off, then you need to review your cooling/fan options. I have on several occasions, added 80mm and 92mm fans on the tops of cases for a "blowhole" vent. A messy project but worth it, if you have the tools. If no tools, a new case may be necessary. That said, removing the side panel and blasting a desk fan in there is often an acceptable method of troubleshooting heat related problems, or resolving temporary case cooling deficiencies.
The only acceptable type is that with Silver in it.
Ummm, sorry, but that's no longer true. There are some excellent next-generation (non-metallic) ceramic based TIMs (thermal interface material) that are beating out the silvers!
Cases are (usually) designed with airflow in mind. You also want to make certain none of the PCI expansion blanks have been removed.
Check to make certain there is no dust inside the case. Clean it all out. If there isn't a rear case fan, you usually have the option of installing one. Sometimes they are in the front instead.
If you have removed the CPU lately, what type of compound did you use when you replaced it? The only acceptable type is that with Silver in it.
DR