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The following tips can prevent overheating and prolong the life of your desktop computer:
Remove dust
Keep your computer free of dust. Dust is the number one enemy of electronic equipment.
Remember proper placement
Keep your computer in a location that allows the least contact with dust and the best airflow. This means:
Position your computer a few inches from the wall.
- Do not put the computer directly onto the floor. Although tower models are designed for placement anywhere, particularly near foot or knee level, they should not be directly on the floor or carpet. Buy a computer stand and elevate the unit several inches off the ground to reduce dust accumulation. Make sure the stand does not block air vents.
- Be aware of power cord placement. Keep power cords away from pets as they can become a favorite chew toy.
Monitor the room environment and surroundings.
- Keep draperies and other fabrics away from the fan.
- Keep a comfortable room temperature. Your computer is even more sensitive to room temperature than you are. If it is 85 degrees (Fahrenheit) indoors, it is probably closer to 110 degrees inside the hard drive case of your computer. Experts recommend keeping the room at 75 degrees to 85 degrees maximum to avoid equipment failure (and possible permanent damage).
- Avoid too much (or too little) humidity, especially if you live in an area where humidity is a part of everyday weather. Humidity should be kept low - at about 35 percent to 40 percent - but not completely absent, or static becomes a problem. Sensors and software are available to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in a computer, while devices are available to measure levels throughout the house.
- Do not smoke around your computer.
Peripherals
Consider the number of accessories you are using in your desktop computer. The more parts and peripherals you add to your system, the hotter it runs.
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