Issue 21.13
About once a year I write an article about an issue that affects every computer user sooner or later – overheating of computer components that leads to failure or instability. Computer chips generate a large amount of heat which must be dissipated or the chip and surrounding circuits will get so hot that the micro wires will actually melt. Micro wiring is the reason that computers are so powerful compared to a few years ago but it is very sensitive to heat.
The main defense against overheating is fans placed to blow air across and cool heat sinks. Heat sinks are usually copper or aluminum. They absorb heat from the computer chips as long as they are in turn cooled by the fans. If the fan stops or slows down, the heat sink can no longer do its job adequately, the chip overheats and the computer either shuts down or quits altogether. Transistors and capacitors in the power supply of most computers also need to be cooled or they can also fail.
In most computers there are at least two and usually up to four or more fans. You will almost always find a fan in the power supply and one attached to the CPU (Central Processing Unit or Main Chip). In newer and especially in more powerful computers you will almost always have added fans in the case (for higher airflow through the inside of the case) and on the video card. Video cards have progressed until they now have similar computing power to many of yesterday’s main computer chips. That makes them run hotter and require cooling. Additional fans are also sometimes used to cool hard drives and other components.
If your computer starts to act strangely or to shut down unexpectedly, you will want to check all of the fans in your system. If you don’t feel confident doing so, any decent tech can check them for you. Especially have them checked if you hear a grinding or wobbling sound. It usually means a fan is not running up to speed and will probably fail soon. Fans are a lot cheaper to replace than CPU chips or video cards.
Many computers have thermal shutdown features that cause them to turn off if the operating temperature of certain components reaches a preset point. This is a safety feature and should not be turned off. If this is happening it is an indication that you need to have your computer checked right away.
Laptops also need to be checked for airflow and overheating. Cooling pads ($15-$25) that you place under the laptop can help, but if the airflow is blocked by dust or by being used on a soft surface (such as covers on your bed) the system can quickly overheat and do damage. There have even been reports of fires cause by laptop overheating so be especially careful with these.
Hopefully this information can save you trouble and money. Be safe and always remember to back up anything that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.