


And if you have carpet on your floor, you’re probably blocking the power supply’s intake fan. While cleaning it regularly can help, you also want to prevent stuff from getting into your computer in the first place.įor example, cigarette smoke and pet fur will exacerbate those problems, and putting your desktop PC on the floor will ensure more of that dust, hair, and debris will get sucked into the intake.

It's also always a good idea to monitor CPU temperature just in case.Īll computers accumulate some dust over time, heating up the components and making those fans work harder. If you’re overclocking, take extra care to watch those voltages and temps. Other than that, the same rules apply to laptops as desktops: Don't leave it in hot places (like a car on a sunny day) and blow out the dust once in a while. Lap desks are a good way to ensure things stay cool. When possible, use your laptop on a flat surface (where the rubber feet usually raise it up off a desk), or at least make sure your lap is free of blankets and other things that can block airflow. This blocks airflow under the laptop, and potentially through the laptop (if the blanket covers the fan vents). Their portability leads to a lot of bad habits, like putting it on a blanket or other plush surface. Laptops, on the other hand, require a bit more care. You probably want to clean out the dust once in a while with an electric duster (more on that below). Keep it out of tight cabinets and other spaces that trap heat. Running at high temperatures for extended periods can also reduce the lifespan of your processor, fans, and battery-not to mention make your computer loud and sizzling to touch.įor desktop computers, the solution is pretty simple: make sure your case has adequate airflow, with enough vents and fans to keep cool air moving through the components.

If your computer gets too hot, the processor may slow down, throttling itself to keep temperatures reasonable, or even shutting down completely. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.
