Keep-Computer-Cool

 
Heat, can destroy your computer

Today's computers have built-in cooling fans that keep the computer from overheating during normal use.  If your computer's cooling fan malfunctions, the computer will overheat and may cause irreparable damage.  Keeping the computer fan in tiptop shape is fairly easy.  Just follow these simple steps:  

Keep Your Computer Cool - Tips

1. Do not block any air vents on your PC's case. 
2. Most fans are on the back of the computer, so position the computer at least 6 inches from the wall.  
3. Keep drapes or curtains and other fabric away from the fan. 
4. Keep the fan clean and free of debris. A vacuum cleaner and a brush will do it. Make sure computer is off (unplugged would be good!).
5. Try to keep dogs, cats, and other hairy pets away from the computer, that is don’t have their “bed” close to the computer. (If only I could get the cat off my keyboard!). 
6. Keep your computer in a clean, well-ventilated area. 
7. Open your case once or twice a year and use a computer vacuum or can of compressed air to clean out built up dust and debris. Do this more often if you have a cat or dog that sheds a lot. 
8. The room where your system is kept should never be too hot.  How hot is too hot? If it's uncomfortable for you, it's probably uncomfortable for your PC as well. 

Detecting Fan Failure

Most computers have two fans. The one which is generally visible from the back of the computer cools the power supply(see image for power supply fan).

The other which is inside the computer cools the processor.

 
These cooling fans are frequently one of the first components of a computer to fail. 

The first indication of a fan failure is a difference in the sound that it makes.   When a fan is failing it will usually alert you with some unusual sound.  This noise may be an unusual squealing, whirring, clicking, clunking, or groaning.  Any loud or unusually weird sounds should be investigated. In many cases, these strange sounds are you only clue of a malfunctioning fan

Note: Sometimes a lack of noise is your clue, because the fan suddenly is not running!

Some computers, however, will actually alert you with a computer-generated sound if the fan starts to fail. While often a fan gives some audible indication that it is starting to fail, sometimes it does not. If either fan goes out suddenly, in most cases the computer will boot up properly, but shortly after booting, the computer will start to overheat.

A very common response to this type of overheating in Windows computers is what is affectionately referred to as the dreaded "blue screen of death".  If your computer gives you constant Windows errors that turn the entire screen blue, you may want to check out the cooling fan. 

Another common error, is that your computer will cut off, after running for a few minutes. It frequently won't restart (until it cools off!).

Not All Fans Work Constantly

Most older computers have fans that work constantly. However, some newer computers have cooling fans that can be set to spin only when the temperature gets too high. So hearing the fan turn off and on is not necessarily an indication of failure.  If you are concerned that the fan never seems to be moving, take the computer in and have it checked out, or call the manufacturer.  If the fan is a newer one that operates intermittently, the manufacturer can help you reset the BIOS to make the fan run constantly. Then you will be able to check it out.

The Death of a Fan

>If the fan has failed, the computer components may start to overheat. The components can actually burn from overheating. If you smell something burning inside your computer, turn it off immediately and have it checked. 

Remember, fans are cheap! So, don't worry, just replace your fan!

Overclocking

Overclocking your CPU is speeding it up to push it past its recommended limits. Overclocking should be done with a lot of caution, and frequent checking of CPU temperature. If you do not know how to find CPU temp, then you should not be overclocking!

Replacing or upgrading cooling components

 Don’t try to “repair” fans. Replace it immediately. Fans are not expensive, but the damage from a fan that is not operating properly is expensive!. If you are mechanically handy, replacing the cooling fan is a fairly easy endeavor, but “buying” the right fan can be less than easy. You need to know CPU Type, and sometimes the "socket type". If you want to try it yourself, call your vendor to ask for assistance on the order. I have good luck with TigerDirect with technical assistance over the phone.

For computer novices - Contact your service person.

Adding a Case Fan

In some cases, a computer may run "hot", because of it's location, or components have been added, or possibly it's original fans were not adequate. You can feel the case, and feel that it is too hot. In these cases, you can possibly add an additional fan. Many computers have space for one to be mounted. Talk to your repair person for more information. An alternative, is to replace existing fans with a model that moves more air.

CPU Fans - from Amazon

If you need professional help, see Computer Support