pc crashing - switching itself off

dipsomaniac

pc has been crashing more often recently. it usually happens after pc has been on for several hours and fan gets louder before it crashes so suspect it is a heat issue. is it just a case of adding another fan or can anyone suggest anything else i can do. i don't do gaming on pc.

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Figment

First thing to do is (with power off) remove the cover and clean out fluff - particularly from fans, vents and heatsinks. Before replacing cover, switch PC on and check all fans are running (note: any that are temperature controlled may not start immediately)


If the problem persists after that, run it with the cover removed for a few days to see if this helps.

The other thing you could check as you hear the fan start to get louder is to open the Task Manager (Processes tab) and click on the heading of the CPU column once to sort the entries. If a particular program is eating a lot of CPU resource, try quitting that program to see if the fan calms down.

aerostar

I wonder if your next posting will be......

My computer has failed, how do I get all my precious stuff of it ???????

Figment

aerostar wrote: »

I wonder if your next posting will be......

My computer has failed, how do I get all my precious stuff of it ???????

Might be an idea to suggest a data backup now?

Visiondvd

remove all leads
earth yourself( touch something metal)
open the case and remove heatsink and fan.
clean both with can of air.
Check the thermal paste on the bottom of heatsink, if it is dried up (like hard toothpaste), clean it off and apply some new stuff, get them off fleabay for £1.
put it all back and 90 per cent sure thats you sorted.
you could also try buying a new fan (again £4 fleabay)
If that dont cure it ,next step, replace the power supply £11.

macman

Figment wrote: »

Might be an idea to suggest a data backup now?

Then I suggest a data backup now!

Ainsley1

Dipsomaniac: As an adviser take some, as posted above. Remember risk reduction is part of the key to success! (You have not yet responded.......)

Post back when you have organised a backup - if you value your data [ and ensure you run a virus/security program]. Those things are basic. An external drive is probably best for backups (such as one connected via USB).

Previous posts allude to temperature/overheating fixes and some maintenance which definitely is indicated in your post. I would add ensure that you do not have the air vents covered by anything (external to the case) and the PC is in a cool area (on the floor is also usually cooler).

Does it happen when particular software is running or you are doing something specific such as running a financial model (see above for CPU loading post)?

Vision also gives a plausible reason but perhaps you might not have the confidence to delve into hardware? If so perhaps a local maintenance shop?

It could also be the power supply overheating and shutting down or producing lower voltage outputs. There are diagnostic progs to monitor these things when you get to that stage - after your backup and inspection for dust etc.