Computer Overheating - Which Fan Do I Need?

DazedByTheLight

My computer seems to be overheating because whenever I try running a power-intensive application (mainly games) it crashes and just freezes and I need to reset the power.

I read this idea somewhere and have tried taking the cover off and blowing a desk fan at it. This has solved the problem and I have not had any issues at all since.

However, this is obviously not an ideal long-term solution and I would like to install another fan into the computer case which would do this for me. I have no computer experience but hope this would be a relatively simple task.

Please could someone help by suggesting what is overheating and which fan/type of fan I would need?

Thanks for your help in advance.

DBTL

superscaper

If there's a problem overheating then this implies you have a problem with your current fans which should be sorted out. Have you given the fans a good clean/dusting? Also is your pc in an open or enclosed space?

DazedByTheLight

Hi, thanks for the advice. I will try cleaning the fans again and report back.

The PC is in a computer desk which means one side is next to a drawer side but the other side, front and back are not blocked by anything.

Conor_3

If all the fans are turning, it's likely the CPU heatsink has got clogged up with dust and merely needs cleaning out. A 2" paintbrush and can of compressed air does the job.

superscaper

Conor wrote: »

If all the fans are turning, it's likely the CPU heatsink has got clogged up with dust and merely needs cleaning out. A 2" paintbrush and can of compressed air does the job.

Agreed. I find those compressed "air" cans very useful. Also no chance of accidentally damaging any components.

Browntoa

you can add extra fans to certain types of motherboards, you need to identify your board by reading off the number while you have the case open or using Belarc advisor to tell you which one. You then need to check if the case has spare holes where an extra fan can be fitted. If you only have 1 fan outlet on the case then you would be looking to get a more powerful fan and do a straight swap, simple unscrew 4 screws and unlup old fan , reverse with new fan

Optimistic_Saver

It's not a Dell laptop by any chance ....?

We had this problem last year with a Dell Inspirion laptop - read all the posts on this site and another forum run by a MSE member talking you through the steps to take to fix the problem.

In our case it seems that it was a design fault with the Dell laptop, that has led to it overheating and shutting down when it becomes too hot. There was a whole bunch of technical information somewhere (so sorry, I can't remember the link) that gave you the steps to try and fix it - all very technical. As I understand it, there was a problem with the motherboard melting into the base of the laptop or something like that through it having overheated in the past.

We managed to extend the life of the computer by sitting it on a couple of paperback books, i.e. to create space and airflow under and to the sides of the laptop. By doing this it stopped shutting down for 6+ months before the problems started again.

We have just bought a replacement computer this time (not a laptop).

Fingers crossed your problems are caused by something far more simple to fix! Good luck

superscaper

Optimistic_Saver wrote: »

It's not a Dell laptop by any chance ....?

Very much doubt it if the OP had the case open and it's situated in a computer desk.

DazedByTheLight

Thanks for all the replies, sorry for the late response.

No, it is not a laptop - it is a custom built PC (which was medium to high spec so I could play games on it! )

Perhaps it would be best if I try cleaning the fans and heatsink and then if that fails try Browntoa's suggestion of replacing or adding the fans on the motherboard?

Where is the best place to get a can of compressed air from?

superscaper

DazedByTheLight wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies, sorry for the late response.

No, it is not a laptop - it is a custom built PC (which was medium to high spec so I could play games on it! )

Perhaps it would be best if I try cleaning the fans and heatsink and then if that fails try Browntoa's suggestion of replacing or adding the fans on the motherboard?

Where do I get a can of compressed air from?

I think we get ours from either a JTF store or a costco store, can't remember which , Falcon Dust Off XL (something like £8 for three). Much cheaper than anywhere for them online (normally about £6 each).

darich

DazedByTheLight wrote: »

Where is the best place to get a can of compressed air from?

Photography shops often stock them too.
Try Jessops, or any other camera shop.