A heatwave affecting much of Western Europe and the United Kingdom began in mid-July 2022, setting all-time high temperatures across the region.
The temperatures are high, but the main issue here is that not many places have AC as this does not happen very often.
Rising temperatures are already creating an epidemic of exhausted hard drives, and more PCs are likely to fall victim to lightning strikes and flooding in the storms expected later this week.
All electronics are likely to overheat. If your computer feels hot or the fan gets loud, you may have too many browser tabs open, or you may be doing intensive tasks like playing games, editing multimedia files, or streaming videos online.
If your computer becomes too hot, it is possible to destroy and shorten the lifespan of the hardware inside your computer, leading to permanent damage and potential data loss.
1. Too many applications running simultaneously
2. Unresponsive applications
3. Too many browser tabs open
4. Defective fans
5. Blocked air vents
6. Outdated software
7. Viruses or other malware
8. Overheated CPU or GPU
9. Dust build-up on your PC’s fans and cabinet
9 tips to keep your systems running absolutely through the heat.
1. Clean your PC- Removing dust, dirt, and other particles that get into a PC can improve speed, performance, and airflow all at once. If you haven’t cleaned your PC in at least six months, your device is overdue for a cleaning.
2. Ambience- Keep computers in a cool, dry area to prevent overheating. If your laptop's intake grills are at the bottom, then uneven surfaces, like a blanket, pillow, or your lap, will obstruct its airflow. Subsequently, cooling is impaired, heat builds up, your laptop surfaces get hot, the internal temperature increases, and eventually, the laptop will overheat. So, keep the Laptop on a Hard and Flat Surface.
3. Improve airflow-Your computer’s air vents help prevent overheating by moving cooler air through your device. Use a table or lap desk and your computer should cool down. Desktop computers also need sufficient airflow to keep cool. Rather than store your PC in a cabinet or on a carpet, place it on a hard, firm surface with plenty of space around it. Use an external cooling system. Many laptops have ventilation systems that work by drawing in cool air from the bottom. This is why it’s better to use your computer on a hard, flat surface. If your laptop is prone to overheat, try using a cooling pad that blows air upwards into your laptop’s vents.
4. Check the fans- Most computer cooling works by using airflow. The vents in your computer’s exterior casing allow cool air to enter while releasing the hotter air from inside. Fans facilitate airflow and an increased whirring sound indicates your device may be a little too hot, as the fans are working overtime to keep things cool. If the fans are working, you may only need to wait a short time for your PC to cool down on its own. But if your computer’s hot and its fans aren’t working properly or are too loud, it could be a sign that they’re blocked or malfunctioning. Try cleaning your PC, improving its airflow, or replacing the fans.
5. Reapply thermal paste-Thermal paste is a heat-conductive material connecting the CPU or GPU with the metal heat sinks that help dissipate heat to keep your PC cool. Thermal paste can dry out over time, especially if you regularly push your PC beyond its natural limits. Thermal paste is located in the PC, so you’ll have to take your device apart to replace it. Unless you’re an expert, find an experienced technician to do this. Reapplying thermal paste can be an effective cooling method, especially with older PCs.
6. Power supply- Do not have too many computers running off one power supply, via an extension cable. If the power socket is affected by a power surge, then all the machines could suffer damage. Turn off and disconnect the power cord during an electrical storm. Turn off power during a blackout. When power is restored after a blackout, the signal can initially be inconsistent, which can cause damage. Businesses with network servers should invest in some form of uninterruptible power supply. At least once per year, users should inspect power protection devices to make sure they are functioning properly.
7. Close programs or shut them down-The most straightforward way to cool down your PC is to close any programs that consume lots of computing power and push your disk usage up to 100%, namely video editing and gaming software. You can also try shutting down your device and letting it rest for a few hours.
8. Other internal components also help with cooling. These are usually attached to the CPU or GPU, which generate the most heat through typical use. The heat sink is the main component that absorbs heat from these processors, and thermal paste is applied to the heat sink to conduct heat away from the CPU.
9. Your PC also cools itself systematically. This is what’s happening when you hear the fans speed up when opening specific applications or doing certain tasks. Cooling software provides automatic mechanisms to increase cooling when performing demanding tasks over an extended period of time.