Is your PC overheating this summer? We ask 'why!?' - part 1

[James]

Is your PC overheating this summer? We ask 'why!?' - part 1

Part one of two on how to avoid an overheating system now that summer is here

[PlainStack]

So quick question, will removing your side panel actually help in cooling your system or not really logic says yes but as we know logic doesn't always prevail. I'm strictly talking about a system that only has one intake fan blowing over the CPU and then the PSU exhaust fan above the CPU.

[wheunis]

So quick question, will removing your side panel actually help in cooling your system or not really logic says yes but as we know logic doesn't always prevail. I'm strictly talking about a system that only has one intake fan blowing over the CPU and then the PSU exhaust fan above the CPU.

No.
Altering the intended airflow of the case by removing a panel for long-term open use is not a solution.
Besides... that would just allow dust to freely enter at all points.

[The Joker]

No.
Altering the intended airflow of the case by removing a panel for long-term open use is not a solution.
Besides... that would just allow dust to freely enter at all points.

Quite correct.
You will actually notice in older Bios settings there is a case open warning.
Having you're case open disrupts the airflow.

[HavocXphere]

I normally clean mine with a vacuum cleaner not sure if it is fine

Apparently vacuum cleaner is a bad idea...learned that a while ago (on here i think).

Having you're case open disrupts the airflow.

This assumes there is well design airflow in the first place. In most PCs out there this isn't the case and opening the side does actually lower temps.

[wheunis]

This assumes there is well design airflow in the first place. In most PCs out there this isn't the case and opening the side does actually lower temps.

Even the cheapest of cases have a very good purpose for staying closed-up.
Same as with waterflow, the flow of air is very prone to creating "Eddies" where multiple open entries of additional flow can create a deadzone.
In airflow as it pertains to cooling, these Eddies can heat up well above the point of 90 degrees celcius and your system won't ever report it - as it is generally quite small and contained.
These eddies however can move around and should they hit something important, you can pretty much expect that component to get it's ass fried if it was already a little heated.

[DarthMol]

I think it's about time I do some dusting again. I can hear my CPU fan working hard in this hot weather.

[phoenix]

I usually borrow the blower they use to clean PCs at work and use that to blast any dust out of my computer.
It does put out quite a jet of air.
My room is unfortunately rather dusty.

[Weasley]

one should not use cloths rather use a blower or compressed air cans. The problem is with cloth you can break small things that one woudn't notice immedality and then you have bigger problems than dust.

[Ichigo]

one should not use cloths rather use a blower or compressed air cans. The problem is with cloth you can break small things that one woudn't notice immedality and then you have bigger problems than dust.

I normally clean mine with a vacuum cleaner not sure if it is fine