How to Tell If Your Computer is Overheating

There are some basic steps to diagnose whether your computer is overheating. In this article I will give you some tips to to help you diagnose your computer for possible overheating problems. Overheating can cause your computer to reboot or shutdown.

Computer reboots or shutdowns a lot

If your computer is overheating one of the sure signs that it is it will reboot or power itself off. Windows will do this to keep the computer from damaging itself or one of its components. Sometimes your computer will do this every few minutes until the problem is fixed.

Steps to take

First thing you want to do is remove the computers side panel. If your computer is powered off power it up.

Second, you want to inspect your fan on your power supply. Make sure it is spinning and no unusual noises are coming from it.

Third, inspect your CPU fan make sure it is running efficiently. If anyone of these things is not working than there is your culprit.

Fourth, blow out your fans and the inside of your computer with compressed air. You can purchase compressed air at any electronics or computer store.

Fifth, run your computer with the side panel removed and see if it powers off or reboots itself. This is only a temporary solution. This will check if the fans are running efficiently. If your computer only recently started overheating than one of your components or fans maybe on its way out. Your computer could also be clogged with dirt which can cause it to overheat. Make sure you blow it out thoroughly.

Sixth, Try tapping your power supply from the outside of the case and listen for any change in pitch. If your fans speed up or slow down by tapping the case it would be a good idea to replace the culprit.

Extra fans

You can purchase extra case fans especially if your computer has been overclocked. Some cases because of their size require more fans to keep the computer from overheating. If your problem of overheating only surfaces in hot weather than you may need to move your computer to a cooler spot or make sure where it is located it has adequate air flow.

There are so many little things you can do to make sure your computer is getting adequate air flow. I recommend you blow out your computer every couple of months. Last thing be careful moving your computer to new locations as not to bang it too hard and damage the power supply.