Have you noticed your computer slowing down? You’ve done the usual maintenance and it still seems slow? You may be experiencing heat related slowdown.
The computer has sensors that detect when it is overheating, and it automatically slows itself down to reduce its heat output. As a result your computer will run slower and slower. If you ignore this symptom and keep pushing it to work, it may eventually die of heat exhaustion.
There are many fans inside your computer who’s job is to keep the system cool, but they also suck in all the dust into the computer, but they can’t do anything if they don’t have access to outside air. Eventually the inside of the computer will fill with dust. Even if you keep the vents clear, the dust can accumulate preventing that cooling air from reaching components. Every year, have a professional clean the inside of your computer.
So what can you do about it?
- Run a vacuum ON THE OUTSIDE of the computer and insure all the vents, front and back, are clear. Do this every three months or more frequently if you smoke, have pets, or are in a dusty environment.
- Set your screen saver to show a blank screen. If you computer is drawing images or scrolling text, then it’s working; and this generates unnecessary heat.
- Let your computer sleep. People usually use their computer everyday, but not every hour, letting your computer sleep will dramatically reduce its power usage. Less power equals less heat. If you access your computer remotely, you can’t do this.
- If you’re not going to use your computer for more than a day, turn it off.
- Finally, if you feel hot in the room you’re running the computer, then it’s too hot for the computer as well.
A cooler computer means a faster computer. That makes you more productive, and gives your computer a longer life.