Having your computer heat up your room can be an annoying problem, especially during the summer months. There are several steps you can take to prevent your computer from turning your room into a sauna.
Clean Out the Inside of Your Computer
One of the best things you can do is give the inside of your computer a thorough cleaning. Over time, dust builds up on the components inside your computer, which reduces airflow and causes the components to retain more heat. Here’s what you should do:
- Open up your computer’s case and access the components.
- Use compressed air to blow out dust from the CPU, GPU, fans, heat sinks, and other components.
- Use a small vacuum or brush to clean out any remaining dust buildup.
- Wipe down components with a microfiber cloth if needed.
Cleaning out the inside of your computer allows for better airflow which will help the components stay cooler. You should clean the inside of your computer every 6-12 months for optimal cooling.
Improve Airflow Around Your Computer
The area around your computer also plays a big role in keeping things cool. Here are some tips for improving airflow:
- Make sure your computer case has adequate ventilation. Look for cases with mesh panels or vents that allow air to easily flow in and out.
- Give your computer some breathing room by keeping it away from walls, corners, or tight spaces where air can’t circulate.
- Keep the front and back of the computer case clear so air can flow freely through the vents.
- Use an external cooling pad or stand that elevates your computer for improved airflow.
- Point a floor or desk fan near your computer to improve air circulation.
Improving the airflow gives your computer’s fans an easier job expelling heat from the case which will lower your computer’s temperature.
Manage Your Computer’s Power Settings
Your computer’s power management settings can also impact how hot it runs. Here are some settings to check:
- Power plan – Switch to a “Balanced” or “Power Saver” power plan to reduce energy usage and heat output when your computer is idle.
- Processor performance – Limit your CPU’s maximum performance to 70-80% to reduce heat generation under load.
- Sleep settings – Set your computer to sleep after shorter periods of inactivity.
- Hybrid Sleep – Enable “Hybrid Sleep” so unused memory dumps to your SSD when sleeping to reduce wake-up heat.
Tweaking these settings prevents your computer from using full power when not needed, lowering temperatures.
Use a Laptop Cooling Pad
If you have a laptop, using an external cooling pad can dramatically help lower its temperature. Here’s how they work:
- Lifts your laptop up for improved airflow from below.
- Uses large fans to generate additional airflow and air circulation.
- Some models have USB-powered fans that pull heat away from your laptop’s underside.
This table compares three popular laptop cooling pads:
| Cooling Pad | Fans | Adjustable Height | USB Powered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree New Bee | 4 large fans | Yes | Yes |
| Havit Laptop Cooler | 3 fans | No | No |
| TopMate C5 | 5 fans | Yes | Yes |
Using one of these cooling pads can lower your laptop’s temperature by 10-15°C easily. Just make sure to get one with large, high RPM fans for maximum cooling potential.
Undervolt Your CPU
If you have advanced computer knowledge, you can try undervolting your CPU to reduce its power consumption and operating temperature. Here’s a quick explanation:
- CPUs ship with a default voltage setting that provides more power than needed.
- Undervolting reduces the CPU voltage to decrease power usage.
- Less power = less heat generated by your CPU.
Undervolting is an advanced process that requires careful stress testing for stability, but it can lower CPU temperatures by 5-10°C if done properly. Just be cautious when experimenting with undervolting to avoid system crashes or freezes.
Replace the Thermal Paste
Here is another advanced technique – replacing your computer’s thermal paste. Over time, the thermal paste between your CPU/GPU and heatsink dries out. Here is the process:
- Remove the heatsink and clean off the old, dried thermal paste.
- Apply a pea-sized dot of fresh, high-quality thermal paste like Arctic Silver.
- Re-mount the heatsink.
Replacing dried up thermal paste restores efficient heat transfer between your components and heatsink. This can lower temperatures by 5-15°C in systems over 3-4 years old.
Use a Desktop Air Conditioner
If all else fails, you can use a compact desktop air conditioner to literally blow cold air on your computer setup. Here are the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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A desktop AC unit aimed right at your computer can lower its temperature by 10-20°C. Just be prepared for higher energy bills and possible noise.
Conclusion
There are many effective options for lowering computer temperatures to prevent your system from heating up your room. Here are some key tips covered in this article:
- Clean out your computer’s internals and improve airflow.
- Adjust power settings for less waste heat.
- Use external cooling like laptop pads and desktop ACs.
- Try advanced methods like undervolting and thermal paste replacement.
Taking a few of these steps can help keep your computer’s temperature under control. Just avoid risky measures like disabling fans entirely. With some simple maintenance and cooling accessories, you can stop your PC from turning your room into a sauna.
