Computer Cooling Systems

Posted by ttblogger on 04/24 at 12:47 PM Permalink
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If you’re a desktop PC gamer, enthusiast or just want to keep your rig from turning into a George Foreman Grill when it’s running the most demanding games (insert Crysis joke here), video editing, rendering pictures on Photoshop or just heavy multi-tasking, the manner in which your computer stays cool is very crucial in the long-term. Just like how synthetic motor oil does a better job of protecting vital engine parts in the long-run, having a good cooling system can preserve your computer’s motherboard and processor and reduce premature wear and tear. This Tech Tip will examine available cooling solutions and help you make an informed decision.

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    Posted by Richard W Holder  on  04/24  at  05:45 AM

  1. Hello, I enjoyed the article but the title “Computer Cooling – Does it matter which type?” was misleading.  The article focused on CPU cooling and did not include any details of the other aspects of “Computer Cooling” such as exhausting heat from the case itself.  Too many people that I assist do not realize how much heat a PC can generate.  Nor do they seem to realize that a clean PC (internally clean) runs cooler because it does not have the thermal dust blanket over the components, trapping much of the heat at or near the components and causing premature failure.  But it was a nice article to which I will direct others for supporting references for my recommendations regarding cooling CPUs.
    Thank you.

    2. Posted by Bryan314  on  04/24  at  06:35 AM

  2. you forgot to mention the whole fanless case option....you know, the ones with the massive heat sinks and absolutely silent operation?  Or do they make those anymore?

    Bryan

    3. Posted by jake  on  04/24  at  07:03 AM

  3. I’ve been using a water cooled case for the past 6 years. I have upgraded the processor, MB and memory about every two years.

    I Over-clock about 33% and for the performance enhancement vs buying over the counter processors that run the speed mine do I feel I’ve paid for the case and put money in my pocket.

    Completely satisfied with my setup.  Have had not one iota of trouble with it.

    4. Posted by tonyzzz  on  04/24  at  07:09 AM

  4. i leave the side of the case off and have a desk fan blowing into yhe case.been doing this for years ,no burndowns yet.

    5. Posted by Lester Jeffries  on  04/24  at  04:21 PM

  5. What can I say about your writing but “wow” – you really know about the cooling system for the computer and put your points across well. I can’t wait for your next post. I’ve found a guy who is good to read too will pass the details on when I find them.

    6. Posted by Jonathon Krueck  on  04/25  at  12:00 PM

  6. What about in-between Air-cooling and full water cool set ups like the Corsair H50/H60/H70 or Antec H2O 620?

    7. Posted by Harshad Sonaje  on  04/26  at  04:16 AM

  7. Like @Lester Jeffries said I too leave the side case open and allow the computer to naturally cool. Well the side effect is the dust which conveniently settles on the motherboard.

    8. Posted by Jim  on  05/02  at  08:57 AM

  8. To provide better cooling for your computer, it may be as simple as applying a better quality of thermal grease to the CPU.

    Radio Shack sells three types of thermal grease—the best kind is about $10 for a small tube, more than enough for one CPU.

    Remove the heat sink from the CPU.  Clean the surfaces of the heat sink and the CPU with good quality rubbing alcohol and a q-tip.  When the alcohol has evaporated, squirt some thermal grease onto the CPU.  Remount the heat sink.  Put it all back together.  You’re done!

    And, while you have the computer open, blow out the dust with a can of compressed air.

    To compare the temperature before and after, install a program such as speedfan.com, a free program.  Run it before and after, to see how much improvement you have achieved.

    9. Posted by Computer Repair Coventry  on  05/06  at  02:47 AM

  9. Great post, I’m having trouble with my computer it keeps making a lot of noise recently and overheating, mayybe a new fan is needed. Thanks

    10. Posted by Lester Jeffries  on  05/06  at  10:37 AM

  10. @Harshad Sonaje, you should not leave your side case off the computer, you do run the risk of duct getting into the computer system. It maynot be so bad if your computer is in a area where their little or no dust.

    11. Posted by Bryan314  on  05/06  at  03:34 PM

  11. @Computer Repair Coventry:  noisy means one (or more) of the following:
    1)fan bearings going out: replace fans.
    2)fans having to throttle up if they’re variable speed due to heat buildup: blow that dust out of your system.  Compressed air is cheap, computer components significantly less so.
    3)your hard drive is either full or on the way out: this is a source of noise many people don’t consider, but as a hard drive goes bad, especially an older and/or cheaper model, it will begin making a bit of a grinding noise.  Also, if it is getting full, it may have to thrash more to find places to put data and virtual memory.  replace it with a larger drive.

    How can you tell what do to?  Open the case and listen!  Blow out the dust, then put your ear near each component to see which one is loudest.

    Luck!

    12. Posted by Nick  on  05/13  at  05:10 AM

  12. Great tech tips. Very simple and easy to understand for the beginner PC builder. Maybe you could throw in an article about “Phase Changers” for the die hards =p

    13. Posted by tyre machines  on  05/23  at  09:16 PM

  13. All cooling system repairs should start with raising the hood while the car is hot and looking for leaks. This may seem remedial, but it is often the best way to determine if the leak is going to be easy to deal with or difficult.

    14. Posted by Bryan314  on  05/31  at  07:56 PM

  14. @Tyre:  Interesting, but I think you may have mixed up your web pages.  We’re talking about computer cooling, not removing waste heat from an internal combustion engine.  Somewhere there’s a beginner’s car forum with a post about how you used a massive copper heat sink and 10,000,000 heat pipes to silently cool your gaming computer.

    15. Posted by LewisR  on  06/25  at  09:33 PM

  15. Keeping your computer cool is vital for all gamers. Definitely do not want to overheat any part of your CPU. Thanks for you Info

    16. Page 1 of 1 pages

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