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Tips and products to help protect your computer and data
this summer...
The parts inside a computer can only
operate within certain temperatures... if something gets too hot, worst
case scenario, it goes bang, taking with it all your files.
Even if parts aren't getting too hot,
helping to lower the temperature will help to prolong the life of parts.
Some parts in a typical computer normally
run at 40-60ºc, in a performance computer a high end graphics card
could run at around 80ºc while you're playing a game. With it being the
summer, the ambient temperature could be up by 10ºc+ compared to the
winter, so the parts inside your computer are going to be that much
hotter.
 
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There's usually a minimum of two fans inside a computer. One in
the power supply unit (PSU) and one for the processor.
A sign that that fans are wearing out is that they become noisy
when you first switch your computer on. Most people ignore this
and forget about it when the noise is no longer noticed - this can
be because the fan has stopped working altogether and now,
whatever was being kept cool by it is now running hotter.
The PSU converts
the mains power into required voltages and powers all the
various parts inside the computer. This process generates heat
so a fan is usually used to pass air through the PSU. If the
PSU overheats it can fail, sometimes with a bang.
Processors (CPUs) in modern computers usually prevent overheating by
switching your computer off when it gets too hot. Things also
become 'unstable' when they get hot, so if your computer keeps
restarting then it could be a temperature issue.
Click
here for some replacement fans > |
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Motherboards
and Graphics Cards...
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Some
motherboards have small fans on them where a lot of heat is
generated. Because they are small they spin quicker than
larger fans and in our experience wear out a lot quicker. In
computers with dedicated graphics cards there may be a fan
here too, again not always very big and prone to wearing
out. Sometimes the only sign you'll get that something is
too hot is when the parts fail.
Click
here for some replacement fans >
When
purchasing a graphics card we always take into consideration
the size and design of the cooler.
Click
here for graphics cards > |
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The hard drive is where all your
files are stored. It is a mechanical device and thus has a
limited lifespan. Keeping it cool can help prolong its life.
A
dedicated hard drive cooler is a good option where internal
case airflow isn't at its best.
Click
here for some replacement fans > |
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There's
no substitute for regular backups. There is always the risk
of a part failing and causing a loss of data. Just think of
all the files, photographs and music you keep on your PC...
there is a risk you could lose it all.
Click
here for some backup solutions > |
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A
well designed case should allow for air to be drawn into it,
pass over heat-sensitive parts then expelled. Some cases
will have fans to aid in this process but they can become
clogged up with dust, especially if your computer sits on or
near the floor.
Where
fan options are limited we can modify cases to add fans, or
if you want to give your computer a new look and improve air
flow all the parts can be transferred to a new case.
Click
here for some alternative cases > |
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With
all these fans comes noise. Not all fans need to run at full
speed all of the time so a fan controller is a means of
turning the speed of the fans down to acceptable levels. A
temperature gauge can also be fitted so you can monitor the
temperature and turn the fans up if necessary.
Click
here for related products > |
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High
performance computers usually generate more heat and thus
cooling is of high importance here. Sometimes air cooling
isn't enough or isn't preferred because of the noise
generated. Watercooling is the next step to cooling a
computer and at the same time reducing the noise. Like with
a car engine, water is pumped round the system to a radiator
which has a fan attached to it. This method is more
effective at transferring the heat away from those vital
parts than air alone and because special liquid is used it's
safer than it sounds! Plus, set up well in an attractive
case can look really cool!
Watercooling
is an option for all the computers we build > |
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Laptops
are limited in their ability to keep cool. Avoid using one
on your lap, sofa or bed as the vents will be blocked and
parts will get too hot. Instead, sit at a clutter-free desk
- it's not only better for the laptop but better for your
posture too. If your laptop still feels like it is getting
too hot or you want to better protect the parts then a
laptop cooler is a good option. |
Just because your computer survived last
summer doesn't guarantee it will survive this year - a build up of dust
or a failed fan could spell disaster. If you live locally
it is advised that you book your computer in for a health check to
ensure it is in best health, free from dust and airflow is at its best.
We can also discuss further cooling options
and backup methods.
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