The joys of laptops!
Easy to transport when traveling, convenient, lightweight and versatile machines that we never get tired of. Laptops are becoming extremely popular and for good reason; however, the cost of maintaining and repairing laptop issues is higher than that of desktop computers.
Today, we will discuss the biggest disadvantage laptops have, compared to desktop computers… OVERHEATING! Many people have issues with their laptops shutting down unexpectedly, randomly rebooting, “Blue Screening” (BSOD), becoming extremely hot to the touch, and more.
When people experience these symptoms, many mistake them for: spyware, driver problems, viruses, and more. The GOOD thing is that I will teach you how to prevent your laptop from overheating, so if you ever experience any of the above problems, you know that HEAT is not the cause!
Laptops are smaller than desktops, so they have much less room for cooling. The cooling fans are usually located near the bottom center of the laptop, causing heat from the cooling fans to exit through the bottom of the laptop.
This explains why your lap gets “warm” or “hot” when a laptop sits on it for long periods of time. That actually contributes to your laptop overheating. Placing your laptop on any “fabric” surface such as bed covers, clothing, rugs, etc. it may cause insufficient heat dissipation and may cause your laptop to overheat. Again, an overheating laptop can shut down, randomly reboot, blue screen, and/or cause permanent and costly hardware damage.
Here are some suggestions to avoid overheating:
1.) Use a “Laptop Cooling Pad”.
These little devices connect to your laptop via USB and contain fans that point upwards into your laptop’s vents, helping to cool down the CPU. Your lap is a major heat producer as the vents are blocked off at the bottom of the computer while the laptop rests on your lap. That, in turn, causes much of the heat to be redirected back into the computer, rather than blowing out the vents. Laptop cooling pads work well for keeping your laptop from overheating, but they also work great for keeping your lap cool!
2.) Buy a can of “Compressed Air”.
These cans can be found at virtually any large chain store; Wal-Mart, Target, Radio Shack, etc. Attach the “straw” to the can. Then turn your laptop upside down and blow the compressed air into the vents.
Continue pressing the nozzle for air to escape, while moving the can in a circular motion to clean out any dust, debris, lenses, or any other foreign objects that may be obstructing the airflow or cooling process. Do this regularly, at least once every 1-2 months.
3.) Remove the battery from your laptop when it is plugged into a power outlet.
This will help preserve battery life and prevent excessive heat buildup that occurs from continuing to charge the laptop battery after it has been fully charged. Since the battery is a heat conductor, it is helpful to remove it when it is fully charged.
4.) Avoid exposing your laptop to direct sunlight, high temperatures for long periods of time.
Remember this statement at least: “When it comes to computer components, heat KILLS!”
5.) Make sure your cooling fan is running at all times!
If it is “clogged” or making “strange and unusual” noises, have it checked immediately. Cooling fans cool the CPU and remove heat from the computer. The image to the left shows an exposed cooling fan assembly, after the laptop has been “taken apart”. This is necessary when replacing or repairing a laptop fan. The CPU must remain cool at all times. Without a CPU, your computer is nothing more than a lap anchor!
Well, I hope this article will help end your overheated laptop frustration. If you have a newer or newer computer and it runs like new, this will help keep it running that way.
Happy Computing!