Desktop overheating easily
My computer (desktop) used to be fine, overheating only when it was its limit but one day I decided to clean all the dust inside. I cleaned a lot of dust and carefully without breaking or scratch anything. However after the cleaning, the few days were fine but then it started overheating easily. I used to be able to run LoL without problems but now after playing like 5 minutes, the computer starts making noises like loading a lot of stuff. After 1 hour of playing, it would overheat and shut down. Everything else works fine, browsing internet won't even make the computer warm or anything. It's just playing games and downloading stuff.
Does anyone what should I do and what could had caused this?
Note: Everything was fine 1 month ago. I haven't moved the computer tower or blocked the fan or air paths (holes?).
2 Comments • Newest first
[quote=Watermelon]How do I do that ?[/quote]
Lay the computer on its right side so the side that opens is up. Take off the left side so the case is open, facing up.
Turn on the computer and look at the fans.
Make sure all the fans are running, especially the one over the CPU/heatsink toward the top/middle of the motherboard, and the fan (if there is one) on the bottom facing side of the video card.
If there are any fans on the case (usually on the back or front, but possibly also at the top and on the side you removed), make sure they're running too.
The fans should all be spinning smoothly and fast, with no "wobble" or hesitation, and no odd noises. There should be the normal sound of air blowing, but no squealing, rumbling or "moaning".
There are also one or more fans inside the power supply, but those are a little harder to see. Use a flashlight and shine it into the "fan guard" on the back of the computer near where the AC power cord from the wall socket plugs in and make sure the fan under there is spinning. If the power supply is mounted at the top of the computer (as most are), there may be another fan on the bottom, facing the inside of the computer. If you see another fan guard in that area shine the flashlight inside and try to see if there's another fan there and make sure it's running.
If any of the fans looks dead (not running) look at the wire that comes out of the side of the fan (usually yellow and black, or red and black, sometimes also with a white wire) and make sure it's plugged in somewhere. The ones on the motherboard usually plug directly into the motherboard, the one on the video card will plug in near the fan on the video card, and the ones on the case will have longer wires going to the power supply usually. If any are unplugged and not running, you'll have to find the place they're supposed to be plugged in, and replug them so they work.
If any are turning, but wobbling, squealing, or running slowly, it means the fan is worn out or damaged and needs to be replaced.
And if any are plugged in, but not turning at all, they will need to be replaced.
Did you move or remove anything when you cleaned the inside of the computer?
There's a (slight) possibility you may have dislodged the heatsink from the CPU chip which would affect the heatsink/fan's ability to cool the CPU, but if you didn't bump anything or remove anything that shouldn't be a problem.
CAREFULLY grasp the fan (not the blades, the body of the fan) over the CPU/heatsink in the middle of the motherboard and VERY, VERY GENTLY "wiggle" it back and forth a little. It should not move.
If it feels loose or moves easily, you should not use the computer until the heatsink is re-attached to the motherboard correctly, as it could potentially damage the CPU chip.
If it feels solid and doesn't move then that part is OK.
How do I do that ?