Computer too hot

ShY · Nov 2, 2005, 04:12 PM

My parents have complained that the computer they use at work is very hot. They also tell me they can smell a slight burning smell. I'm supposed to check it out tomorrow but is it because the fans arent working? and if it is which ones could it be?

riles9262 · Nov 2, 2005, 05:04 PM

The cpu fan, the power supply fan, motherboard (northbridge) fan, gpu fan if they have a graphics card. Rare chance it's a case fan. I'd look to the cpu and power supply as the likely culprits.

niceguyrichy · Nov 2, 2005, 05:16 PM

burny smell might indicate that a cable is touching something that is overheating; cpu or gpu cooler would be the first 2 I'd be checking.

might also be dust build up, so check any filter the comp might have.

ShY · Nov 2, 2005, 06:16 PM

so most likely the CPU or PSU fan? If its the PSU fan I'm confidient I can change it but I've never tried a cpu fan before.

**dj_stick** · Nov 2, 2005, 06:25 PM

imo CPU fan is easier than a PSU fan, if it's just a normal 80mm fan or so you should be able to pick one up at a computer store, but if it is that - you might be better off with a more efficient HSF

Yousaif · Nov 3, 2005, 05:14 AM

It could also be years of dust that has accumulated in the heatsink. My brother didn't have any clue about how to keep his rig clean and when I cracked it open he had a layer about 5mm thick of built up dust on the top of the heatsink.

soloz2 · Nov 3, 2005, 07:22 AM

Bring a can of compressed air with you when you go so you can clean out the computer. It may be that all the fans are working just fine and the problem is because of where your parents have located the computer. Maybe there is not sufficient airflow around the case resulting in less airflow inside the case. If this is the case see if there is a better location for the computer, or encourage your parents to keep other objects from obstructing the airflow. Add a case fan for good measure, maybe one that pulls air in the front of the case so the case will have a push/pull fan config. If there is still a problem, cut a hole in the top of the case and put an exhaust fan there, prob an 80mm. That would probably be the cheapest and most efficient way to get hot air out of a computer case.