Home / Gadgets / 5 Effective Methods to Cool Down Your Computer Whenever It Overheats

5 Effective Methods to Cool Down Your Computer Whenever It Overheats


February 15, 2022

Whether you use a desktop or a laptop, you’ve probably experienced your computer heating up before. Even though it’s normal for computers to get warm after long hours of use, you should always cool down your computer before it overheats.

Usually, a warm computer is nothing to worry about as most of them have a built-in cooling system. However, it would be best to take action whenever it gets too hot as you might damage your device in the long run.

Do you often find your computer overheating all of a sudden? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are five effective methods to cool down your computer every time it overheats.

1. Avoid Blocking the Vents on Your Computer

In a well-configured laptop or desktop computer, the fans will push out most of the heat generated through the vents. So, the first thing you should do to cool down your computer is to ensure your computer’s vents aren’t blocked. Make sure nothing is blocking the computer’s sides and back.

If you tend to use your laptop on your bed, you should stop placing it on your blanket because it will prevent the computer from ventilating properly. To avoid overheating your laptop, you should put it on a hard and flat surface to allow it to “breathe”.

For desktop computers, the golden rule is to let there be at least 2-3 inches opening on its sides. Meanwhile, the computer’s back should be completely open and unobstructed to allow the hot air to ventilate.

2. Clean the Vents and Fans of Your Computer

The vents of your desktop computer might accumulate dust and other stuff like dirt and pet hair over time. The trapped debris will eventually clog up and cause the fans to slow down, making them unable to cool down your computer.

Thus, one of the most effective methods to cool down your computer is to regularly clean its vents and fans. This includes the fans above the CPU, one inside the power source, and the one on the case’s front/back.

Cleaning dust and debris from your computer’s vents and fans is a simple task if you have the correct equipment. You can either use cotton swabs or compressed air cans to clean the accumulated dust in your computer.

3. Stop Overclocking Your Computer

Overclocking is when you operate a computer component, such as the processor, at a higher specification than the manufacturer specified. If you were unaware of overclocking before this, you probably don’t have to worry about it.

But those that are aware would know that overclocking can push a computer’s capabilities to the max. Most of the time, these modifications directly affect the temperature of your CPU and any other overclocked components.

A CPU or other components that are constantly pushed to their limits may begin to overheat over time. So, if you’re currently overclocking your desktop computer’s hardware but haven’t taken any extra care to keep it cool, we strongly advise you to reset your hardware to the factory default settings.

4. Change the Settings on Your Computer to Its Optimal Performance

Aside from that, you may also need to tweak your computer’s settings to cool down your computer. By adjusting it to its optimal performance, you can reduce the strain on the internal components and prevent rapid overheating.

However, the optimal performance entirely depends on the type and the model of the computer you have. You will need to do some research on your specific computer model and the recommended settings for the best performance.

5. Shut Down the Computer to Let it Rest

If all fails, the best way to cool down your computer is to shut it down and let it rest. Like us humans, gadgets also have their limits and need proper rest once in a while. So, if the other tips are not as effective, we suggest you leave them be for a few hours.

Cool Down Your Computer Before You Risk Serious Damage!

If your computer tends to overheat quickly, it might signify that something is wrong. So, try not to ignore your overheating computer as it can lead to severe damage in the long run.

We hope these tips have helped you cool down your computer every time it overheats. But if the problem persists, you might need to consider buying new parts or replacing it with a brand new computer.

Editor’s Choice

Try checking out our laptops and desktop computers categories to find a vast selection of computers that’ll suit your needs!