Post by nike on Jan 19, 2009 6:34:46 GMT
If you aren't scared about delving into the innards of your computer, and feel that what i'm about to tell you is within your capabilities, then read on.
The most important part of having your computer running well, is how you organize the cabling and cooling inside the box. Say for example, you were inside a closed room, no A/C or fans turned on , it's almost 40ºC, and you are starting to feel heat exhaustion, what could you do to cool down
1. Open the windows and doors
2. Turn on the A/C or the fans, or get some ice to suck on.
Well, the guts of your computer is most times in need of your help to keep it cool the same way.
Opening windows and doors can be likened to getting all the obstacles out of the way of the cool air that is designed to be drawn in via convection from outside the case. This means cables, wires and such like. If you can tidy all these items up and tie them back out of the way using zip ties, or re-route them in a different direction, out of the airflow going towards the CPU, you computer will then get the benefit of the cooling air drawn in from the front of the case, flowing through the CPU heatsink, and exiting through the vents at the back of the case. If your computer sits on the floor on carpet, then you have effectively blocked the inlet of air to the case. Put the computer on a flat piece of wood or some such item, or fit some castors to the bottom of the case so that the inlet vent is open to the air.
The second idea, the A/C, a fan, or ice, can be duplicated by improving the flow of cooler air through the case by installing a couple of case fans into the places made available for them. One at the inner lower front of the case, sucking the cooler air in, and one at the top rear of the case blowing the hot air out. Some cases come fitted with the back case fan, and some come fitted with a side case fan. The side case fans are not really as good as they appear, as they never seem to line up with the CPU and only interfere with the CPU fans efficiency. I usually take them out of the side panel and refit them to the upper rear panel vent, making sure that they are fitted to suck the air out of the case and not blow it in. Remember, the lower front one sucks air into the case, the upper rear fan sucks the air through and around the heatsink, and blows it out the back of the case.
You can also go a little overboard and buy a liquid cooling system which would negate all that I have just said, but I know most of you won't do that anyway. so, if you follow my advice, and just for starters, tidy up your cabling, your computer will reward you for your efforts by behaving much better in the long run.
The most important part of having your computer running well, is how you organize the cabling and cooling inside the box. Say for example, you were inside a closed room, no A/C or fans turned on , it's almost 40ºC, and you are starting to feel heat exhaustion, what could you do to cool down
1. Open the windows and doors
2. Turn on the A/C or the fans, or get some ice to suck on.
Well, the guts of your computer is most times in need of your help to keep it cool the same way.
Opening windows and doors can be likened to getting all the obstacles out of the way of the cool air that is designed to be drawn in via convection from outside the case. This means cables, wires and such like. If you can tidy all these items up and tie them back out of the way using zip ties, or re-route them in a different direction, out of the airflow going towards the CPU, you computer will then get the benefit of the cooling air drawn in from the front of the case, flowing through the CPU heatsink, and exiting through the vents at the back of the case. If your computer sits on the floor on carpet, then you have effectively blocked the inlet of air to the case. Put the computer on a flat piece of wood or some such item, or fit some castors to the bottom of the case so that the inlet vent is open to the air.
The second idea, the A/C, a fan, or ice, can be duplicated by improving the flow of cooler air through the case by installing a couple of case fans into the places made available for them. One at the inner lower front of the case, sucking the cooler air in, and one at the top rear of the case blowing the hot air out. Some cases come fitted with the back case fan, and some come fitted with a side case fan. The side case fans are not really as good as they appear, as they never seem to line up with the CPU and only interfere with the CPU fans efficiency. I usually take them out of the side panel and refit them to the upper rear panel vent, making sure that they are fitted to suck the air out of the case and not blow it in. Remember, the lower front one sucks air into the case, the upper rear fan sucks the air through and around the heatsink, and blows it out the back of the case.
You can also go a little overboard and buy a liquid cooling system which would negate all that I have just said, but I know most of you won't do that anyway. so, if you follow my advice, and just for starters, tidy up your cabling, your computer will reward you for your efforts by behaving much better in the long run.