Does your laptop suddenly die or it’s so noisy that it could wake up your neighbours? The reason for this could be overheating. If you want to know how to help your laptop cool down, read the following article. Enjoy the read!
In this article you will find out:
- why your laptop is getting hot,
- what are the symptoms of overheating,
- how to check the temperature of your device,
- what to do to control the temperature.
Why do laptops overheat?
There are many reasons why a laptop getting hot. This is usually because of:
- too much load placed on the CPU – this may be the case when you launch too many programmes at a time. It’s good to see which processes are consuming the most power. You could use special software for optimisation – it will remove the files you don’t need and help you manage the apps operating in the background.
- dust build-up on the fans– dust is accumulated on the fan wires, which blocks the airflow and retains the heat inside.
- dried up thermal paste or insufficient amount of it – this plastic paste conducts heat. It is applied on those components of the motherboard which tend to heat up, i.e. CPU and graphics card. After a while it may run low, so it’s a good idea to replenish it every now and then.
- too high temperature – avoid using your laptop in places exposed to the sun. Remember that high ambient temperature may also cause your laptop to overheat.
- improper use – a laptop is best used when placed on a hard even surface. Using your laptop on a soft or non-conductive surface (e.g. on the bed) may block the vents, which will interrupt the airflow.
- battery issues – a defective or damaged battery may cause overheating.
How to check the CPU temperature and how do you know your laptop is too hot?
Checking the CPU temperature may help you monitor the performance of your laptop and maintain it on a satisfactory level. Optimum CPU temperature usually ranges from 70 to 90℃ (although it’s good to know this value may vary depending on the model, component types or setup). Some laptops come with a casing that displays such information in real time. Otherwise you will have to use special software to check the CPU and GPU temperature. You can also find the details you need in the BIOS.
What are the symptoms of overheating? Look out for them – this is what happens when your laptop is getting hotter:
- the system slows down,
- you observe reduced performance and FPS drops in games,
- the system unexpectedly freezes,
- the laptop suddenly switches off or the system resets,
- high temperature of the casing,
- the fan is running constantly.
How to reduce the temperature of our laptop?
How you use the device impacts the length of its life and the operability of its components. If you handle your laptop improperly, it can overheat, so you need to do your best to avoid it.
What can you do when the laptop is getting too hot? Here are a few useful tips on how you can reduce the temperature:
- Use compressed air to clean the inside of your laptop. It’s good to dismantle the device once in a while and clean the inside, the fan and the vents, which function as outlets for hot air.
- Replace the thermal paste. Remove all the remnants of the old paste and gently apply the new one.
- Get a cooler pad. It’s a special “mat” you place under your laptop – it comes with a set of fans, which cool your device down from beneath.
- Get a special stand if you want to use your laptop while lying in bed. This will prevent you from keeping the laptop on your lap (contrary to what the name of the device might suggest, this is not the best idea). Instead, you will be able to place it on a hard surface, which ensures appropriate airflow.
- Remember to switch the laptop off when you’re not planning to use it for a while.
- Optimise your work and manage the processes that operate in the background. Check out which of them consume the most processing power and make sure you leave only those that are absolutely necessary. Remove unnecessary files, which are a backlog on your drive.
- Whenever you’re using multiple programmes, make sure your laptop is connected to the source of power.
- If you’re a gamer, let your device “rest” every now and then. Spending long hours immersed in your favourite pastime in from of the screen means your device is forced to go into overdrive.
- Make sure your laptop has a good battery.
Summary
It is possible to reduce the temperature of your device. You have a few options to try out. But remember – prevention is often better than cure. Unfortunately, problems related to overheating may involve a visit at the service shop to get some expert advice. That’s why it’s important to use the laptop properly while it’s good. And when it’s necessary to replace the battery or get a new charger, you will find the right product in Battery Empire. Use our search engine or contact our experts – we will happily assist you in choosing the right components! 🙂