Your Fan is Your Computer’s Biggest…Fan
There are several ways to keep computer fans in top running condition. Keeping your fans working well
· Do not allow anything to block the venting holes or slots in your computer cases. Locate them and keep them where they can “blow freely.”
· Do not keep computers in dusty environments. You may have heard that dust can hurt machines, and one of the most efficient ways is by slowing the effectiveness of fans, either by blocking intake or output ventilation, by coating the blades, or by coating the components themselves. Dust acts like an insulator, so a layer of dust on hot switches will make them even hotter.
Replace any fan that clicks, hesitates, or does not come on or run as smoothly “as it used to.”
Today computer cooling fans literally cost only a couple of dollars, and not doing so could cost you your much more expensive machine, or even your priceless data.
Are there different types of fans?
Yes, actually, like any “industrial” part it gets pretty complicated. Fans are classified and rated by physical size, the kind of bearings it has, speed, propeller design, and ‘CFM’ or the cubic feet per minute it is rated to move/cool.
For most purposes, if you have a fan that breaks, just replace it with the same size, model, and ratings.
Help! My Laptop Has the Hots for Me!
A lot of people ask me if a warm laptop is something to worry about.
Almost always, no (other than if it annoys your thighs if you are the rare person who actually uses a laptop on their lap).
The nature of many laptop batteries and their charging systems creates noticeable, but harmless heat — you may find this to be true of your cell phone or MP3 player also. If you’re concerned, do some research on your particular computer.
There have been some cases of dangerously overheating laptop batteries, but it’s rare.
Desktop machines, with all their additional components and much large power supplies, tend to be where the troublesome heat arises.
Keep the fans working!
Even with limited risk of fire and fully functioning fans, you can still create an environment in which more heat than is healthy for your PC can be generated.