This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
This article has been viewed 280,993 times.
One of the biggest problems in PC desktop computers is overheating which can lead to random shutdown. This can be caused by blocked heat sink on the central processing unit. Here's how to solve that problem.
Steps
Community Q&A
- QuestionWhat is thermal paste, and can I use something else if I do not have access to it?
Community AnswerIt is not a good idea to use anything but real thermal paste to repair your computer, as anything else can cause damage to your computer. - QuestionHow can I open my HP envy 23 all in one computer?
Community AnswerThe back of your computer should be able to be unscrewed easily. - QuestionWhat can I do to stop my computer from overheating when I have already opened it and cleaned the fan?Community AnswerTry keeping it in cooler place with its case open. For example, in an air-conditioned room.
Tips
- It's easier to clean a heat sink on a desktop PC than it is to clean on a laptop, but you may be able to find a tutorial on how to get at the heat sink on even the most complicated laptop. Use a search engine. Even if you can't find your model, the tutorial for a similar model can be useful.Thanks
- Take photos as you go. Computer layouts vary widely and a visual record of what you took apart can really come in handy when putting it back together.Thanks
- Use plastic cable ties (never metal twisty ties!) to tidy up loose wires inside your computer case. This will also help with air flow.Thanks
Warnings
- Always turn off and unplug your computer before opening the case.Thanks
- Watch out for sharp edges.Thanks
- Be sure that both you and your tools are demagnetized.Thanks
- Be careful around the computer and don't drop anything on or in it.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- A can of compressed air
- Clean cleaning wipes, cotton buds, or sturdy paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Small screwdriver
- Medium screwdriver
- Heat sink thermal paste (available from most stores that build and sell computers)
About this article
Reader Success Stories
"Didn't know what the sticky white substance was between the two flat plates, glad I looked it up, as I didn't have any thermal paste and would have been in a pickle if I had wiped it off!"..." more
Is this article up to date?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
