Computer Fans

Ok all you computer geeks I need your help!
Our computer gets way too overheated and constantly restarts itself if its on for a period of time. I'm not sure if an extra fan in the case would help?  We have an AMD computer. Any suggestions is needed!  Thanks

First things first:  Check that the existing fan is running properly and that the ventilation slots are all clear and not partially clogged with dust.   

Has the overheating just started "all by itself," or has it only become a problem since adding expansion cards or upgrading anything else? 

First things first:  Check that the existing fan is running properly and that the ventilation slots are all clear and not partially clogged with dust.   

Has the overheating just started "all by itself," or has it only become a problem since adding expansion cards or upgrading anything else? 

no dust i took a vacuum to it, we took the side off of the case so more air can get into it,but its surronded by the computer desk. It just started by itself out of nowhere. I went through the computer,deleted a lot of stuff that we don't use anymore,did virus searches,used registry mechanic,the fan is fine,its still running as normal.the computer is maybe 2 years old if that. it does my head in! you can't even play any cd games or else it will restart. after it restarts i place my hand on the back of the case and its very hot.

I thought this was a thread for people who really really really like computers! 

no dust i took a vacuum to it, we took the side off of the case so more air can get into it,but its surronded by the computer desk.

They say to leave it closed, because then the air is channeled across the chip by the way the fans and ventilation are set up. I've always been dubious about that, and I'm running my current machine with the side off (mostly because I had to fiddle with some cards when I first put it together -- two years ago! -- and never got around to closing it up again).

My fans run all the time, anyway. I think I had a power supply once that only fanned when it got hot, but mostly it's laptops with the intermittent fan, isn't it?

I thought this was a thread for people who really really really like computers!

I don't think I know anyone like that!  

after it restarts i place my hand on the back of the case and its very hot.

Can you tell where the excess heat is coming from?   (i.e. processor, power supply, etc.).  

If you can get into the BIOS setup when it reboots, on many newer systems you can select a page which will actually indicate the processor temperature.  That might give a clue.

They say to leave it closed, because then the air is channeled across the chip by the way the fans and ventilation are set up.

Yes, the ventilation is designed so that the fan draws air over the board to cool it.  Proper ventilation can ofen become a problem when the unit gets shoved hard into a tight section of a desk with little space around it.    If it's been working just fine where it's always been though, it suggests another problem.

My fans run all the time, anyway. I think I had a power supply once that only fanned when it got hot, but mostly it's laptops with the intermittent fan, isn't it?

It depends upon the system.  The primary reason for the variable fan in laptops is to save on battery power.  Some desktop/tower systems also use a variable-speed fan, although you can often disable the feature via the BIOS setup.

Well I found out the problem...its called lazy husbands!!
I told him days ago to check to see if the fan has dust on it,I assumed he did it. Tonight I opened up the computer to have a look myself and found the fan has literaly 2 inches of dust caked all over it  ..need a job done,send in a woman!

Thanks Paul

Well I found out the problem...its called lazy husbands!!

    

I thought this was a thread for people who really really really like computers! 

that's what sucked me in here too

I don't think I know anyone like that! ?

me...until it breaks


side covers? You mean there are sides to these things?

You must be EXTREMELY careful when opening up your PC and trying to get rid of dust and dirt and the buildup of crap inside. The parts are highly sensitive and at worst you can toast everything to upon putting the covers back on it simply won't boot!

I've recently found a small handheld VAX hoover will also 'blows' as well as the normal 'suck' function. It's perfect to hold just far enough away to 'blow' away dust from my PC innards without being too close to cause possible damage. Normal hoover's you run the risk of bashing the end into a part of the PC and it not working after that.

So long as you are careful removing dust and dirt you should be ok to clean the PC

HTH!
Dennis! West London & Slough UK!

Yes, and do remember if you start pulling out boards etc. for access that many parts are static-sensitive.   One good static discharge can completely zap a memory chip, for example.  Ground yourself by touching the computer chassis before going inside to remove boards.     We geeky types use grounded mats on a desk and wear grounded wrist-straps for such work.