computer maintanance

[alison elliot]

Hello,My computer is over heating and switching itself off, i have been quoted ?40,00 to have it looked at, what do you think, sombody told me it should be around ? 20.oo , any advice would be great. Thanks alison

[Penguin68]

If your computer is a desk-top then it is possible that the grill which allows air circulation has become blocked with dust/ fluff - that can be simply cleaned out by you if you isolate the console from the mains, open it and clear out the dust. You can also check if the fan is operating properly (or at all) by listening for it.

If you have an over-heating laptop then disconnect it from the mains - some laptops have had a battery problem which has resulted in fires (a friend had the top half of his house gutted by fire this way).

You shouldn't use laptops on your lap (yes, I know that sounds silly) for any length of time as this can lead to over heating if there is poor air circulation.

Make sure that you don't have a heater or radiator close to your machine.

Different computer engineers will charge differently - an initial charge of ?20-?40 for diagnosis doesn't seem unreasonable - it could easily take an hour of testing if it isn't something obvious like dust - as they will have to fire up the computer and run it to see the event. - Is the charge for a home visit or taking it in to a repair centre?

[AlexC]

Sounds like you need a new heatsink/fan on the CPU. I'd say the charge sounds fair as it would involve a bit of 'faffing around' (techincal term!:)))

[computedshorty]

Hi.

Fell like doing a test?

So many people with such a problem.

-When playing games, your computer cpu is used much more..

-Graphics cards are used much more..

-They create more heat..

-Some laptops and indeed computers can overheat..

-There is a failsafe.

-If a computer getsd over the pre-configured temperature, the computer restarts or shuts down.

-This is to avoid your cpu being damaged.

You can check if this is happening to you by downloading "coreTemp":

32Bit Windows http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/CoreTemp32.zip

[DrinkingBuddy]

Assuming it's a traditional PC there are only really a couple of reasons it would be overheating which are if there is a problem with the fan, the power supply or the heat sync (bit of metal designed to dissipate heat away from the CPU which sits directly on it). The latter is unlikely. This is obviously assuming you don't keep it in a cupboard or surrounded with things piled round it, all which would reduce the air flow required to keep the computer cool. If you do, stop it.

Does your computer make a noise when you turn it on? Most computer will make a humming sound when turned on, which is the fan in the machine turning to flow air through the system and keep the temperature down. First step is to make sure your computer is clean. The majority of over heating issues are caused by a clogged up fan or power supply. This is especially likely if you keep it sat on a carpet. Simply take the case off (having first unplugged it from the mains), there are likely four screws on the back of the case. It will be pretty obvious if it is dirty as there will be large amounts of dust and debris stuck all over the fan and power supply (which also contains a fan). If this is the case it just needs a good clean. This is best done with an aerosol of air which can be bought in most computer shows, and they will simply blow the dust and dirt out of the machine.

If cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, or if the fan isn't turning, then you will need to replace either the fan or power supply. These jobs are again easy, but if you have a technical friend you may wish to ask for their help.

I'm afraid I don't know what people charge, but it's likely to vary wildly I imagine. If on the other hand you have a Mac it's a far harder job. Indeed because of their compact design many of them are prone to overheating and shorter life spans and it may even be time to look at getting a replacement.

[wongo]

Alison,

I assume you are using a desktop PC with Windows XP or Vista. Does your PC boots up to the Windows logo and then reboots again back to the same or it just shuts down completely ? What processor and socket type your PC has ?

[the-e-dealer]

You Could open it up and vacuum it to clear the dust. If its not dust clogging up the fan I would charge you ?60 for the job. Don't forget the travel costs and time both to and from your place. The replacement fan would be free. ?40 is a good deal. and ?20 an insult to anyone who is technically able. Would you expect to pay ?20 to fix your dishwasher? Also if a laptop it is more tricky.

[right-clicking]

Hello Alison, I have just repaired a desktop PC with a similar issue, in this case it was the clamp that holds the heat-sink to the motherboard had broken,the CPU overheats and shuts down the PC.the mounting only cost ?3, I had to strip all the parts and connections off and remove the board to get the mounting off and then replace and rebuild. Not a particularly difficult task but it took a few hours. A cleaner will cost you ?10 an hour! PC technician with a few years training is worth a bit more I'd say!! (PM if you need further assistance) DO NOT vacuum as the static electricity could easily fry the components inside!!

[zephyr]

Buy at tin of 'Air Duster' fro PCWorld, Currys, Rymans or other PC shops or stationers.

You must keep the spray upright when spraying and it is flammable

If a laptop - shut it down and remove the battery. Spray in all the vents and holes that you can see, particualrly the vent at the side or underneath that is over the CPU fan.

If a PC, turn off at the wall take the side panel off and spray all the dust away from any vents and fans. So long as the PC is earthed, you can vacuum the outside of the case particularly the exhaust vents at the back of the power supply but don't vacuum inside - use the duster. Dust will go everywhere.

It is always worth doing that first. If there is still an overheating problem then there might be a more fundimental issue. The fan on the processor is worth replacing and is fairly easy to do yourself. Beyond that its worth getting someone in who knows what they are doing. You will have to pay. ?40 for a couple of hours work is probably fair but some things can be done yourself

[DulwichFox]

Be careful when using compressed air can and especially if using vacuum Cleaner(not advised).

Fan should be imobilised to stop it spinning too fast and damaging the bearings..

This can be done with a straw or a toothpick placed through the grill and fan blades..

Foxy Tip.