Is your computer getting too hot?
A computer that gets too hot creates an unpleasant situation.
The computer works slower and is uncomfortable to touch.
In this article, we explain the possible causes and why it's important to get the temperature down again.
Why does a computer get so warm?
Every electrical device generates heat during operation because of resistance in the connections.
Computers use direct current (DC), but the electricity from the grid is alternating current (AC).
The power supply converts the alternating current into direct current and distributes this current over different cables that deliver various voltages and amperages.
This conversion, however, is not perfect, and there is some power loss that is released as heat. (You can feel this in a laptop if you touch the adapter after it has been charging for a while.)
However, this is not the main source of heat that a computer generates.
The CPU and GPU are the main sources of heat production in a computer.
These processors use a lot of power, which again encounters resistance, releasing heat.
Therefore, these processors usually have very robust cooling elements to dissipate heat from the device as quickly as possible.
When is it too hot?
In modern computers, the computer automatically reduces its speed when it gets too hot to prevent damage.
This is called 'thermal throttling'.
Some components can withstand heat better than others.
For example, CPUs can often go as high as 100°C without sustaining damage.
However, it is not advisable to let these run continuously at this temperature.
Since the temperature can go up and down quickly depending on activity, a maximum temperature around 85°C on the CPU is recommended.
What happens at high temperatures?
There are many disadvantages associated with experiencing continuously high temperatures in a computer.
- Lower speed: The computer reduces its speed when the temperature is too high.
- Unpleasant: Particularly with laptops, it quickly becomes uncomfortable if the temperature rises. Even with desktops, it can quickly warm up the surrounding space to unpleasant temperatures.
- Possible damage: The large temperature differences when the device is on and off can contribute to faster decay.
- Noise pollution: The computer's fans will run at high speed when the temperature is too high. Depending on the type, the noise can be quite loud.
- Unexpected shutdown: The computer can suddenly crash or shut down when the temperature threshold is exceeded.
How do you check the temperatures?
If you suspect that the temperature is too high, you can check it with software programs.
- Windows: For Windows, we recommend the programs HWinfo and HWMonitor. Both programs show a lot of information about your system, including the temperatures.
- Particularly the 'maximum' and 'average' columns are important to check.
- Be sure to also check other components to ensure everything is okay.
- Linux: For Linux, we recommend the package lm-sensors. This is available for most distributions and is easy to install via the package manager. Then execute the following command in the terminal to view the temperatures.
sudo sensors-detect
For a graphical option, there is the package psensor.
- MacOS: For MacOS, we recommend the program 'stats'. Click here to download. Note that it doesn't work by default for M1 models; for that, the HID sensors setting must be enabled. That setting uses a lot of CPU and energy, so turn it off after measuring!
What can you do?
When a computer overheats it is often because air supply is obstructed.
Often this is due to dust accumulation, but with laptops it can also be due to the position of the unit (be careful not to block the air opening).
The cooling paste can also dry out from being exposed to high temperatures for a long time.
This weakens the heat transition from the CPU to the cooling element and can firmly raise the temperature.
It is recommended every 1 to 2 years to have your device cleaned.
If you are building or have built a desktop yourself, be sure to pay attention to the fans and coolers en the thermal paste.
With laptops, be sure to ensure that the air vents are not blocked.
Laptops can sometimes also be helped with a stand or cooling pad.
