Table of Contents
Laptops are a hassle-free and convenient means of getting work done outside of your usual workspace. Although on the flip side, laptops are prone to a couple of problems that you wouldn’t experience with a regular home computer. One such problem is their tendency to overheat. Common warning signs of this include loud whirring from the internal fan, a hot external surface, and, worst of all, sudden shutdowns.
Because laptops are more compact in structure, compared to home computers, they’re more likely to suffer from insufficient cooling. Plus, all the internal parts are packed together, meaning heat spreads faster among internal parts. Out of all the laptop’s components, the motherboard is the most crucial in terms of thermal control. Its design manufacturing processes involve the careful placement of electrical and copper properties. So, every layer, pad, and trace is created and positioned to facilitate electrical connections and reduce heat generation. But even then, careless usage of your laptop can overheat the motherboard and, thus, the rest of the device.
To prevent your laptop from overheating, here are five tips to keep in mind.
Position Your Laptop on a Flat and Solid Surface
Working on your bed, with your laptop resting on a blanket, isn’t the best idea. The cloth underneath your laptop can restrict air from flowing in and out of the vents. And if the device can’t push the hot air out, it will most likely overheat. Given this, try to work on a table or any flat surface as often as possible. This ensures that the laptop’s vents aren’t obstructed.
Don’t Run Too Many Programs at Once
If you’re guilty of running too many programs at the same time, it could be overheating your laptop’s internal components. Make it a habit to close any applications that are no longer in use because that takes a load off your processor. You should also limit unnecessary startup programs as they could be running in the background even though you don’t know it. By doing this it will keep your laptop cool and make it run much smoother.
Keep Your Laptop Out of Direct Sunlight
Using your laptop under the sun can increase its internal temperature. And the added heat can then cause the plastic components of your laptop to melt. This could shorten your laptop’s lifespan and even cause the device to malfunction. That said, refrain from working out in the sun. Additionally, don’t stow your laptop in a car on a hot day because the temperature inside could rise to as high as 114°F in ten minutes. Even though your laptop isn’t turned on, that level of heat could still damage its components.
Get the Internal Fan(s) Checked and Cleaned
The more you use your laptop, the more dust it accumulates inside the structure. This could clog the vents or prevent cooling fans from running efficiently. Thus, it’s important to get your laptop checked and cleaned regularly. You can even clean it yourself. Just be careful when opening the back compartment and avoid dislodging or removing any of the internal hardware.
Invest in an External Laptop Cooler
The most effective way to keep your laptop cool is to use a laptop cooler. It’s an external platform with built-in fans where you can place your laptop. This way, you can work anywhere you want without having to worry about your laptop overheating.
Those were five simple tips to stop your laptop from overheating. Keeping it cool prevents any future problems from taking root and saves you from the headache of troubleshooting. Overall, a well-managed laptop translates to better performance and a longer lifespan.