Symptoms of problems caused by excess heat are the same as those caused by other sources: spontaneous reboots, miscellaneous random malfunctions, or just plain abnormal behaviors. They exhibit two characteristics, however, that identify their origin as heat related. First, they are global. Every aspect of the machine and all users will be affected. Second, such problems never occur until the computer has been operating for some period of time (often 15 or 20 minutes after a cold reboot). Unless there has been an actual component failure (not common) it is easy to confirm that the problem is heat related.

Shut down the computer and turn it off. Do not disconnect the power cable. The power cable provides a case ground to discharge any static electricity you might be carrying. Turning off the power is to protect the computer, not you. Computer circuitry is easily damaged when power is present.

Remove the side panel of the case (as far as I know the left panel) that exposes the component side of the computer motherboard. On newer computers this should require no tools. (Although it is not necessary, a small room fan directed into the computer case will insure that no marginal cases exist.)

Turn on the power and reboot the machine. Use your computer as you normally do until the time for failure passes. If the computer continues to function without problems, you have a cooling problem. (If the problem(s) is still present, you most likely have a heat-failed component. Since this is probably something on the motherboard, professional help will likely be required.)

Fixing a cooling problem is usually very simple. If the machine has not been moved or modified prior to the problem occurring, dirt or a fan failure is almost certainly the problem. Since you have the side of the case off, you can determine the cause visually. (Always turn off the computer before working on it.) Two cautions: a fan can be turning without moving much air and a machine can look clean even though there is enough dirt to insulate individual components. A can of compressed air is ideal for the task of clearing dust and debris from the CPU heat sink fins and other components. If you choose to use a vacuum cleaner (brush type head) be careful not to damage anything.

If you have moved the computer make certain there is airflow around the rear of the computer. If the heated air from the computer case cannot dissipate, heat will build up within the case causing your problem.

The biggest heating problem occurs if you have added a major component, such as a high performance video card. These cards generate a great deal of heat and may well require you to add a cooling fan. Most cases have a location on the rear panel to add a fan. If one is already there the bottom front of the case is the next best location. Remember to maintain the front to rear airflow. If you need to add a fan(s) be sure to pay a little extra and get the quiet running type. The noise from an extra fan can drive you a little crazy.

CAG