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Thread ID: 118584 2011-06-12 09:42:00 Computer Overheating dpDesignz (15919) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1208637 2011-06-13 02:04:00 Another option is to simply leave the side off the case while gaming (assuming no kids or pets around to poke their noses into the computer).
If it doesn't freeze with the side off (better cooling) then the evidence points further toward heat issues.
I don't really recommend that as you can alter the desired air flow from the fans. You are better off making sure all dust is removed and if still over heating improve the air flow with another fan.
mikebartnz (21)
1208638 2011-06-13 02:32:00 I don't really recommend that as you can alter the desired air flow from the fans. You are better off making sure all dust is removed and if still over heating improve the air flow with another fan.

Well actually it works most of the time, only really awesome airflow cools better than opening the case to the world. It can theoretically cause hot spots but will reduce the overall temps. And if you have a generic PC case with a single extraction fan like many do it can lower the temps significantly.

My flatmate's pc overheats regularly despite many attempts to fix it so he leaves the side off and has a desktop fan blowing into it while gaming. Crude but effective. In any case it can't hurt to try it and see.


EDIT: - actually if you wan't to stress test the graphics download furmark and run it. It will load the GPU to 100% and give you a graph of the temperature. If you see it climbing past 90 or the pc freezes you may be onto something (my GTX460's hit 99 before I changed motherboards!)
Incidentally the Graphics driver may already have the capability of displaying the temp without downloading anything -open catalyst control centre or nvidia display settings and have a look - if it's there leave it open and launch the game & alt tab as suggested.
dugimodo (138)
1208639 2011-06-13 03:18:00 I converted an old P4 to a server for our house I used a crappy old case I had that had bad airflow, the server was getting really hot, so I pulled both side panels of and drilled loads of 3mm holes in them. It made a huge difference gary67 (56)
1208640 2011-06-13 04:57:00 Got the DT's again Chill.:D

Yeah PF1 thinks my words are so wise it posts it twice just to make sure my message gets through :p
Chilling_Silence (9)
1208641 2011-06-16 02:14:00 Hi guys. sorry I have been out working at the fieldays hence the late reply.

Thanks for all the feedback. It's a Tower Acer Aspire M3100. I have only just got it back up and running so will have to check stats shortly.

Will let you know how I get on. Thanks

Oh and thanks for the idea about the compressed air. Dust came flying out!
dpDesignz (15919)
1208642 2011-06-16 02:59:00 I don't really recommend that as you can alter the desired air flow from the fans.

Only if the case is really well designed with perfect airflow.
Most arnt

Taking the side panel off for a test run is a really good idea. Lay it over so the hot air gets out straight up .

Use the finger method to see hot the vid card gets(avoid the fan)
Check the vid card fan is working. Check for bulging caps on the motherboard & vid card. Check power supply fan is working

If the heatsinks are gunked up with dust they will need to be cleaned out.
:badpc:
1101 (13337)
1208643 2011-06-16 03:05:00 Well I installed a gpu monitor, and the graphics fan is currently at 0rpm. I think that may be the case. How would I go about installing another fan? They don't have another fan port, so can I get an expander or something? And where can I install it? dpDesignz (15919)
1208644 2011-06-16 03:42:00 Check the video card fan with your eyes.

Mine reports 0rpm as it doesn't have an RPM sensor, but it's definitely running.

Have you tried Speedfan to check other temperatures?
Agent_24 (57)
1208645 2011-06-16 03:52:00 Check the video card fan with your eyes.

Mine reports 0rpm as it doesn't have an RPM sensor, but it's definitely running.

Have you tried Speedfan to check other temperatures?

:). So I checked my fan, and um, the reason there is no rpm, there is NO fan! Which would explain all the issues. hmm. Now to work out how to get a fan in there....
dpDesignz (15919)
1208646 2011-06-16 04:03:00 It doesn't really explain the issues.

I've had a passively cooled 8600GT and before that a passive cooled 6600GT - neither of them caused freezing after an hour of gaming.

However passive cards do rely on good airflow in the rest of the case so if your fans are blocked with dust etc that might cause a problem.


What actual temperatures do you get on CPU, Motherboard and Video card while gaming?
Agent_24 (57)
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