Computers like many other machines are prone to perform in a way that reflects upon there operating environment. Specifically this has to do with temperature. Take for example your car. A car has an optimum operating temperature, at which fuel efficacy, horsepower and touqe are at there peaks. This is why we "warm up" the engine in the winter time and obsess over our engine temps in the summer. Well computers, and electronics in general, also have optimal operating environments. Again these environments have to do with the temperature and to a lesser degree the humidity in the air. However unless you are reading this blog in a rainforest or swamp, lets just focus on the temperature.
A computer like all other electronics begin to build heat as soon as they are powered on. This is because as electricity flows, you get heat (due to the resistance in the circuitry). Electronics tend to use materials that minimize resistance but there are some things you cant get around. For example the CPU of a computer is a "semi conductor" and is not exactly known for its low resistance, but that starts to lead us into understanding the physics and thats not what this blog is about. (If your a nerd like me take Physics with calc 1&2 at Winthrop, great classes and you get into this).
So to continue a computer generates heat as it runs, and the longer it runs the warmer it gets. To help move some of the hot air out computers come with fans and heat sinks (pieces of metal that are highly thermally conductive) which draw away heat from the cpu. This is good in general and for your every day desktop computers this works well. For laptops its all about what you have. Some models have great ventilation built in, and others do not. For example i have an hp g60 with the outlet always open and an intake on the bottom. However my dad has a dell from work with the outlet fan pointing straight down. This can be a real problem because you set your laptop on a) your freaking lap or b) a desk, and solid barriers equal poor airflow. Many people therefore turn to laptop chill pads. A standard chill pad can cost between 15-30 bucks and the idea is simple, elevate the computer and draw heat away. I have a Belkin one which is shaped like a u. this create a void in the middle to allow for air flow. There is also a fan on the bottom which throws up cold air to keep it nice and cool. And the fan runs off usb which is always nice (I really like mine).
If you have a desktop your cooling options are even better. There are plenty of aftermarket fans, heat sinks and even water cooling options out there. Just know the more powerful your computer the more heat so always be weary.
Finally cheap insurance can be found in those compressed air cans you can get (for dusting). Just blow out the dust from your desktop or laptop vents (works wonders for a laptop) and your good to go.
Want to learn more, my favorite cooling options or wanta talk about physics? Email me and devangj031@gmail.com
--Cheers
Excellent post!
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