Solved Cleaning the computer case

[4eyed]

My computer keeps shutting down when playing games or converting movies. I changed RAM (then putting old modules back because they weren't causing the problem), bought a new PSU and installed 2 aditional fans. It didn't work. So, my "diagnosis" is that dust is causing the problem. I need some advice about cleaning the case, removing the CPU heatsink and stuff like that.

 

[richnrockville]

My computer keeps shutting down when playing games or converting movies. I changed RAM (then putting old modules back because they weren't causing the problem), bought a new PSU and installed 2 aditional fans. It didn't work. So, my "diagnosis" is that dust is causing the problem. I need some advice about cleaning the case, removing the CPU heatsink and stuff like that.

Dust can build up on the CPU fan and prevent proper cooling. This can be cleaned without removing the heat sink by using those cans of portable air blast. Take the case outside and being careful to not loosen any of the internal connections. blast the inside of the case and especially around the cpu with the air and that should help. Carpets/cats/dogs/people create dust and it tends to build up on the fins for the cpu cooler and prevent proper cooling.

Give this a shot and see if this helps.

Rich

PS: I do not recommend removing the heat sink as you will need heatsink grease when you reseat it. Also you take the chance of unplugging the cpu and they are dog to replace properly without bending pins which will ruin your whole day.

 

[TheReaper]

Here are a couple of tutorials & guides on the subject:
Computer maintenance guide
Cleaning the Interior of your PC
How to clean your computer

 

[4eyed]

My computer keeps shutting down when playing games or converting movies. I changed RAM (then putting old modules back because they weren't causing the problem), bought a new PSU and installed 2 aditional fans. It didn't work. So, my "diagnosis" is that dust is causing the problem. I need some advice about cleaning the case, removing the CPU heatsink and stuff like that.

Dust can build up on the CPU fan and prevent proper cooling. This can be cleaned without removing the heat sink by using those cans of portable air blast. Take the case outside and being careful to not loosen any of the internal connections. blast the inside of the case and especially around the cpu with the air and that should help. Carpets/cats/dogs/people create dust and it tends to build up on the fins for the cpu cooler and prevent proper cooling.

Give this a shot and see if this helps.

Rich

PS: I do not recommend removing the heat sink as you will need heatsink grease when you reseat it. Also you take the chance of unplugging the cpu and they are dog to replace properly without bending pins which will ruin your whole day.

I don't really have portable air blast cans, and i really doubt that poorly equipped local pc stores have them. So, instead of cans, can i use those non-portable air compressors (http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif...leStage20gallonAirCompressorVT6290-large.jpeg)

 

[richnrockville]

I don't recommend "I don't really have portable air blast cans, and i really doubt that poorly equipped local pc stores have them. So, instead of cans, can i use those non-portable air compressors (http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/...290-large.jpeg)

The main reason is that they have too much power.
Most any stationary or computer store should have the compressed air in a can. They have to put a bitterent in them now to keep the kids from huffing the spray.

Check with stationary, computer or hardware stores to see if they carry air spray cans.

Rich

 

[4eyed]

I cleaned the case with a hair dryer ( sounds stupid, eh? ) and it didn't work. I am trying to find some sort of a replacement for the canned air because the nearest computer store is in a town and i won't be going there for another week, maybe more. Anyway, it didn't work. My case was pretty clean but there was still a lot of dust on places i can't see, so i cleaned it, and... No. Now, could it be a bad PSU? This new one i bought was pretty cheap ( 20 dollars, 420w ).

 

[seekermeister]

The component replacements that you mentioned make it sound as though it is a desktop PC, but your system specs only list a laptop...which is it? As far as cans of air, if they aren't available locally, you could always buy them online. From my experience, the price is about the same, but of course you would have to wait for delivery. It wouldn't be a bad idea to order several, partly because they don't last long, and you will need them again for the next clean up.

 

[4eyed]

It's a desktop pc. I'll give my pc to ppl at the computer store. They should know what's the problem and how to fix it.

 

[seekermeister]

If that is what you want. I have never let ANYONE touch my computer. Even on something simple like cleaning, it's not hard to mess something else up, like pulling a cable or ?.

 

[legacy7955]

It's a desktop pc. I'll give my pc to ppl at the computer store. They should know what's the problem and how to fix it.

I agree with the previous poster.

It seems like you are pretty certain that you have a dust or heat related problem, and for small things like this is it ALWAYS better to try and solve the problem yourself, unless you believe you have no ability at all.

If possible have a friend that will be going to your town pick up the canned air for you.

It is a really simple job and unless the issue is complicated you can do the job, probably better than a shop will.


Remember that when you hand off your PC even though they are supposed to be professionals that isn't always the case. And more importantly they have access to your private data.

 

[4eyed]

Ok, looks like i'll be going in that town tomorow and i'll buy cans of compr. air. I really hope that no hardware is damaged. Thanks for the help!

 

[seekermeister]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the air damaging any hardware, but as said, it is possible that air or you might loosen a connection somewhere, but that is easily fixed.

 

[4eyed]

Oh i meant, i hope that there is no already damaged hardware ( like, a bad psu ) that was causing the problem.

 

[seekermeister]

Well, cleaning will take you one step closer to knowing. Since your problem involves videos, I would take a close look at the video card while you are in the case.

EDIT: Another thought occurred...what video card and driver are you using? Have you tried reinstalling the driver, after cleaning with Ccleaner? Also, what is basis of your conclusion that the lack of cleaning was the cause of this...do you have a monitor to provide you with temps?

 

[legacy7955]

4eyed:

Please forgive me for adding my experiences to this thread, but as to seeker's question.

I know that with my old, very old HP pavilion 7955 with equally old

Nvida Riva TNT2 graphics card I have no dedicated fan and when I play videos as the chip heats up with a closed case I experience choppy video, 4eyed's prob seems to show evidence of heat related performance degradation...at least he probably has a fan on his heatsink!!!!!

I got an old PS fan and I'm going to aim it at that my old Nvida chip/heatsink.
Hopefully it will work!

 

[4eyed]

Well, cleaning will take you one step closer to knowing. Since your problem involves videos, I would take a close look at the video card while you are in the case.

EDIT: Another thought occurred...what video card and driver are you using? Have you tried reinstalling the driver, after cleaning with Ccleaner? Also, what is basis of your conclusion that the lack of cleaning was the cause of this...do you have a monitor to provide you with temps?

I am using the newest gpu drivers ( downloaded them from the nvidia website a couple of days ago ), i'll reinstall the drivers now, and the basis of my conclusion is that it wasn't cleaned for about 4 months and i saw that some people had the same problem and they solved it with cleaning.. Also, i have Everest Home edition, and it showed me that the cpu temperature while idle is about 40c, and while playing games 60c.

 

[seekermeister]

The thing about temperatures is that there is no precise standard to go by as far as what is normal. While the CPU temperature you mention is not ideal, it may be within a range of temp to be expected for your rig's configuration and environment, but I can't say that it is, because your System Specs for that machine are not given. The starting point is established when all components are running optimally, clean and in the environment in which it will remain. When I asked about your temps, I was asking about more than the CPU, because all temps relate to each other, but in this instance, I was thinking most of the GPU temp. Once you know your usual temps, what you need to be alert for is any unexpected change. It is this change that makes it easier to diagnose a problem, and take the proper steps to handle them.

I am not attempting to discourage you from cleaning the computer, that would be foolish of me, but yet I'm not convinced that it will solve this particular problem. In my opinion, 4 months is a short time as far as necessary cleaning, unless the environment in which your computer operates is not ideal, such as being dusty, or laden with cat fur balls, children unreined, etc. Go ahead and clean it, but more importantly, establish a baseline of temps to serve as the starting point for future comparison. Note these temps not only for the CPU, but also the system, GPU, hard drives, RAM, and anything else that you might have available, and the room temperature in which they remain. With these in hand, routine checks of future temps will make you aware of any changes before they become critical, and may suggest the origin of the change. I would recommend a monitor that displays temps in the System Tray, like SpeedFan. I have it set to display the CPU temp, and I can check the rest of them by simply mousing over the tray icon.

There is a new WHQL Nvidia driver...if your card is Nvidia, which you might try, but if you do, I would use Ccleaner as I mentioned previously, to clear out any remaining pieces of the current or previous drivers installed first, to eliminate the possibility of a driver issue. With these things done, you will be able to make better decisions about this problem and any that may appear in the future. BTW, the temp that you mentioned for the CPU during game play are not as important as the GPU temp.

 

[4eyed]

This is what Speedfan says:
GPU: 51c
Temp 1: 37c
Temp 2: 127c
Temp 3: 127c
HD0: 33c
Temp 1: 36c
Core: 12c

I would really like to know what are these Temp 2 and 3, because the temperatures are insane!

 

[seekermeister]

Temp 3 is common, because SpeedFan doesn't interpret all temps correctly, it should be disabled. I would say the same about temp 2, but it should be either the CPU or System temp, however I would guess that the second temp 1 is probably the CPU. That can be confirmed by simply watching the temp during a CPU intensive activity and seeing that it would rise and fall as expected. If Temp 2 remains constant at that high reading, then it is also a false reading, and should be disabled.

Once that you are certain what each temp is, you should highlight each one in Configuration and rename it appropriately for easy reference.

 

[4eyed]

This is how it looks like after playing assassin's creed brotherhood. I pressed alt+tab and immediately pressed print screen after the game was minimized. Is it too hot?