High Motherboard/HDD temperatures while idle

[Lunarpaw]

I apologize but I didn't know where to place this, so I'll put it here for now.

So I have recently installed Speccy, and I noticed that while idling my motherboard tends to sit around 55-60c (in the orange) and my HDD usually sits around 37c.

However, as of today, my motherboard was 63c and my hard drive was 54c.

I was curious if this was normal, as I am currently running a Disk Defragmentation or if I should go to Best Buy tomorrow and get a can of compressed air.

A link to a speccy screenshot below:
http://i.imgur.com/iwxnH.png

 

[CreepinJesus]

I'd open the case and check the dust levels, especially on heat sinks and fans. If it's bad then, as you said, grab a can of compressed air and get rid of as much dust as you can.

However, it could also be a faulty/strange sensor on the MB. Mine says it's at 73°C in Speccy, even when I've just turned it on. I can place my hand near it and it's definitely not 73°!

 

[karlsnooks]

I apologize but I didn't know where to place this, so I'll put it here for now.

So I have recently installed Speccy, and I noticed that while idling my motherboard tends to sit around 55-60c (in the orange) and my HDD usually sits around 37c.

However, as of today, my motherboard was 63c and my hard drive was 54c.

I was curious if this was normal, as I am currently running a Disk Defragmentation or if I should go to Best Buy tomorrow and get a can of compressed air.

A link to a speccy screenshot below:
http://i.imgur.com/iwxnH.png

First, amplify your system specs and here is how:
Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (located on the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use Speccy (my favorite) orSIW or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on SAVE CHANGES.
===========================================

• Power off computer.
• Disconnect the power cord.
• Remove cover.
• Using a can of compressed air and NOT your vacuum cleaner, blow out all dust.
• Leave cover off.
• Reconnect the power cord.
• Power on computer.

Are temps OK now?

 

[Lunarpaw]

I'd rather not take it apart, I hear Staples does that for free?

PC: Gateway p7805u FX (Laptop)
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1
RAM: 4.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz (7-7-7-20)
Motherboard: Gateway IMV (U2E1)
GFX: 1024MB GeForce 9800M GTS (Gateway 2000)
Hard Drive: 313GB Seagate ST9320325AS ATA Device (SATA)

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Is this a laptop or a desktop?

The first thing I would do is confirm that all fans appear to be spinning, preferably by eyesight.

You should have a CPU fan, a power supply fan, and possibly case fans or a graphics card fan.

I have a desktop PC. In a warm room (78 F or 26 C), my motherboard temps are about 45; hard drives in the upper 30s.

Your temps may differ somewhat if you have a desktop or by quite a bit if you have a laptop--laptops run hotter generally.

But I would be concerned about any significant change from what you normally see.

If your room temp moves up by 5 C, you can expect your PC temps to move up nearly as much.

Confirm the fans are spinning. It's easily done on a desktop.

I have no idea about Staples' policy.

 

[Lunarpaw]

It is a laptop. If it was as desktop I'd have no qualms taking the case apart since it's way easier than trying to disassemble a laptop.

 

[karlsnooks]

LunarPaw,
I missed the info in your System Specs where you state whether you have a laptop, desktop, tablet or whatever.

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (located on the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use Speccy (my favorite) orSIW or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on SAVE CHANGES.
===================================
thanks

 

[Lunarpaw]

I have updated my System Specs page as per your request.

 

[karlsnooks]

Thanks. Big improvement. You are getting close.

[FONT=Consolas]Add the word [B]laptop[/B] or [B]desktop[/B] or [B]netbook[/B] to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
[B]Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook[/B].
[/FONT]

Will grab a bite to eat and then take a good look at your problem. Of course, the above info, in your specs, would be appropriate.

 

[karlsnooks]

Lunarpaw,

Get a can of compressed air. Fry's, Costco, Target, RadioShack sells them.

Disconnect power.
Remove battery.

Spray air into each and every possible opening you can find on that laptop.

Reinstall battery and reconnect power.

Never put your laptop on you lap.
Never block any of the air vents.
Many laptops have very important vents on the bottom. In this aspect, the design of Apple laptops is far superior as there are no vents on the underside.

Select the lowest power plan acceptable for your needs.
I use the PowerSaver plan.
Most laptops come set to the Balanced plan.
Gamers are fond of the High Performance plan.

WIN + X key combo | Battery Status section to select a power plan.
WIN = key with Microsoft logo on top.

Turn the Display brightness down to the lowest acceptable level.
WIN + X | Display brightness section and slide the slider.

 

[Lunarpaw]

Would an air compressor do the same thing, as the people I'm staying with have a air compressor in their garage.

 

[CB]

Never put your laptop on you lap.
Never block any of the air vents.
Many laptops have very important vents on the bottom. In this aspect, the design of Apple laptops is far superior as there are no vents on the underside.

That is what everybody should agree with

More,
Never put a running laptop on a mattress, thick carpets, couch, sofa, or pillow, unless we have any flat board to support it. Most of laptop have only 3-4mm space underneath which the air intake somewhere located. I noted starting from Core-i series the heat quite excessive and it affect the temperature of the board area.

But hell, my kids keep doing it while I'm away.

Kevin.

 

[karlsnooks]

Would an air compressor do the same thing, as the people I'm staying with have a air compressor in their garage.

Theoretically, yes.

Practically, the problem is that the pressure is normally too high and can cause some serious damage. I have seen a computer repair shop use one, but they were very experienced technicians and had adjusted the air pressure so as to not be destructive.

 

[Lunarpaw]

The person I'm living with is an electrician perhaps he'd know how to adjust the PSI so that it wouldn't be damaging.