8 Tips on How to Reduce CPU Temperature : Keep Your PC Cool

Our computers are continually active, whether they are engaged in a challenging workday or a fun PC gaming session. However, there is a drawback to all this productivity: CPU Overheating! Excessively high temperatures of your CPU can be detrimental to its functionality, leading to system instability and a deterioration in performance.

We’ve compiled eight tips for reducing your CPU temperature to keep your PC from overheating.

How to Reduce CPU Temperature?

The temperatures will vary depending on the model of your CPU and other components, but generally speaking, a safe operating temperature should not exceed 70°C. If temperatures reach or exceed 80°C within your PC, this can cause serious damage to the components and could potentially be catastrophic for the system.

It is essential to keep your CPU temperature at safe levels (by monitoring regularly) to ensure that your PC runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are eight tips on how to reduce CPU temperature:

#1. Keep Your PC Clean

Dust accumulation around the CPU fan can block airflow, trapping heat and causing extra stress on your processor. This can lead to high temperatures and a decrease in performance. To counter this, it is essential to perform regular cleanups of your PC. You can clean your PC in two ways:

• External cleaning: Cleaning the outside of your computer doesn’t require as much caution as cleaning the inside. The best approach to clean any external part of your computer is with a glass cleaner sprayed on a paper towel rather than directly on the device. It is important to note that excess cleaner entering ports from a damp cloth or paper towel might seriously harm your PC.
• Internal cleaning: Cleaning the inside of your PC should only be done by experienced technicians who are familiar with the components. An incorrect move could cause severe damage to your system. If you are familiar with the device, feel free to open and clean its case and fan using compressed air – just be sure to keep the setting low enough so that you won’t inadvertently damage any of its components.

#2. Disable Background Apps Launching at Starting Up

Many applications launch in the background when you start your PC, resulting in an increased workload on the processor. This can cause higher CPU temperatures and a decrease in performance. To remedy this, disable unnecessary apps from launching at startup by following these steps:

• For easy access to your Windows Settings, simply press the Windows + I keys simultaneously.
• Navigate to the Apps menu, then select Startup.
• Examine the apps launching at Startup and gauge their effect on your system.
• Disable the toggle for apps that you don’t need; your device will be ready to use.

#3. Remove Suspicious Files

It’s possible for the CPU to run continuously if your computer is infected with harmful programs. The built-in Windows Security program is an invaluable tool for cleaning out your system of such undesirable files.

To access the Windows Security program, follow these steps:

• Go to the Windows Search Bar, then type Windows Security.
• Navigate to Virus & threat protection from the left-hand menu.
• Choose Virus & Threat Protection from the options available and start a Quick Scan of your device for any malicious files.
• Delete all suspicious or unwanted software that is detected on your system with Quick Scan.

#4. Use Thermal Paste

Just like we check our car engine oil to keep it running smoothly, the same should be done for the processor, especially when using thermal paste. Thermal paste serves as insulation between the processor and cooler or heatsink; however, its effectiveness can weaken over time. Regularly reviewing your computer’s thermal paste will help you avoid any unexpected breakdowns in your system.

Note: It’s easy to apply thermal paste on your own, but it should only be done under the supervision of an experienced technician or individuals with a good understanding of computer components when doing it for the first time.

• To begin, allow your computer to run for 15 minutes or so to soften the thermal paste.
• Shut down your machine and remove all connections, including the CPU cooler power cord.
• Carefully remove the cooler’s bolts or clips – for detailed instructions, please refer to your specific model’s user manual. 
• Once detached, the heatsink should effortlessly slide away.
• Lightly buff away the old thermal paste using a dry microfiber cloth.
• To clean the space, use a microfiber cloth and gently apply your selected cleaner (isopropyl alcohol or thermal paste remover) to it.
• Allow the CPU time to air dry; this process will be different depending on what cleaning solution was used, but we recommend waiting a minimum of sixty minutes.
• Squeeze out a pea-sized dollop of thermal paste and place it in the center of your CPU slowly.
• Reassemble the system and wait a few moments before restarting it.

#5. Check for Proper Airflow

It is essential to have adequate airflow within your system, as this helps cool the CPU and other components. For basic PC configurations, the standard combination of a few intake fans and one exhaust fan at the back is sufficient. However, if you opt to include higher-end graphics cards for gaming or other intensive activities, you’ll need an improved set of fans to bring in cooler air and release hot air created by your powerful components.

Invest in a few top-notch fans to maintain the perfect air circulation and guarantee that your CPU stays cool. You can also purchase RGB fans for an extra layer of style!

#6. Fix Poor Cable Management You May Have

Many PC users tend to forget about cable management, which can lead to overheating problems. So take a few moments to check that all the cables within your system are properly connected and ensure that they aren’t blocking any fan grills or vents.

Cables that are too close to components, such as the CPU and graphics card, can cause them to overheat and shut down, so it’s important to keep them away from sensitive areas.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a neat way to organize the cables within your system, zip ties are an excellent solution. They can help you tie up long cables and route them through empty spaces in order to create a clutter-free environment.

#7. Invest in New CPU Cooler

You might want to consider replacing your CPU cooler if cleaning out your computer, applying thermal paste to your CPU cooler, and checking the cable management hasn’t worked out for you.

If you already own a mid-range or superior CPU cooler, you may have a severe issue in hand and should consult a professional. However, If your processor is running hot and you’re only using the standard cooler, upgrading to a high-quality air cooler or even an AIO liquid cooler may be the answer.

#8. Upgrade the Case

It has been a debatable topic for years whether a PC’s case affects its temperature or not. It won’t be wrong to say that the right choice of case can make a difference and has the potential to reduce your system’s CPU temperatures significantly.

A well-ventilated, high-quality case with large mesh panels is ideal as it allows plenty of cooler air to enter and hot air to be released. Furthermore, it should also feature plenty of fan mounts so that you can install as many fans as needed in order to keep your components cool.

Conclusion

Keeping your PC cool is essential to ensure that all components are working correctly, and it also prevents damage due to heat. To reduce CPU temperature, you should make sure that the cooler is properly installed with the right amount of thermal paste, good airflow is maintained in your system, and proper cable management is followed. You may also need to invest in a new CPU cooler or upgrade your case to reduce temperatures even further. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to keep your PC running smoothly and efficiently for longer!

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