Is the Summer Heat Slowing Down Your Computer? It could be a Hardware or Software Issue

Article Summary

• Recognize overheating symptoms early: Loud fans, system lag, thermal warnings, and sudden shutdowns are reliable signs your computer may be overheating.
• Keep CPU temps under 185°F and monitor regularly: Though CPUs endure heat, long exposure beyond safe temperatures may decrease component durability. Use tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp to track heat spikes in real-time.
• Update software and drivers to reduce CPU stress: Obsolete drivers, buggy programs, and outdated software can trigger overload and unnecessary heat buildup.
• Check hardware and maintain airflow: Dust buildup, faulty fans, degraded thermal paste, or bloated batteries can block airflow. Clean vents, avoid placing devices on soft surfaces, and keep them on hard, flat surfaces. 
• Control your environment and use cooling aids: High room temperatures can raise internal system temperatures. Avoid direct sunlight or hot cars, and consider using a laptop stand, cooling pad, or desk fan during intense workloads.

Summer is a season most enjoy, but it can play havoc with our tech, leading many to ask: ‘Is the summer heat slowing down my computer?’ Perhaps surprisingly, the answer could be yes.

In our experience, the higher the temperature, the higher the chance that users will sigh and exclaim, “Why is my PC running so hot?” So, if your computer is sluggish, shutting down automatically, or rumbling as if it’s about to take off, it might be attributable to overheating due to external temperatures and internal inefficiencies. 

Thankfully, My Computer Works, the preferred brand in remote computer support, has helped thousands of users detect and resolve computer issues linked to overheating. In this blog, we’ll explore how to determine if the heat is contributing to your PC issues and whether the underlying problem lies with the software or the hardware. We’ll also discuss a few must-know tips and solutions.

Common Signs Your Computer Is Overheating

The symptoms of computer overheating are obvious if you know what to look and listen for. If any of the following signs are noticeable, then the device might be too hot and is struggling to keep cool in the summer:

• The fan is always spinning at very rapid rates.
• The computer or laptop is hot to the touch, either near the vents or the bottom of the device.
• The computer freezes, slows down, or crashes unexpectedly.
• Programs take longer to open or respond.
• You get pop-up notifications or thermal warning messages.
• It switches off immediately in extreme heat to prevent any sort of damage.

With this in mind, how hot is a CPU allowed to get before performance is impacted? Generally, most processors are safe at temperatures below 185°F. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can sadly shorten the lifespan of your components. 

Intel and AMD both provide thermal guidelines that you can reference for your specific processor model to keep your computer safe in high temperatures.

Is It a Software or Hardware Issue? Here’s How to Tell

The heat is sometimes only a contributing factor to poor performance and component issues. In addition to the heat, it’s likely that your computer woes could be caused either by outdated software or physical wear and tear on the hardware. Distinguishing between the two helps take the right response to an overheating laptop or PC.

Old Software Can Cause Your System to Work Harder Than Necessary

Outdated or buggy programs may consume excessive CPU resources, especially in high temperatures. Be aware of the following:

• Program updates: It’s best to make sure that the program is updated with the latest version available.
• Drivers: Graphics and chipset drivers can significantly impact CPU and GPU utilization, and outdated drivers might add inefficiencies.
• Background applications: Poorly optimized background applications might cause the CPU activity to spike momentarily. You can refer to Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on a Mac to see the running applications.

Regular software updates will help alleviate some of the strain on your hardware and prevent unwanted heat buildup during the summer season.

Inspect Your Hardware

If outdated software is not the cause of your computer overheating, and you are still having problems, then the hardware has to be investigated. Here’s what to look for:

• Swollen batteries: This is a problem primarily with laptops and can be caused by excessive heat build-up occurring in part because of external temperatures. If the laptop becomes thicker or the bottom is off-center, stop using it and have it inspected immediately.
• Blocked vents or dust buildup: Dust reduces circulation and traps heat. During the summer months, occasionally brush off your computer vents or blow them clean with compressed air.
• Failing fan: If the fan is not spinning or producing strange noises, it may not be cooling the system efficiently. Replacing the fan may help prevent further damage, especially in the summer when heat contributes to PC degradation.
• Old thermal paste: The thermal paste, located between the heatsink and the CPU, facilitates the transfer of heat. It dries out with age and loses its effectiveness. Reapplying new paste can help cool your computer—and keep it cool—even during the high temperatures seen in summer.

In addition to the above, one of the most overlooked areas is the environment in which the laptop or computer is located. High temperatures add more stress to your internal components, most significantly your CPU and GPU. 

So, when the room temperature rises, the overall temperature within your machine also rises. To combat this, keep the above tips in mind and consider using your PC in a cool, temperature-regulated room when possible.

How to Cool Down an Overheating Computer Faster

Sometimes, you may not be aware of the heat’s impact on your computer. We’ve all likely not noticed times when our PCs get too hot. 

So, if you are wondering how to cool down a computer fast, the following tried and true methods will work instantly and can help prevent damage:

• Lift the laptop: Raising it with a stand promotes airflow and facilitates the escape of hot air below the device.
• Use a cooling pad: If you’re a gamer or YouTuber, having a cooling pad with built-in fan support will ensure your computer stays cool during intense workloads.
• Avoid soft surfaces: Beds, couches, and even your lap can block your device’s ventilation system. Always use a hard, flat surface, especially with a laptop.
• Keep it cool: If it’s impossible to cool the machine directly, cool the surrounding area instead. Using an ordinary desk fan or running the air conditioning can help dissipate ambient heat.
• Never leave your laptop in a hot car: This is a leading cause of heat damage. Temperatures inside cars can exceed 130°F in the summer, quickly frying your tech if it’s left in a hot car for long periods.

Prevention is the Best Cure

It’s easier to stay ahead of the brutal heat curve and prevent damage. Preventive maintenance and attention during periods of hot weather pay huge dividends in terms of the longevity of your device and reduce the likelihood of overheating. 

You can monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures in real time using HWMonitor or Core Temp. You can also get familiar with the standard settings on your specific setup and note any sudden changes.

Additionally, My Computer Works offers professional online tech support to help with troubleshooting, cleanup, and tuning of devices. Our professionals possess the expertise to help navigate PC issues, ensuring your PC performs as it should, even on the hottest days.

The Wrap-Up On Summer Heat Slowing Down Your Computer

During the summer months, your PC faces more strain than usual. Fortunately, now that you recognize the signs that something is wrong and how to cool down the computer fast, you’ll be better equipped to prevent damage and stay productive in any season.

However, if you would like help maintaining or troubleshooting your computer during summer or any season, you can speak with us over the phone or online at My Computer Works. Our PC experts can help you identify if the summer heat is contributing to your computer problems and suggest fixes. So contact us here and let us help you.