Computer Cooling Fans

Cooling fans are a must for most of today's computer systems.

It is extremely important that your system is kept cool since a system running at normal operating temperatures will have a much longer lifespan than a system which operates at abnormally high operating temperatures.

Overheating of the components can cause them to malfunction and eventually become inoperative.

Because of the advancements in technology, CPUs, hard drives, video cards, etc. have become faster resulting in higher internal system operating temperatures. This being the case, it is imperative that additional cooling fans be installed.

These fans can be in the form of upgraded CPU heatsink/fans, video card fans, case fans, hard drive coolers, chipset coolers and even memory coolers.

Present computer motherboards have built-in thermal monitoring devices to monitor the ambient temperature within the computer case especially around certain important components such as the CPU and the Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets.

Proper ventilation of your system requires that you install your cooling fans strategically. One being placed at the lower front section of the case, which pulls cool air into the case, while having a fan at the upper rear end of the case, which extracts the hot air from inside.

Newer computer systems now use additional fans to improve the ventilation and airflow throughout the system.

These fans are rated by their physical dimensions, the volume of air that they can move in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and the type of motor bearings that are used.

There are two types of motors - sleeved motors and ball bearing motors; ball bearing being the better of the two due to its longer service life. Sleeved motors are used in cheaper cooling fans.

Having numerous fans improperly installed can result in serious implications and can be just as bad as insufficient cooling!

Note:
Running your computer system with the cover off is not recommended. Although the ambient temperature will be lower, certain key components such as the CPU, video card, etc. can have higher operating temperatures.

The absence of the cover affects the airflow causing poor ventilation. Hence, if the cover is installed, a proper controlled ventilation will result and also the induction of dust into the system will be drastically reduced.

Dust is dangerous to your system since it forms an insulating layer preventing the proper dissipation of heat from your components.

Computers today do not need the care that computers required in the past but operating temperatures must be kept normal.

Your system will overheat resulting in damage to it if your cooling fan fails. Here are some tips to help to protect your computer from overheating:

• Use compressed air to remove dust build up from fans.
• Use a computer vacuum or a can of compressed air to remove dust and debris build up from the internal components at least twice per year or as required - depending on the environment.
• Keep your computer in a cool and dry place free from debris.
• Ensure that your computer is placed a few inches from a wall since the fans are at the rear of the computer.
• Never put your computer system unit on the floor. Less dirt and dust will get into the system when it is kept off the floor.
• Your computer should be placed in a clean and well ventilated area.
• Never block the air vents on your computer case.
• Never put books or other items on top of your computer monitor.

Final Thoughts