One of the biggest problems with laptops, especially older models, is overheating. Resulting data loss and irreparable damage to parts of your computer are something we all want to avoid at all costs but what do you do if your laptop temperature just keeps increasing?
First of all, it is important to work out why your laptop is overheating – if it’s a simple issue of maintenance, that’s something you can take care of yourself. But the last thing you want to do is start dissembling your computer without knowing just what you’re looking for, so be aware of all the possible variables.
There are a range of issues that could be resulting in overheating. For example, if there is dust or other foreign particles lodged inside the heatsink of your laptop, this can result in bad heat flow. Perhaps there is a basic design fault in your laptop; or it could be the application of thermal pads in some designs which work to create a separation between the heatsink, the GPU and the CPU, also resulting in increased temperatures. If you are not sure what is causing your overheating, make sure you employ professional IT support to ensure your laptop gets the attention it needs.
If, however, you are confident you have identified the source of the overheating, you can then take steps to fix the problem. Take apart your laptop to find the heatsink and fan location, and give it a good clean. A drop of mineral oil on the axle of the fan can also help, if the fan is spinning a little unpredictably. It is also a good idea to see if you need to update the thermal pads to make the heat flow more efficient – copper shims are a good option because they really improve the heat transfer.
For the longevity of your device, it is necessary for you to address any overheating problems as soon as they arise. If you have tried the DIY method and are still experiencing problems with your laptop overheating, ensure you contact your trusted computing support technician as soon as possible.
