This mostly applies to laptops. Most likely you can’t set up a desktop on a soft surface.

Also don’t put the PC right up against the wall. Keep it at least 2–3 inches (5. 1–7. 6 cm) away so the vents aren’t blocked. If you keep the case in a drawer or cabinet, make sure it’s large enough for the case to sit at least 2–3 inches (5. 1–7. 6 cm) from the back. Alternatively, you could use a casing with no back so the vents aren’t blocked.

Be careful when moving the computer. Make sure all the parts are unplugged before moving anything. Move everything a little at a time so you don’t drop something. Make sure the new area is free of any obstructions that will block air vents.

The room temperature doesn’t need to be much cooler than what you would normally set the AC to. Ideal room temperature for PC performance is 68–78 °F (20–26 °C). [5] X Research source If you normally prefer it warmer, you don’t have to keep the AC on at all times. Just turn it on while you’re gaming and your PC is working harder.

Check your case covers to ensure they’re closed all the way. If they’re even slightly open, dust can enter the system. Make sure your case has vents for airflow.

Always make sure the system is off and unplugged before you open the cabinet up. Consider wearing a static bracelet so you don’t shock any of the parts inside the computer. You can also spot-clean the other hardware in the cabinet with a clean rag.

There are also some external programs that allow you to adjust fan speed if your computer doesn’t have the default option. Download and run one of these to raise the fan speed. Don’t leave the fans running at a higher speed at all times or you could burn them out. Only increase the speed during stressful tasks like gaming.

If you do overclock, make sure you’ve upgraded the PC’s cooling system and kept all the fans clean so the CPU doesn’t overheat.

Running a scan is important because even if your fans are running hard, the PC might not be overheating. This might just be how your fans operate. A scan confirms if you need to make adjustments. Some programs run in the background and monitor the CPU temperature in real-time. Consider using one of these programs if your system overheats sometimes. Popular options are Core Temp, Open Hardware Monitor, and Speed Fan. [11] X Research source

If you know how to replace the fans yourself, you can order new fans for a cheaper price online. If you aren’t confident in your technical skills to swap out old fans and install new ones, let the technicians at the store do it for you.

Make sure each fan is set to the same rpm setting. If the fans aren’t synched, it could create a negative air pocket that heats the CPU up.

If you often overclock your PC, then a water-cooling system will probably work better than fans. Water-cooling systems range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on the size of your computer and sophistication of the water pump. Don’t worry about damaging your computer. The water stays in a closed system.

This requires some technical skill to transfer the hardware. If you aren’t confident in your ability to disassemble and rebuild the hardware, bring it to a computer store for specialists to do it.