My favorite computer kept getting slower and even started freezing up. I tried the usual fixes but no luck. Try to guess the cause.
Fixes attempted: Updated Norton AntiVirus to Norton System Works Updated ZoneAlarm Updated Microsoft windows security Updated Ad-Aware
This is getting serious............ Defragmented Drive Deleted lots of software.
Alright I've had it now......... Formated Drive Installed new Win98
The system is still slow and hangs up. Purchased new drive to install.
Almost defeated I ask my boy for help!......... He looks at the Bios and sees the processor cooking along at 197 degrees F
I blow the dust out of the CPU fan and heat sink and the Temperature drops to 97F GREAT!!
PROBLEM SOLVED !!!!!!!!!!
I'll just put the new drive in another computer.
Of course I lost my address book and email.
ernie
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Ernie had the same prob today on a friends computer, noticed the fan unplugged, pluggged it in and voila!!!
Posted by Steve Aycock (Member # 3612) on :
Heat has been nearly the number one cause of failure in all the computer systems I have worked on in the last ten or so years. Dust buildup creates an insualting blanket and reduces airflow. Cigarette smokers have the nastiest computer systems, nicotene provides a gooey adhesive for the dirt and seems to be a natural insulator for heat.
As long as you have your computer case open, take a look at whatever else you might be able to do to increase airflow moving cables around is usually about the best you can do. Bundle them up with wire ties or if you are real interested there are newer ide cables on the market that are not ribbon cable. You can also add fans to your case if you like, 12 volt fans are cheap, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be a signifigant improvement. I personally have a 65cfm 120v fan mounted to my case. It's a little overkill but I take my computer seriously. Make sure that if you do add fans have them blowing into the case and not out. Outword airflow doesn't disperse heat nearly as well and makes filters out of your drives and other internal peripherals. Generally the cooler you can get your cpu the better it will run.
Steve
Posted by Peter Manzolillo (Member # 1062) on :
Did you do the right thing and double your boy's allowance this week?
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