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Sometimes, a computer slowdown is caused by physical problems with your PC and its hardware. One example is your PC becoming too hot. It may be that there is a build up of dust which is preventing the cooling fans from doing their job. Your PC should be positioned in a cool place and its air vents should not be blocked.
If your PC is making noise (other than the norm) it's usually because of one of the fans inside is dirty or on it's way out. You can try to extend the life of these fans by routine cleaning. Start off with buying a couple cans of compressed air from your local superstore like WalMart. Sometimes Sam's Club will have a good deal on a multi-pack. A good deal would be $4 or less per can.
NOTICE ABOUT COMPRESSED AIR:
Always keep the can in an UPRIGHT position. If you tilt the car too far it will release an extremely cold liquid that could damage components, or cause frost bite if your skin comes in contact with it.
Always use quick and short bursts of air. Never continuously pull the trigger on the can of compressed air. This is not efficient and you will run out before you know it. And always use the included spray wand. If it's not attached to the can, don't buy it. Compressed air is useless without it.
1. Turn off and unplug your PC
2. Use some compressed air on the back to clean out the venting holes and where the power supply is. Repeat this procedure on the front by spraying any vent holes and where you insert a floppy disk.
3. Next, wipe down the outside case with a soft cloth and a little bit of rubbing alcohol (70% Isopropyl is good) this will remove any dirt, tobacco or sticky residue from the case. Not to mention, the alcohol will also kill any germs on it. Alcohol should be used because it will evaporate quickly and does not leave a residue.
4. Locate the case screws and remove them. Usually 4-8 of them and they are of the phillips head or hex type screws. Put them in a small dish so you won't lose them.
5. Be sure that you DO NOT touch anything inside the case without grounding yourself first. You ground yourself by touching the metal case, and don't move your feet around as this will cause a static buildup (static kills computer parts). Once the case is open, use the compressed air working your way from the top, down to the bottom.
Pay close attention to the fans inside as they move the air and need extra cleaning, ESPECIALLY the fan attached to your CPU which is on the main board. Some CPU fans are covered by ductwork that can be easily removed and re-attached. Just make sure the CPU fan and it's "fins" are clean and all traces of dust have been removed.
6. All this dust will be blown down to the bottom, and probably all over the table you are working on. Once the dust reaches the bottom and you are satisfied with the results of the cleaning, use a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe the bottom of the case on the inside. REMEMBER TO GROUND YOURSELF FIRST! Don't try to use the can of duster here as you will only blow the dust around and back to the areas you have already cleaned.
7. Just to be safe, you should make sure that all of the cables inside are attached securely. Simply follow each cable from one end to the next and press down firmly. There are several power and ribbon cables, and maybe a few sound or control cables. Just follow them all, and press them into place to ensure a good connection.
8. Put the cover back on, replace the screws (do not over tighten them).
9. Plug everything back up, turn it on and do a "3S inspection". Sight, Sound and Smell.
Sight Inspection - Confirm with your eyes the PC is booting properly and that you do not see any smoke coming from the case. If no smoke, you did good and you can move to the next step.
Sound Inspection - If you had funny sounds before you cleaned the PC and they have now disappeared, you've probably done a good job at cleaning. If you still have some sounds (grinding, warbling, screeching, squealing, etc) you might be needing a new power supply , CPU fan or case fan. In that case, be sure to do a Smell Inspection daily. If you hear a rubbing or clicking sound, it could be one of the cables touching on of the fan blades inside. Remove the case and check the cables. Use wire ties if necessary to restrain the cables, keeping them free of the fans.
Smell Inspection - Smell the back side of the computer case where the power supply is located. Over time, this part can start to burn up. If you smell something burning around here, it's time for a new power supply. We can recommend the best places to get one at a fair price and they are pretty easy to replace yourself. DO NOT BUY FROM BEST BUY, OFFICE CENTER STORES or any local computer shops. They are in the market of making money and they mark everything up 200% to 800%. A power supply should cost no more than $25-30 dollars.
Also, like any piece of equipment, hardware components can start to wear out over time and eventually they will need replacing, usually with a newer model. You should make sure after replacing or upgrading components such as RAM memory or Graphics cards, that they are firmly in place in their slots.
If you need help determining what you need, how much it should cost, where to get it and how to install it, feel free to contact us. We'll be glad to put you on the right path.
Sometimes, a computer slowdown is caused by physical problems with your PC and its hardware. One example is your PC becoming too hot. It may be that there is a build up of dust which is preventing the cooling fans from doing their job. Your PC should be positioned in a cool place and its air vents should not be blocked.
If your PC is making noise (other than the norm) it's usually because of one of the fans inside is dirty or on it's way out. You can try to extend the life of these fans by routine cleaning. Start off with buying a couple cans of compressed air from your local superstore like WalMart. Sometimes Sam's Club will have a good deal on a multi-pack. A good deal would be $4 or less per can.
NOTICE ABOUT COMPRESSED AIR:
Always keep the can in an UPRIGHT position. If you tilt the car too far it will release an extremely cold liquid that could damage components, or cause frost bite if your skin comes in contact with it.
Always use quick and short bursts of air. Never continuously pull the trigger on the can of compressed air. This is not efficient and you will run out before you know it. And always use the included spray wand. If it's not attached to the can, don't buy it. Compressed air is useless without it.
1. Turn off and unplug your PC
2. Use some compressed air on the back to clean out the venting holes and where the power supply is. Repeat this procedure on the front by spraying any vent holes and where you insert a floppy disk.
3. Next, wipe down the outside case with a soft cloth and a little bit of rubbing alcohol (70% Isopropyl is good) this will remove any dirt, tobacco or sticky residue from the case. Not to mention, the alcohol will also kill any germs on it. Alcohol should be used because it will evaporate quickly and does not leave a residue.
4. Locate the case screws and remove them. Usually 4-8 of them and they are of the phillips head or hex type screws. Put them in a small dish so you won't lose them.
5. Be sure that you DO NOT touch anything inside the case without grounding yourself first. You ground yourself by touching the metal case, and don't move your feet around as this will cause a static buildup (static kills computer parts). Once the case is open, use the compressed air working your way from the top, down to the bottom.
Pay close attention to the fans inside as they move the air and need extra cleaning, ESPECIALLY the fan attached to your CPU which is on the main board. Some CPU fans are covered by ductwork that can be easily removed and re-attached. Just make sure the CPU fan and it's "fins" are clean and all traces of dust have been removed.
6. All this dust will be blown down to the bottom, and probably all over the table you are working on. Once the dust reaches the bottom and you are satisfied with the results of the cleaning, use a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe the bottom of the case on the inside. REMEMBER TO GROUND YOURSELF FIRST! Don't try to use the can of duster here as you will only blow the dust around and back to the areas you have already cleaned.
7. Just to be safe, you should make sure that all of the cables inside are attached securely. Simply follow each cable from one end to the next and press down firmly. There are several power and ribbon cables, and maybe a few sound or control cables. Just follow them all, and press them into place to ensure a good connection.
8. Put the cover back on, replace the screws (do not over tighten them).
9. Plug everything back up, turn it on and do a "3S inspection". Sight, Sound and Smell.
Sight Inspection - Confirm with your eyes the PC is booting properly and that you do not see any smoke coming from the case. If no smoke, you did good and you can move to the next step.
Sound Inspection - If you had funny sounds before you cleaned the PC and they have now disappeared, you've probably done a good job at cleaning. If you still have some sounds (grinding, warbling, screeching, squealing, etc) you might be needing a new power supply , CPU fan or case fan. In that case, be sure to do a Smell Inspection daily. If you hear a rubbing or clicking sound, it could be one of the cables touching on of the fan blades inside. Remove the case and check the cables. Use wire ties if necessary to restrain the cables, keeping them free of the fans.
Smell Inspection - Smell the back side of the computer case where the power supply is located. Over time, this part can start to burn up. If you smell something burning around here, it's time for a new power supply. We can recommend the best places to get one at a fair price and they are pretty easy to replace yourself. DO NOT BUY FROM BEST BUY, OFFICE CENTER STORES or any local computer shops. They are in the market of making money and they mark everything up 200% to 800%. A power supply should cost no more than $25-30 dollars.
Also, like any piece of equipment, hardware components can start to wear out over time and eventually they will need replacing, usually with a newer model. You should make sure after replacing or upgrading components such as RAM memory or Graphics cards, that they are firmly in place in their slots.
If you need help determining what you need, how much it should cost, where to get it and how to install it, feel free to contact us. We'll be glad to put you on the right path.
