How to prevent and deal with overheating

[Daniel_Potyrala]

Disclaimer

I do not guarantee that the advice given here will help in every case of overheating.

A BIG thank you to

The HP forum members: CherylG, Dave_G, and Mumbodog for their suggestions.

Guide

01. Clean the vents of your notebook / netbook weekly using compressed air.  

          Resource:

          Reducing Heat and Fan Noise by Cleaning Air Vents

02. Check is processor (CPU) highly loaded by any process or service using recommended tool.

          Windows 7:

          a) Resource Monitor which is built-in this system.

               Resources:

               Windows 7 Resource Monitor

               How to Open Resource Monitor in Windows 7

          b) Process Explorer which you may download from here.

          Vista and XP: 

          Process Explorer which you may download from here.

03. Update the HP software and drivers to the latest version.

         Click the Support & Drivers link here.

         In the search box type your notebook product number (p/n).

         Resource:

         How to Locate the Notebook p/n

         Choose ' Next '.

         Click ' Software & Driver Downloads '.

         Use the dropdown selector to select correct operation system and click ' Next '.

04. Minimize the use of background tasks such as defragmentation and virus scans.  Use the scheduler to ensure these

         tasks are executed when the laptop is not being heavily used.

05. Always place your laptop on a hard flat surface. Never place your notebook / netbook on lap, bed, couch, blankets,

         comforters or other soft / fabric surfaces that can block fans and air vents.

06. Turn off your notebook / netbook before placing it into a briefcase or a backpack. Do not ever place an operating

         laptop in a confined space where heat can build up.

07. Operate the laptop with a reasonable ambient room temperature.

         When the room temperature is high then if it's possible turn on the air conditioning or set the standing fan in the

         direction of the laptop.

08. Never leave operating laptop with closed lid. This always generates heat inside laptop. You may close lid only if

         laptop will automatically go into sleep or hibernation mode.

09. Install monitoring software. I always recommend HWMonitor (free software). You may check with it your

         notebook / netbook CPU (processor), GPU (graphic card), motherboard and HDD temperatures.

10. Adjust power settings to your needs. Lower energy consumption will result lower heat generation.  

         Some proposals:

         - don't set brightness to max;

         - customize graphic card power settings;

         - set the correct power plan in your system;

             a) Windows 7 select the " Power saver ";

                  Power plans: frequently asked questions - Windows 7

             b) Windows Vista select the " Power saver ";

                  Power plans: frequently asked questions - Windows Vista

             c) Windows XP select the " Portable/Laptop ".

                  Power Management in Windows XP

11. Use a notebook cooler or a system for elevating your computer to reduce heat buildup.

         This is specially recommended for a heavy gamers.

         Resource:

         Notebook Coolers : A Buyers Guide

12. Laptops are not built to withstand heavy gaming nor even prolonged  viewing of videos (regardless of the

         Entertainment title). Both of these things often lead to shorten the life of your notebook / netbook.

13. If you are buying a new computer, check:

         - reviews on the Internet;

         - HP forums for complaints about a particular model and overheating.

         Both of these recommendations may save you a lot of problems.