What can I do about it?
l
Make a note of the beep pattern (e.g. three short beeps)
l
Google your computer manufacturer and model name, then
‘beep codes’
24
HOW CAN I TELL
IF MY COMPUTER
IS OVERHEATING?
There are telltale signs that a computer is getting too hot – and it’s
not sweat pouring out of the USB ports.
The first sign is instability and sudden shutdowns. Today’s
computers are loaded with built-in thermometers and are programmed
to shut themselves down if a core component becomes too toasty,
thus preventing the whole system turning into a smoke machine.
25
Other signs are funny smells emanating from the vents or the fans
constantly running at full pelt. Don’t be paranoid – most laptops or
PCs will fire up their fans if you’re doing something heavy-duty, such
as playing 3D games or editing video, or if it’s been running for a
long while. But if the fans are screaming from the moment you turn
the thing on, or after it’s been left idle for a while, you might have
a problem.
Free utilities let you check the temperature of your computer’s
processor (CPU) and graphics card (if you’ve got one) – the
two chief suspects in an overheating system. The free Speccy
(ccleaner.com/speccy) is one such utility for Windows systems.
Once Speccy is installed, click on the CPU section on the left-
hand side of the window and look for the temperatures. If your CPU
temperature is constantly displayed in red figures (90°C or above),
something is up. Switch it off to prevent further damage and get
it checked.
What can I do about it?
l
Download Speccy
l
Check CPU and graphics card temperatures
l
Switch off if too hot
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