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HP Desktop PCs - Reduce heat inside the computer to prevent overheating

When temperatures inside the computer rise above 35º C (95º F), the risk of damage to important internal components increases.

You can help prevent overheating by making sure there is adequate ventilation around the computer, the fan vents are cleaned regularly, the computer is in a cool environment, and the BIOS is up-to-date.

You might experience the following issues when the computer overheats:

After pressing the Power button, the computer freezes on a black screen and Windows does not start, or Windows starts but does not respond.
Basic tasks or applications take more time to complete than usual.
Windows does not respond, suddenly restarts, or displays an error message while in use.
Games stop responding during play.
Fans inside the computer become louder as they start spinning faster to remove excess heat.
The mouse and keyboard stop responding.

There are many reasons your computer might overheat, but the most common reason is dust buildup on the fans which can trap heat. Reduce the heat inside the computer to prevent any damage to its internal components.

Increase efficiency to reduce heat

The computer works harder and generates more heat when multiple applications are open simultaneously, or while playing graphically intense video games.

Use the following tips to improve computer efficiency.

Change which applications run when Windows starts by using the Startup tab in Task Manager.
Close applications when you are done using them.
Close the internet browser when you are not using it.
Lower the game resolution and decrease the graphics settings if the computer becomes warmer than usual while playing.

If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Let the computer cool down

Remove the side panel from the computer to determine if the heat-related issue goes away.

Warning:

The edges of metal panels can cut skin. Be careful not to slide skin along any interior metal edge of the computer.

Turn off the computer, and then unplug the power cable.
Move any objects near the computer.
Loosen or remove the side panel screws, if necessary.

Note:
Your computer side panel might be secured differently, but the location of the screws should be similar.
Slide the side panel back and away from the computer, and then set the panel aside.

Warning:
To avoid shocking yourself or damaging the computer, do not touch any of the components inside the computer, even when the computer is off.
Reconnect the power cable, turn on the computer, and then wait five to ten minutes.
With the side panel removed, open the application that caused the issue.
- If the fan issue stops, excessive heat is probably building up inside the computer case. Inspect the fans inside the computer to confirm they are working as expected.
- If the fan issue does not stop, the software application might be causing the fan issue instead of heat buildup inside the computer. Uninstall and reinstall the application, and then make sure that it is up-to-date. If the issue persists, contact the software developer for more information.

Confirm that the desktop computer fans work correctly

Inspect the fans inside the computer to make sure that they are working as expected.

CAUTION:

If a fan is not working correctly, stop using the computer. Exposure to consistently high temperatures can damage internal parts.

Turn on the computer.

Find the fans inside the case. Locations vary by computer model.

CAUTION:

You can use a flashlight to help you find each fan, but avoid using the flashlight inside the computer to prevent damaging internal parts.

Finding fans for HP Desktop and Slimline computers

Callout	Fan type
1	Power supply fan
2	Graphics card fan
3	Processor fan
4	Power supply fan vent
5	Case fan vent
6	Case fan

Note any fans that might not be working or are making loud, growling noises.

Clean the desktop air vents

Clean the desktop air vents to remove any dust or debris that might have accumulated in and around the air vents over time. Dust and debris can obstruct the airflow and cause the fans to work harder than normal to remove the heat.

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.
Use a vacuum to clean all exterior vents, especially around the power supply vent.

CAUTION:
To avoid damaging internal components, do not use the vacuum inside the computer.
Remove the side panel back from the computer.
Use canned air to clean the fans and components inside the computer.
Replace the side panel, reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

Make sure that there is adequate ventilation for the computer

To decrease the likelihood of overheating problems, make sure that the fans on your computer are able to ventilate properly. Proper ventilation for the system is important for computer operation.

Follow these guidelines to ensure adequate ventilation:

Keep the computer upright and on a sturdy, level surface.
Provide at least 15.25 cm (6 in) of clearance around each vent.
If the computer is being used at high altitudes, above 1500 m (5000 ft), take extra care to keep the computer cool. When moving the computer to a higher altitude, the temperature inside the computer decreases by approximately 1º C ( 34º F) every 300 m (1000 ft) of altitude.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.
On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.
Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.
After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.
If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

Replace the thermal paste on the processor

Thermal paste can dry out and crack over time, making the fans inside the computer work harder and putting extra strain on the processor. Replace the thermal paste between the heat sink and processor to help the computer maintain an optimal internal temperature.

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and any cables, and then wait for the components to cool.
Gather the following materials:
- Thermal paste
- A flathead or TR15 screwdriver
- Cotton swabs or microfiber cloth
- An electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap or conductive foam pad for proper grounding
- Cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol or thermal compound cleaner
  
  CAUTION:
  Avoid using standard 70% rubbing alcohol as it can cause corrosion and damage internal parts.
Disconnect the power cord and any cables from the computer.
Push the side panel back and away from the computer, and then set the panel aside.

Warning:
The edges of metal panels can cut skin. Be careful not to slide skin along any interior metal edge of the computer.
Carefully place the desktop on its side so the system board is parallel with the worksurface.
Ground yourself to remove any built-up electrostatic discharge (ESD) before reaching inside the computer.

CAUTION:
This product contains components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). HP recommends using an anti-static wrist strap and working over a non-carpeted floor with a conductive foam pad to reduce the to reduce the chance of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
Disconnect the processor fan power cable from the system board.
Remove the four screws around the processor fan in a star pattern, instead of clockwise, to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the system board.
Pull the fan up and away from the system board, and then set it with the fan facing down on a level surface.
Lightly dampen a cotton swab or microfiber cloth with cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol.

Find the thermal paste on the processor.

Finding the thermal paste on the processor

Callout	Description
1	Heat sink
2	Processor

Gently clean the surface of the processor until all thermal paste is removed.

CAUTION:
Do not remove the processor chip from its socket. There are delicate pins that can be damaged easily.
Clean the surface of the heat sink until all of the thermal paste is removed.
Check the heat sink and processor edges for thermal paste, and then clean off any paste found.
Apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste in the center of the processor.
Center the heat sink on top of the processor, and then align the screws with the matching holes on the system board.
Secure the screws in a star pattern until there is resistance.

CAUTION:
Do not over-tighten the screws. The excess pressure can damage the processor socket and cause the system board to crack.
Reconnect the fan power cable into its slot on the system board.
Secure the side panel back onto the computer.
Reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

Test for hardware failure

Overheating can be caused by different types of hardware failures.

For instructions on how to test for hardware failures to ensure that your hardware is functioning correctly, see HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures in Windows 10.

Contact HP Customer Support

Contact HP Customer Support for further assistance if the issue persists.

Go to HP Customer Support - Contact.
Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.
Select a support option. Support options vary by country/region.

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