why computers generate heat

7/31/2019 Why Computers Generate Heat

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Why Computers Generate Heat

HP Customer Care > HP Pavilion dv5-1050ee Entertainment Notebook PC > Solve a problem

One of the most common questions any computer manufacturer receives from customers is "Why does my

notebook computer generate so much heat?"

Heat is a normal by-product of computer operation. Depending on the model of a particular computer, heat

output can vary. For instance, a high performance computer generates considerably more heat than a lower

performance notebook. This is normal.

Under typical operating conditions, heat output from your computer should not be a cause for concern. In fact,

heat output is generally a sign that the computer is operating as safely and as efficiently as possible. If the

computer cannot disburse its heat, it may overheat and develop problems.

It is normal for a high performance notebook to feel warm to the touch due to the high-performance processor

and graphics capabilities. For instance, the HP ENVY Series is designed with multiple high-performance

processors, advanced graphics, and a durable magnesium chassis. This durable form factor transfers heat

more efficiently.

What parts in the computer generate heat?

All computers require electricity in order to function, and some computer components require more electricity

than others. As electricity passes across circuits and through wires, it meets a natural degree of resistance.

This resistance, like the friction of two hands rapidly rubbing together, creates heat. Some components, like

LED lights, only require a small amount of electricity to function and their heat output is negligible. Other

components, namely the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), require

considerably more electrical input. Moreover, the amount of electricity used by those components is highly

variable, depending on the kind and number of applications running or calculations being performed. Not

surprisingly, these operations may generate quite a noticeable amount of heat.

The following components generate the most heat in a computer:

CPU - The Central Processing Unit (CPU) generally handles processes that are not graphics intensive,

such as number crunching data in a spreadsheet program or handling text input in a word processor.

(Some computers may also use their CPUs for graphics operations, although with less efficiency than

those having a dedicated GPU). Every calculation and instruction requires electrical input.

•

GPU - The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) generally handles processes that are graphics intensive.

(Not all computers have a GPU). Graphics, especially 3D renderings like those found in industrial design

software and video games, often require different types of calculations and instructions than can

typically be handled by a CPU. Graphics operations are often handled by a dedicated graphics

processor. As with the CPU, a GPU handles billions of calculations and instructions per second.

Depending on the kind of program being run, the GPU has the potential to produce more heat than the

CPU.

•

Heat Sink - A heat sink is a thermally conductive device placed over a CPU or a GPU to absorb some of

the heat that is being generated. Faster processors, as well as multi-core processors, require bigger and

more elaborate heat sinks to keep their temperatures within acceptable levels. Once the heat is

absorbed, it is dispersed in a controlled manner, either throughout the computer chassis or toward the

cooling fans. In many cases, the fans are actually integrated into the heat sinks.

•

HDD - The hard disk drive (HDD) contains small discs that spin as information is written and accessed

by other components. When there is not a lot of disk activity, the HDD puts itself into a suspended state

that does not require a lot of electricity. However, when data intensive operations, such as copying filesto and from the HDD, or ripping music from CD to the HDD are performed, a steady flow of electricity is

needed to keep the discs spinning and this generates heat.

•

ODD - The optical disc drive (ODD) can play CDs and/or DVDs. Like an HDD, the optical disc drive

spins the disc so data can be read and written. Unlike an HDD which uses magnets to read and write

data, an optical disc drive uses a laser. Both the spinning and the laser require a large electrical input,

and both can potentially generate considerable heat.

•

How is heat removed from the computer?

As heat from the various hardware components builds up, it must be dispersed or the components may

overheat.

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Your computer's basic heat profile is determined by its hardware specifications and how you use the computer.

If you find the heat output of your computer unpleasant, there are a few things you can to do to try reduce the

heat slightly.

Unblock the vents - Inadvertently blocking the air vents by pressing them up against a cubicle wall or

placing the notebook in an enclosed space, can cause a computer to heat up to higher temperatures as

there is no outlet for the hot air building up inside. If you unblock the vents, you may notice that the

computer's temperature may decease.

•

Blow out the dust - It is normal, over time, for dust to accumulation inside a computer. As with blocked

vents, dust inside the computer can interfere with the air flow and may impact heat dispersal. Usecompressed air to clear the vents of accumulated dust. Compressed air canisters, designed specifically

for use with computers are sold at many computer stores.

•

Place the computer on an appropriate surface - Do not place the notebook on a soft surface such as

a cushion, or on your unprotected lap. Soft materials and clothing can unintentionally block the vents or

prevent the computer chassis from dispersing heat as it was intended. Always place the notebook on a

hard surface, such as a desk or a lap tray that allows an air flow around the computer.

•

Use a cooling system - There are many types of cooling systems for high performance computers. For

example, elevated notebook trays with mechanical or liquid cooling systems are available at affordable

costs. You should never disassemble an HP computer and install an alternate cooling system. Doing so

may affect your warranty coverage and can have unpredictable results that may cause irreparable

damage to the computer.

•

Change your computing environment - If you are using the computer in a hot, humid environment,

move it to a cooler, drier one. For example, using the computer in a room that has no air conditioner in a

tropical or sub-tropical location can cause it to generate additional heat. Move the computer to an air

conditioned environment to keep it cool as well as remove some of the humidity from the air.

•

Adjust the computer's power options - Both Windows 7 and Windows Vista have power management

options that allow you to set the computer's performance level. Higher performance requires more

electricity, which subsequently creates more heat. You can reduce the computer's performance to

reduce the power requirements which may reduce the heat output slightly.

•

Adjust the CPU and GPU performance - Many CPU and GPU manufacturers have tools that can be

download from their web sites to adjust processor performance. Reducing the CPU and GPU

performance settings may reduce the amount of heat generated.

•

Stop using multiple processor-intensive applications at the same time - If the heat output is really a

concern, you can reduce the power requirements by using only one processor-intensive application at a

time.

•

Use the HP Support Assistant to stay up-to-date - To help optimize performance, HP suggests that

you download and run the HP Support Assistant to check for and install the latest BIOS version and

system software. HP periodically updates critical device drivers and BIOS features that can affect acomputer's heat profile. Run the HP Support Assistant frequently to ensure that your computer is not

missing any important updates that may impact the amount of heat your computer generates. If you

choose not to use the HP Support Assistant, you can go to the HP Support and Drivers download page

to manually install updates.

•

Once you become accustomed to your computer's heat profile, if you notice that the computer begins

generating more heat than normal, or begins behaving erratically when it heats up, turn it off immediately and

contact HP Support.

WARNING:HP notebooks are optimized for international safety standards, including issues related to

heat and the use of parts that are maintained and controlled by HP. Removing the specified hardware

from an HP computer and replacing it with parts not issued by HP, may cause the computer to run

hotter than normal.

See also

HP Notebook PCs - Reducing Heat and Fan Noise by Cleaning Air Vents

HP Notebook PCs - Tips for Using, Carrying and Protecting your Notebook

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