ELM Bulletin - July 31, 2006
Keep IT Cool
The summer of 2006 promises to be one of the hottest in recent memory (not that I'm agreeing with Al Gore, or anything). With temperatures regularly reaching the low 30s and the utilities encouraging us to use as little electricity as possible, how do you keep your computer systems cool?
1 - Remove Accumulated Dust - Dust inside a computer will act as insulation, preventing heat from being vented out of the system. To clean the computer: turn it off, disconnect all cables, take it outside and remove the dust that has built up on the fans and motherboard with anti-static duster. Cans of anti-static duster are available at most electronics retailers, one can will typically last two or three computer cleanings. Dust should be removed annually; more frequently if your computer is in a high traffic area or near a workshop.
2 - Circulate The Air - Ensure adequate ventilation by keeping the computer at least six inches from the nearest obstruction or wall. If you are using a notebook computer away from your desk try to use it on a flat surface as using it on your lap can block air circulation vents. Check the temperature in your server room, if you have one, if it feels excessively warm try one or more of the following:
- Allow cooler air into the server room by opening air-conditioning vents
- Let warmer air to escape into the area above the ceiling by removing ceiling tiles above the server
- Circulate the air in the server room by installing a fan to blow air over the server
A fan blowing air over your desktop or notebook computer can keep it cooler as well, although more frequent cleaning may be necessary as a result.
Your computer has internal cooling fans which will become less efficient or fail completely as they age. If you find that your computer experiences shut-down events that become more frequent the longer the computer is on it is very likely that one or more of its internal cooling fans is in need of replacement. (Spyware, viruses and other problems can also cause shut-down events but they are generally unrelated to the length of time a computer has been on.)
3 - Power Down - When asked whether it is better to shut a computer off at night or leave it running we have typically answered that it doesn't really matter, though we prefer that computers be turned off for reasons discussed in May's ELM Bulletin: Debunking Computer Myths. In the summer, turning off an unused computer will allow it to cool down. This will have the added advantage of reducing your air-conditioning requirements, as the computer is no longer generating heat, and also reducing the demand placed on the power grid.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this or any other issue.
Past issues of the ELM Bulletin are available from our website, feel free to forward them to anyone you wish.
You have received this ELM Bulletin either by request or because you have given your contact information to an ELM employee. If you no longer wish to receive the ELM Bulletin, send us an email with "Remove Me" in the subject line and we will remove your email address from our distribution list.
Peter Rhebergen Telephone |
Websites & Publications Product Websites |
