Concerned about adequate cooling

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binovc

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Dec 12, 2014
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We recently purchased a computer desk that has a designated comparment for the computer tower. It has a hinged door at the front, and a 2 inch hole in the back for wires.
We called HP (this is a HP computer with an intel i7 processor, running windows 8.1), and they said basically "get a different desk!".
Well I'm not going to get a new desk. So is it a "given" that my computer will overheat in this enclosed space? How can I tell? If it is getting too warm, can't I just install a fan at the back (or side) of the cabinet?
I did install a program called CORE TEMP, and so far it has registered a max of maybe 40 degrees (C). Is this a good enough tool to monitor my computer's temperature?
This is no "gaming computer." Just used for run-of-the-mill stuff like browsing the net, maybe watching a dvd, working on spreadsheets.
Thanks
 
Solution
tambeshakunt
Yes core temp is a good program to monitor temperatures. 40 degrees is a little high but since you aren't gaming its acceptable.

My advice:
1) Install additional fans in your case
2) Get a cheap aftermarket cooler and replace the thermal paste on your CPU


Both of these should drop temperatures by at least 5-10 degrees after which you are completely safe.
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tambeshakunt

tambeshakunt

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Jun 5, 2013
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Yes core temp is a good program to monitor temperatures. 40 degrees is a little high but since you aren't gaming its acceptable.

My advice:
1) Install additional fans in your case
2) Get a cheap aftermarket cooler and replace the thermal paste on your CPU


Both of these should drop temperatures by at least 5-10 degrees after which you are completely safe.
 
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binovc

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Dec 12, 2014
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Hi tambeshakunt,
Thanks for the reply...


 
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tambeshakunt

tambeshakunt

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Yes I am talking about the PC case itself. It has mounting points for fans. It may be difficult to mount to the desk itself.



A CPU cooler (or fan as you mention) is a device that draws heat away from the CPU and has an array of heatsinks to spread this heat out. Then, a fan dissipates the heat away and out of the case. You will already have a cooler and this is called the stock cooler that is provided free with all processors. This is ok in a good airflow case but otherwise, it isn't very good performing and can be a little loud. The thermal paste is a substance that goes between the CPU and the cooler .... it fills in microscopic gaps to help transfer heat away more efficiently. Some aftermarket coolers and all stock coolers have pre applied thermal paste. You don't normally need to change the paste for about 5 years .

Here is a good, cheap CPU cooler.
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.

If you do intent in buying one, let me know....they can be picked up quite cheap for about £10-15. If you get a new cooler, you probably won't need additional case fans.
 
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ohiou_grad_2006

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Dec 3, 2011
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When I work on systems I hate seeing those desks where there's just a place for the tower and a 2 inch or so hole for wires. People don't realize how hot a computer can get in there. Even if you are having good temps at idle, load is what matters. Might also look into a program called hwmonitor. It will show you the max your components have gotten to. Other thing to keep in mind is your power supply, for example if it's bottom mounted and the hole is at the top, then the power supply could possibly overheat. You also to may want to air dust the system out every 6 months or so due to dust building up in your cabinet more quickly.

I notice that sometimes those cabinets come with a cardboard type backing on them. If you can take that off, or cut out the part behind the computer, that would probably help greatly.
 
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