Vista - Overheating

My Desktop PC has started turning off my monitor, I assume because the graphics cars is overheating (Nvidea 8800), and the only way to get the PC monitor going again is to restart the PC. How can I stop my PC from overheating?? It already has 4 fans and the card's fan in it!! What can I do?

I bought this PC second hand, its a custom build... So I dont know much about it.

Regards
Jamie Mann

GB

firrst we need your system specs (lower left corner of your posts) so we know what hardware you have.

If its a desktop power down and unplug. ope the case and blow out with canned air. look for clogged vents, fans not running, etc.

When your using it is the case one the floor in a corner? lift it a foot or more and have un blocked air access to it.

then get a temp monitoring app and see what the temps actually are. everest, cpu-z, siw2, all will do it

ken

I

Updated.
Yes, it is on the floor. Its a tower, so no vents underneath.
Will clean out the vents, fans etc tomorrow at work, and get a temp app and let you all know the results.

Regards
Jamie Mann

Be careful jamie I melted my first dell like that.

let us know if we can help

ken

Ken,
Melted how? Can you please be more specific as to what I am doing wrong and what I have to be careful of?

Regards,
Jamie Mann

[QUOTE=zigzag3143;1146668]
Thinking about it, it would be a great help if you could tell me step by step how to clean a PC out, and any do's and dont's. I'm off to bed now, will check the post in the morning and thank everyone who helps, then will put the lesson into practice at work ;p.

[QUOTE=Gingbeard;1146670]
well here is a page to look at Computer-cleaning no-nos - Clean up your grungy PC - Weekend Project - CNET Reviews

ken

CPUID

run that , run your pc game whatever , then take a screenshot of the HW monitor so we can see what temps are getting too

Jamie

You may not be doing anything wrong. with the temp monitored you can tell if there is a problem. I didnt mean to worry you. Usually before a computer dies from heat it starts random shutdowns, and errors. If you can raise the tower even 6" off the floor it will help.

let me know when you decide to clean the insides.

ken

Interesting... I have had it running with a room fan pointing inside the casing, has obviously kept temperatures low but it has still done it twice, will post BIOS temps when I can. I am currently running Memtest86 to see if there are any RAM problems, so far none have appeared on two checks.

I have however notced that if I give the PC a 'bump' or move it, it does it...

Any ideas welcome

Regards,
Jamie Mann