The laptop started to get very hot. Why does the laptop get hotter in games than during normal work?

When purchasing a laptop, users often wonder about the quality of its cooling system. Therefore, guided by the principle “the more expensive, the better,” they buy the most expensive devices. But even expensive laptops get hot. What to do in this case? How to prevent the device from overheating and avoid its breakdown?

Why does my laptop get hot?

Both a computer and a laptop consume a certain amount of electricity during their operation. Some of it inevitably turns into heat. This heat is generated by components such as:

• CPU;
• Video card;
• Chipset (if any).

The heat that these components emit is pushed out of the case by a radiator with a cooler, and cooled air returns to the parts. However, the greater the load on the video card and processor, the more they heat up and the cooling system cannot cope with its task. This can be seen in the example of launching a modern heavy game.

However, it is worth noting that the following trend is emerging every year: new generation video cards and processors are produced using a sophisticated technical process. The cooling system is also being improved and the parts heat up less. However, older laptop models get hotter. The same applies to gaming laptops, which even after purchase and the first hour of use heat up to temperatures of 70 degrees or higher.

The situation is different with budget laptop models. They have little computing power, but they also heat up significantly less. Therefore, when purchasing an expensive model from Asus, Aser or another manufacturer, the user must take care of high-quality cooling of the device in advance. To do this, you should buy a laptop stand, a removable cooler, and clean it from dust and other accumulations every 6 months.

What to do if your laptop gets very hot?

The laptop can heat up under different conditions, and therefore the solution to the heating problem depends on each specific situation.

Option 1: The laptop gets very hot while playing

If the laptop gets very hot while playing or working with a heavy program, it means that the standard cooling system is not enough to cope with the heat transfer. You need to buy a special stand for the laptop or raise the back of the case. If the thermal sensors show over 80 degrees, then some part of the cooling system is defective. It is worth cleaning and lubricating the cooler and checking the radiator for dust.

There are also external coolers on sale that are inserted into the side holes of the ventilation system.

Option 2. The laptop gets very hot, freezes and crackles

If your laptop makes a rattling noise during operation and the crackling sound does not come from the hard drive, you should clean the cooling system. Often lint and dust clog the cooler. As a result, the clogged axle cracks with dust and the fan speed decreases. The laptop gets hot and starts to freeze and slow down.

You can clean your laptop from dust yourself or by contacting a service center.

Option 3. The laptop gets very hot and turns off after turning it on

Once turned on, the laptop cannot turn off for no reason. If before this problem occurred the laptop was noisy and overheated, it means that the cooler did not start at system startup. As a result, the BIOS responded to this problem and, by issuing a warning in the form of a black screen, turned off the device to prevent overheating and damage to one of the components.

If the cooler does not work, you can try lubricating or replacing it.

Option 4. The laptop gets hot, makes a lot of noise and crashes after a few minutes

If the laptop makes noise, heats up, and after a few minutes turns off unexpectedly, it means that the thermal paste on the processor, video card or chipset is dry and needs to be replaced.

To do this, it is better to contact a specialist, since replacing the thermal paste alternates between removing the radiator, cooler, and processor, and these components must not be damaged.

How to prevent the system from overheating?

In most cases, the laptop heats up due to dust and lint that clogs the radiator and cooler blades. Following a few simple rules will help avoid overheating and damage to the device.

• It is not recommended to use the laptop on soft surfaces. Lint from the carpet, bed or tablecloth can clog the cooling system.
• Most of the dust in the room settles at a height of 20-30 cm from the floor. It is advisable not to leave your laptop on low cabinets or tables, especially not to work on them.
• It is not recommended to work with a laptop in a room where repairs are being carried out.
• As a preventative measure, you need to clean the device from dust and lint every 6 months.
• To prevent your laptop from overheating, you should buy a special stand.

Why is this happening and what to do. This question can be answered immediately. And, most likely, you know the answer yourself. Yes, overheating is dangerous because it can lead to breakdowns and, as a result, to spending money on repairing a laptop or buying a new device. What exactly will have to be done in a particular case depends on the degree of damage and the reasons why the laptop is heating up. Let's figure out what overheating can lead to and, most importantly, why it happens. It's very simple...

Consequences of overheating...

A laptop, like any other electronic device, consists of a set of boards and chips that have a maximum permissible operating temperature. If it is exceeded, the microcircuit fails (burns out), which can lead to complete (the laptop will not turn on) or partial (some elements, such as USB ports, will not work) failure of the device.

Why does my laptop get so hot...

• Poor ventilation. Each laptop has fans installed, they “drive” the air and thereby cool the most important elements. In order for air to get inside the device, there are special holes on the surface of the case. Sometimes they become clogged with dust and thereby interfere with the effective cooling of the laptop; the article presents photographs of what will happen to the computer if it is not cleaned. In addition, the ventilation properties may deteriorate due to improper use of the device, for example, when using the laptop on your lap, blanket or any other soft surface that covers the openings intended for air exchange.

• Thermal paste drying. Thermal paste helps dissipate heat from the processor to the heatsink. If it dries out, the processor stops cooling.
• Damage to the cooling circuit inside the laptop. Heat is no longer effectively dissipated, the temperature rises and particularly energy-intensive elements (processor, video card, hard drive) fail.
• Faulty electronic components. For example, one of the microcircuits on the system board failed and began to get very hot. As a rule, in such cases, the laptop case begins to heat up very much in the place where this chip is located. In this situation, laptop repair will be required, including replacing the faulty element.

The first signs that your laptop is overheating...

• Continuously running fan, especially when playing games or watching movies.
• The laptop turns off by itself. This happens especially often when launching system-intensive programs - the same games and video players. During some time required for cooling, the laptop does not turn on.
• The laptop often freezes. However, it is worth saying that this is not always due to the fact that the laptop is overheating. In most cases, freezing can be caused by errors in the operation of programs, operating systems, or drivers.
• There are periodic slowdowns in games. Extra squares, lines and other “artifacts” appear on the screen, the laptop turns off during the game.

All of the above is related to the operation of the laptop protection system. The processor and video card have special thermal sensors that record the temperature of the chips. As soon as it exceeds the maximum allowable, the system forcibly reduces the laptop's performance until it cools down. It is at these moments that slowdowns appear; in some cases, the security system can lead to the laptop turning off or rebooting itself (most often).

You can check the temperature of particularly important components of the device and detect overheating, and not software errors, using special programs (for example, HWMonitor). To determine that the laptop is heating up, it is enough to look at the temperature of the device immediately after turning it on and after some time (10-20 minutes) of intensive use (for example, playing a modern game).

My laptop is overheating, what should I do?

• Carry out prevention. With a certain frequency (1-2 times a year). It is best to contact a service company about this, as it can lead to serious damage. There are often cases when, while cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, users knocked out the video chip (above which, in fact, the fan is located) with static electricity or, by tangling the bolts, they broke the motherboard. In both cases, laptop repair is inevitable.
• Change thermal paste. This needs to be done every few years. Just like in the case of cleaning a laptop, this operation is best left to specialists.
• Use cooling pads. Today there are many devices on the market designed for forced cooling of laptops. They are very effective and can extend the life of the device for many years. If suddenly such a stand is not at hand, and the laptop gets hot, you can use a folk trick - raise the laptop above the table level, placing some object under it. This will increase the air gap under the device and provide more efficient cooling.
• Follow the rules for using a laptop. Try, if possible, not to use the laptop on your lap or a soft surface (for example, placing it on a pillow), and do not cover the openings on the device body used for air exchange.

Miniaturization is an inevitable process in the evolution of comfort. A compact device is always easier to transport. If you need to have constant access to the functionality of the device, its size is of great importance. Despite the advanced capabilities of laptops, the device also has a number of disadvantages. The main problem is voiced in the question: “Why does the laptop get hot?” If you are interested in information about the probable causes that increase the temperature of the device, and you want to know how to eliminate such “iron inflammation”, then the material presented in this article will be as useful as you can correctly apply it in practice.

Lack of free space and its consequences

Notice how much smaller a laptop computer is than its desktop counterpart. However, the power and performance of the “little one” can be many times greater than that of its “giant opponent”. However, the time factor always dots the i's... One way or another, a device that is used for a long time (especially when all the hardware resources of the computer are involved) will inevitably begin to heat up. The extremely close proximity of components in the interior of the case is an incredibly favorable environment for increased heat transfer. Question: “Why does the laptop get very hot?” becomes especially relevant if, in addition to everything else, the user is placed on a sofa. In this case, the soft upholstery of the headset becomes a kind of additional barrier to the much-needed air cooling system. Why is this so? The main limitation is usually the casing of the device, the ventilation holes of which sometimes cannot provide sufficient air circulation. How to avoid the negative effects of heat and what to do to ensure that a laptop computer works with “cold calculation” - read the material below.

Why does the laptop get very hot: design flaws

The iron “organism” of your electronic device is usually framed by a plastic case. In the case when the laptop model is associated with budget-class technology, the risk of overheating of the internal components increases with every slightly incorrect operating action. For example, using a laptop on your lap or placing the device on a soft surface is obviously incorrect. When you work on a laptop in a dusty room or in high humidity conditions, know that negative consequences cannot be avoided. By the way, a cold environment also has a devastating effect on the laptop as a whole. It is reasonable to assume that the question: “Why does the laptop get hot?” It might not have happened if the user had been aware of all the operational nuances.

What the seller won’t say, or What the manufacturer is hiding?

First of all, you should remember that a laptop is a portable device that can function autonomously, without being tied to a power supply. However, if you use a laptop as a desktop PC, then you should not forget that “prolonged strain” on the device can be disastrous for the device if the user ignores the tactile effect - a hot case. Even if you were assured that the laptop was made taking into account all operating conditions, do not believe it - you are being misled. However, some modifications of portable computing machines are indeed adapted for use in extreme conditions. However, even happy owners of reliable devices may have a question: “Why does the laptop heat up and turn off?” Developers and manufacturers of portable computer equipment can assure the authoritative competence of their “brainchild,” but the temperature fact remains an inescapable obviousness: everything is subject to the harmful effects of high temperature. Therefore, it makes sense to constantly monitor the “degrees” of the components of a long-running system.

Top “hot” problems and ways to solve them

So, why does the laptop heat up and turn off? Let's look at the main reasons for this phenomenon, and at the same time understand some of the technical nuances and design features of the laptop.

Problem #1: Dust Exposure

As already mentioned, computer components are “constrained” by the frame structure, so to speak, by a protective shell. This part of the device can be made of different materials. Various polymers, metal frames made of steel and even titanium in use make it possible to give the laptop a different level of reliability. Many of the materials have incredibly effective heat absorption properties. However, open areas and air intakes are most susceptible to constant exposure to the external environment: dust, moisture, etc. The user often has the question: “Why does the laptop get so hot?” Most likely, there was a critical accumulation of microscopic debris inside the laptop. Dust particles are compressed around the cooling cooler and, with their quantitative mass, block the air inlet/outlet. As a result, the fan lubricant becomes clogged, and friction creates an unpleasant effect of extraneous noise.

Remedy #1: Surface cleaning

As a rule, such troubles are resolved by basic preventive actions:

• The external openings of the air channels are freed from dust layers using an ordinary construction brush for painting.
• You can use a household vacuum cleaner.
• In some cases, in order to correct the situation that leads to the question “why is the HP laptop heating up,” it is necessary to remove the protective cover of the case, which covers the direct location of the cooling fan.

Attention: implementation of the last point deprives the user of the manufacturer's warranty. Since unauthorized access is a violation of operating rules.

Remedy No. 2: “Through the lid to the target”

If the warranty period has expired, then the user has every reason to independently restore the functionality of the cooling system. Except for contacting a specialized service center.

• Turn the laptop over and use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws of the cover, which is usually located in the upper case, on the left (rear view).
• After dismantling the protective element, use the same brush (see above) to clean the area of ​​contamination. It is worth noting that in a situation where the question is: “Why is the laptop noisy and hot?”, superficial “cleaning” is not enough - you need to lubricate the fan. In some cases, it is advisable to replace the cooling cooler.
• After completing the “sanitary” work, return the cover to its original position, first making sure that there are no unnecessary objects in the niche that you have cleared of dust.

As a result of the fact that the cooling system ceases to function fully, it often happens that while working in the Windows operating environment, the computer freezes or simply turns off. In the first option, perhaps the system does not have enough RAM; in another case, there is a violation of the temperature regime. An emergency shutdown is triggered, activated by the BIOS service.

Remedy #1: Dirty RAM

To clean the installed RAM strips from dust, you also need to open the corresponding protection plate. It is usually located in the middle part of the casing and is secured with two screws. Open, clean and replace the lid. In some cases, it will be necessary to “increase” the RAM potential - adding memory.

First of all - diagnosis

Often, access to the central processor is somewhat difficult and involves the immediate dismantling of housing parts and even some of the system’s external modules. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out diagnostics of the equipment in order to make sure that there are grounds for the labor-intensive process. After all, sometimes visual analysis can indicate the real reason why the laptop began to heat up. It is not difficult to carry out such a check; to do this, just enter the BIOS and look at the current temperature readings of the processor in the corresponding menu. There are also standard Windows tools that can be used to ensure that the CPU is operating normally. In other cases, dismantling cannot be avoided.

Elimination method No. 2: a substance on which a lot depends...

The operation of the processor is accompanied by high heat generation. If the cooling system is not functioning properly, the thermal paste dries out. The mentioned substance serves as a kind of layer between the CPU crystal and the heatsink, which absorbs the heat emanating from the processor. As you understand, to replace the thermal paste, you need to remove the cooling part and clean the contacting surfaces from traces of the dried substance. It should be taken into account that the component involved in heat exchange is applied evenly, in a thin layer and in no case extends beyond the boundaries of the processed planes.

Problem No. 2: “hot” video effects and resource-intensive software

Software, and in some cases multimedia, is often the reason why the question arises: “Why is my laptop heating up?” First of all, pay close attention to how the video card works. When graphics are displayed on the screen, the processor begins to “strain”, and if the user has loaded a modern toy onto his portable device, then the system uses all its resources, and then the hardware potential is given all the best. High performance requires more energy consumption, hence the increase in heat generation components of the system. Of course, you know that a powerful video card needs effective cooling, and that the graphics processor, just like the CPU, has an air cooler. Of course, the fan blades and disc heatsink can become clogged with dust. In this case, there is a risk of overheating of the video card parts, and the question: “why does the laptop heat up when you play” requires immediate resolution.

Remedy No. 1: software problems

A lot of software running simultaneously can also cause your computer to overheat. It would be better if you disable some applications. Firstly, you will significantly increase system performance, and secondly, you will not overload the hardware of your laptop.

Remedy #2: Discrete cleaning

As a rule, the graphics module is located in close proximity to the air channel grilles. Therefore, calculating the exact location of a discrete video card is not difficult. By unscrewing the corresponding screws, you can remove the protective cover and clean the part from dust layers.

In conclusion

So, we looked at why the laptop heats up. However, the issue cannot be considered closed without discussing another important point. The fact is that another cause of the problem we are interested in may be the laptop battery. To make sure your suspicions are true, just use a special utility or contact a specialized workshop for diagnostics and recommendations. Do not forget about a simple operating rule: the laptop computer should be placed on a flat table surface during operation so that nothing obstructs the access of air to the inside of the laptop. As you have probably seen, there is nothing difficult in understanding and solving the problem we are discussing. Timely preventive actions will help you prevent the negative consequences of this property of the unit, and let systematic temperature monitoring of the laptop become a mandatory rule for you. Productivity to you and successful service!

Laptops have firmly established themselves in the life of a modern person thanks to their high performance and small size, allowing you to carry a computer with you if necessary. However, you have to pay for convenience - an increase in power leads to overheating of individual machine components. This is why the laptop gets very hot.

If overheated, components may burn out and the system may completely fail. Therefore, if your laptop gets very hot, immediately take it to a service center.

In most respects, modern laptops are comparable to powerful desktop gaming computers. Unfortunately, a small laptop computer case is simply not able to accommodate a full-fledged cooling system designed for long-term intensive loads. As a result, laptop owners are faced with overheating of their computers, spontaneous shutdowns, and even breakdowns.

External cooling systems

The operating instructions for a laptop usually include a warning that the computer should not be placed on soft surfaces or that air should not be allowed to reach the ventilation holes located at the bottom of the case. If the laptop only gets a little warm, it may be enough to place additional supports under it to increase the air gap between the case and the surface of the table, since sometimes the fans simply do not have enough air to cool.

Install a special program to monitor the temperature of individual laptop devices. This will help you determine which device is running hottest.

A more advanced solution is a special cooling pad. As a rule, such stands are rectangular panels in which from one to four fans are mounted. They allow you to solve two problems at once: firstly, they increase the air gap, since they are made of perforated plastic, and secondly, they provide the body and insides of the laptop with more intensive cooling. These stands are powered via a USB port. The disadvantages of this option include only some inconvenience with transportation and additional noise.

Cleaning from dust

Finally, an effective remedy is. In principle, sometimes it is enough to vacuum the case, keyboard and ventilation holes, but if the laptop has been used for a long time, then it has probably accumulated a huge amount of dust, animal hair, in general, everything that makes cooling difficult. Almost all service centers provide laptop cleaning services, but you can do everything yourself.

Try not to subject your laptop to prolonged loads. If overheating occurs constantly, it may make sense to take short breaks every two to three hours to allow the case to cool completely.

Please note that you should not start cleaning your laptop yourself if you are not confident in your abilities and skills. The point of the procedure is to get to the cooler (cooling system consisting of a fan and radiator) of the processor. Typically, this requires removing the laptop lid and the cooling plate that distributes heat evenly throughout the case. After removing the cooler, disconnect the fan from it, then use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the surface of the radiator and the fan blades. To ensure better thermal conductivity between the processor and the cooler, apply a fresh layer of so-called thermal paste (you can buy it at computer stores) and install the cooling system in place. If you did everything correctly, then after assembly the laptop will heat up much less. This procedure should be repeated regularly to extend the life of your computer.