How can I improve cooling in my PC?

1. Install Additional Fans:

One of the best and most effective ways to improve the cooling in your PC is to install additional fans. This can be done by adding an extra fan at the back of the case, as well as additional fans for the CPU and GPU. When more fans are installed, air will be more efficiently circulated, allowing better heat dissipation from the internal components, thus improving the overall cooling capability of your PC.

2. Clean Out Dust and Debris:
Another key factor in improved cooling performance is ensuring that all of your internal components are clean. Dust and debris build-up over time, blocking air vents and restricting much needed airflow. Regular cleaning of your PC’s internals can significantly increase the airflow and therefore reduce thermal temperatures. It is important to remember to use a vacuum cleaner, rather than canned air, as canned air can cause static electricity, which could damage sensitive components.

3. Upgrade Your Heat Sink:
Your PC’s heat sink is responsible for drawing heat away from the CPU and GPU chips and dissipating it into the atmosphere. Upgrading to a larger and more efficient heat sink can help improve cooling performance significantly, as more heat can be transferred away for the CPU and GPU faster.

4. Implement a Liquid Cooling System:
For more powerful PCs and for those who want to optimize for the best cooling performance, liquid cooling systems are recommended. Liquid cooling systems are made up of radiators, tubing, coolant and a pump, which together move heat from one component to another. This type of cooling system is much more efficient than air cooling and can significantly reduce temperatures, especially when overclocking.

5. Change Thermal Paste:
The thermal paste applied between the CPU and GPU is responsible for providing suction and thermal insulation. Over time, this thermal paste can become has oxidized or become contaminated with dust, leading to worse cooling performance. Replacing the thermal paste can restore the insulation effect, thus improving cooling performance.

6. Adjust BIOS Settings:
Adjusting BIOS settings such as CPU Voltages, Fan profiles and CPU multipliers can also help reduce thermal temperatures, as it may allow the CPU and GPU to run at lower frequencies, thus reducing their power usage.

7. Utilize a PWM Y-Splitter Cable:
For those with multiple fans installed, it is often useful to use a PWM Y-Splitter cable, which allows all of the fans to be connected to one header from the motherboard and have their speed regulated based on the temperature of the internal components. This helps ensure that all of the fans are running at similar speeds, reducing noise levels and increasing cooling efficiency.

8. Move the Computer:
The location of the computer in a room can also have an impact on cooling performance. Placing the computer near open windows or close to air vents can improve air circulation and thus reduce thermal temperatures.

9. Use Exhaust and Intake Fans:
Using both intake and exhaust fans can help improve cooling performance. Intake fans bring fresh, cool air into the computer, while exhaust fans push hot air out. Make sure there is enough space between intake and exhaust fans so air doesn’t get trapped.

10. Use Thermal Pads:
Thermal pads are used to bridge the gaps between components and the heatsink, helping to improve the contact between the two. This helps to reduce thermal temperatures and make the cooling system more efficient.