If you work on applications that make your computer really work, like graphics applications, you might want to get a little program that monitors the cpu and hard drive temperatures and performance of your hard drive.
I found this great program called Speedfan that monitors your system's temperatures and can even control the fan speeds for you. I actually don't want to mess with another application controlling my fan speeds but Speedfan is great just as a monitoring device. Normally, the computer fan will kick in at certain temperatures but if you want to save the wear and tear on your fan you can get an external fan to help out - a chill mat.
I did some research and found a great chill pad that doesn't require any power - the THERMALTAKE I-XOFT. It uses what's called Gauber salt to dissipate the heat. At cooler temperatures it solidifies, but when the computer gets hot, the material inside the pad liquifies and dissipates the heat, bringing down the temperature of the laptop. It's portable and from all accounts and reviews, it really works.
I did some more research and decided that the Targus Chillhub would work better for me. I'm using more and more usb devices hooked up to my laptop and the added 4 port hub that comes with the Targus Chillhub was just what I needed. The Chillhub has it's own AC adaptor and the two fans run at about 2500 rpm.
So now whenever I run graphics applications, I make sure to turn on Speedfan and when it shows that the CPU/Hard Drive is going over the limit, I just turn on the Chillhub and it brings the temps down to the normal range within a few minutes. I even leave it on for most of the time and the computer fan hardly goes on, thus saving on wear and tear and extending the life of the computer.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Prevent Overheating And Monitor Your Computer's Temperature
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