Excessive heat can cause serious damage to your CPU and to any other components
inside your computer. The fan on the CPU pushes hot air away from the
CPU and into the case; case fans and power supply fans push hot air out the back
of the case. Front case fans pull cool air into the case.
The problems start with ribbon cables that impede airflow and clogged or
dying fans. Incautious drive installation can leave ribbon cables strewn all over
the case . Dirt, dust, hair, and age can slow down fans to the point
where they can’t do the job.
The warning signs will be there: spontaneous reboots, especially on warmer
days or with the heat blasting in winter time; occasional alarms from the tinny
PC speaker; lockups; excessively loud fans. The fix is easy. Check the fans and
replace when necessary.