All in One PC + extra cooling fan

[hc4361]

I love my Acer all in one pc but it has crashed 3 times over the last few months due to overheating.
It has recovered without problem each time but this is still a worry.

Is there any sort of external fan or gadget that will help keep it cool?
It has a good free flow of air all round.

I look forward to a solution :) (Frozen peas don't work)

[ChuckFickens]

If you've had it some time and it's only just started doing it then it's more likely it needs a clean to get the buildup of dust and fluff out from the heat sink.

[Maydup]

I have a laptop rest with a cooling fan in it. It sits on it and plugs into the laptop with usb cable.

I'm trying to find one online for you - I got mine in the high street for about £10.

[hc4361]

Thanks, Maidup. My all in one has feet, so is basically a 24" tv screen on short legs and is only 2 - 3 inches deep.

[Maydup]

It looks like this hc

http://www.biglots.co...d-dual-fan-laptop-pad

see if you can find one in UK. Mine works a treat.

[hc4361]

Thanks, maidup, but that would be no good for my pc.

Sorry, chuck, didn't see you there. I do put the airgun to it now and again to blow the debris out. Very gently, mind. :) It gets hot at the top where there is no obvious air inlets.

[Maydup]

Sorry hc, didn't read properly! All in one PC is not a laptop! doh

[hc4361]

No worries, Maidup, I appreciate you trying to help :)

[ChuckFickens]

There is only so much you can do to give it a clean with a air gun without taking the back off, and if you are blowing the air in where it normally sucks the air in then you will just be blowing any fluff deeper into the heatsink...

If it's always been OK up to now then the built in cooling is obviously up to the job when it's in pristine condition.

What is the model number? it's not normally too hard to remove the back panel on the all in ones so you can get to the heatsink properly to clean it.

[hc4361]

It's an Acer Aspire Z5610.

[ChuckFickens]

The best video I can find for that one isn't in english, but it should give you an idea...

The two bits to be worried about are the two brass coloured bits at the top of the case, they are the heat sinks, you probably won't have to remove the fans, but I guarantee you they will be clogged up with dust and fluff.
http://i46.tinypic.com/282m59f.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7vpJTdmMAg

[hc4361]

Thanks, Chuck - I will gird my loins and give it a go.

[hc4361]

Well that was much easier than expected, I must say. That should end the problem.

I have always cleaned the fans once or twice a year in ordinary desktops and laptops but didn't have a clue with this pc.

I have also just bought 4GB more RAM, and extra RAM for the netbook, too. Happy days.

Thanks all.