How to troubleshoot a Overheating, Shutdown or Thermal issue

The following article provides information on identifying and resolving an issue with the system overheating, shutting down or reporting a heat-related error on startup.

Is the system Overheating, Shutting Down or reporting a heat-related error?

• Is your System overheating or Shutting Down?
• Does the system report any Fan, Temperature or Thermal Event errors on start-up?

Follow the step below to help troubleshoot or identify the problem. 

1. Have you ruled out physical damage?

1. Have you looked inside your system to rule out any physical issues with the heatsink and the system fans?

2. Is the heatsink missing vanes, is the heatsink pipes crimped, is the fan damaged, is there visible tears or cuts on the liquid cooler tubes, stiff or missing fan blades?

3. Is there any visible fluid or liquids on any components our around the connection between hoses or tubes?

4. While damaged parts are not normally covered under most warranties, I'd contact support to troubleshoot this further.

5. If everything looks fine, then follow on with this guide in the following sections.

2. Shutting Down or Restarting

1. Verify there are no unfilled gaps in the system where a peripheral or blanking plate should be. If there are any gaps then please replace the devices or plates in order to ensure correct airflow.

2. Ensure the PC is off.

3. Disconnect all external cables including the power cable.

4. Hold down the power button, so the inner circuits are closed and any remaining power (flea power) may dissipate. Hold the power button down for 5 seconds.

5. Now reconnect the power cable and start the PC.

6. Is the PC shutting down or overheating when left in the BIOS? You can get to the BIOS by pressing the F2 key at POST - when the system starts up but hasn't started Windows yet.

7. If not, download and update the BIOS with the latest available version.

   1. If this stops the issue then your problem is resolved.

   2. If this doesn't resolve your problem proceed to section 2 step 9.

8. If it is, do not try to flash BIOS when the PC is randomly shutting down or rebooting as this may cause damage to the System BIOS.

9. If the processor or system board has recently been replaced, check for the presence of thermal grease or thermal pads having been replaced after the repair. If there is no thermal grease or thermal pads contact your Technical Support as they may need to replace the Heatsink or Motherboard again.

3. Environmental Factors

1. Determine where the system is being used and whether the environment is causing the overheating.

   1. Is the system located on top of a table or desk?

      1. Check to see if there is enough space between the back of the computer or on the top of the computer for airflow. Heat is exhausted out the back and top of most computers so it needs space to allow hot air to escape the PC adequately.

      2. Check to see that nothing is blocking airflow from the bottom or the front of the PC. Cold air is pulled in from the front and bottom of most computers so ensure that it isn't blocked by anything and has adequate space for airflow

      3. Check to make sure front ventilation such as mesh or grates is not covered in dust preventing airflow to the computers. To solve this, use a compressed air can to unclog the vents.

   2. Is the system located in a desk or other enclosure or is it sitting on the floor? Move the system to a location with better airflow. Have a computer elevated such as on a desk or table will reduce the accumulation of dust inside and around the computer.

   3. Is the location where the PC's based having any Heating or Air Conditioning issues that might make any heating issue worse? Resolve those issues before restarting this guide.

4. The Fan makes a constant over spinning noise

1. If you hear a fast spinning noise from the fan in your system, is it a constant noise or does it go up and down depending on how hard your system is working?

   1. If it's constant, please go back to section 2 step 7.

   2. If it goes up and down as the machine works, there is either no issue or the fan is working as designed to cope with excess heat coming from somewhere in your machine. I'd advise looking at section 3 step 1 again.

2. If you suspect a fan issue, you can also refer to our knowledge base article How to troubleshoot Fan Issues