Desktops/laptops may be influenced by external and internal factors that reduce operational efficiency, leading to device damage. Do you know how environmental factors can affect PCs and how to best preserve your device? Read on to find the answers.
1. Impacts of Temperature on Computers
During usage, desktops/laptops heat up, especially when users are gaming, streaming, or multitasking. However, there's a concerning aspect to this heating phenomenon.
Desktops/laptops release internal energy, slowing down their performance. Motherboards limit processing and HDD usage to minimize device damage. Computer fans work vigorously to efficiently cool down the system. Therefore, when computer fans operate, they emit either loud or soft whirring noises depending on the component temperatures.
According to Arizona State University's research, Earth's highest temperature was approximately 134°F (56.7°C) a hundred years ago. While uncomfortable for humans, computers are much more significantly affected. If desktops/laptops exceed 70°C, users need to take cooling measures.
Desktops/laptops are less affected by external temperatures but can still be impacted by high temperatures.
According to Puget Systems research, when a desktop/laptop is idle, the CPU increases by 1 degree Celsius if the external temperature rises by the same amount. The CPU behaves similarly when active.
Therefore, in cases where a PC is at high temperatures due to ambient heat and high processing demands, it leads to CPU overheating. This can cause the motherboard to expand, contract, or melt. As a result, the desktop/laptop will be damaged and cannot be repaired.
High temperatures can affect the processing speed of desktops/laptops or cause devices to freeze or hang. Continuous fan operation for heat dissipation will consume more power to cool the hardware. If this condition persists for a long time, the computer will quickly deteriorate and become unusable.
2. Does cold weather affect desktops/laptops?
According to information from Alphr, typically the temperature at which desktops/laptops cease operation falls around 35°F, or 1.7°C. In some regions around the world, temperatures can drop to or below this threshold, especially in winter.
However, such low temperatures are rarely observed indoors by humans. Most individuals living in cooler regions tend to utilize laptops and desktop computers indoors, avoiding outdoor usage. Computers function normally when the indoor environment is not excessively cold.
3. Is humidity harmful to computers?
Humidity is the concentration of water in the air. High air humidity significantly impacts desktop/laptop computers. Since computers are electronic devices not resistant to water, high air humidity can damage some internal components. Water corrosion causes electrical malfunctions in computers, resulting in hardware failures that cannot be repaired.
When desktop/laptop computers are operational, air circulates through their fans moving through the system. High air humidity creates a moisture-rich environment inside computers. You can address this issue by using an air purifier or air conditioner to dehumidify during humid weather days to safeguard electronic devices.
The above provides answers to how weather conditions affect desktop/laptop computers that you need to grasp. Remember to save for reference and application. Don't forget to follow Mytour for timely updates on the most useful information.