How temperature affects your computer

We all know we don't want the computer to get hot, but what exactly happens as the temperature goes up? Increased temperature can cause intermittent as well as permanent changes in the electrical characteristics of your computer components.

Memory errors, hard disk read-write errors, and video problems are just some of the symptoms of a hot machine that's running at 50°C or more. High temperatures also decrease the output capacity of your power supply. Cooling a machine by 10°C can increase the life of the components by 100%. Ambient temperature should be at the top of the list of things to consider when you design or upgrade your computer system.