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JSngry

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I have a Dell Dimension 4600C (don't use it anymore) that has an overheating issue. It's the streamlined tabletop model.

So change the fans.

Is that pretty complicated to do? I thought the fans were integrated into other gizmos, one needs to be mechanically skillful work on. [i've replaced the power plant in this machine, replaced the hard drive in the Dell(it's still messed up, thinking of replacing its power plant)]
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I have a Dell Dimension 4600C (don't use it anymore) that has an overheating issue. It's the streamlined tabletop model.

I assume you mean Dell's "Low profile" desktop? If you have one of these, the cooling fan is part of the power supply. It's pretty easy to change. I've swapped out a few. A word of advice if you do choose to go this route: order it new from Dell. It's only about $20 more than a refurb and it's guaranteed to work.

Another thing to consider that helps cool it down is to add a video card rather than use the on-board graphics. On-board graphics heats up the system because it's almost always doing something. If you get card, try to get one with it's own fan (hard to do in a "half-height card").

Kevin

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I have a Dell Dimension 4600C (don't use it anymore) that has an overheating issue. It's the streamlined tabletop model.

I assume you mean Dell's "Low profile" desktop? If you have one of these, the cooling fan is part of the power supply. It's pretty easy to change. I've swapped out a few. A word of advice if you do choose to go this route: order it new from Dell. It's only about $20 more than a refurb and it's guaranteed to work.

Another thing to consider that helps cool it down is to add a video card rather than use the on-board graphics. On-board graphics heats up the system because it's almost always doing something. If you get card, try to get one with it's own fan (hard to do in a "half-height card").

Kevin

Yes, it's streamlined, slimmer than a regular desktop. Overheating is a problem with the Dimension 4600C, not just mine. I've heard the same complaint with several 4600C owners.

From what I've heard, parts have to be ordered from Dell because the parts aren't interchangeable with other machines.

That's interesting what you say about a video card. I don't play games, except a couple of online card games. You still think a video card is necessary? [i thought cards slipped in slots, didn't have fans. BTW]

I'll check the other fan that 7/4 mentioned too. But, I'm pretty sure it's working.

I'm going to replace the power supply, see if that does the trick. Aside from overheating it is a very good machine, IMO.

Edited by MoGrubb
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That's interesting what you say about a video card. I don't play games, except a couple of online card games. You still think a video card is necessary? [i thought cards slipped in slots, didn't have fans. BTW]

Some video cards do have fans, however if you're not stressing the card with ridiculous 3D gaming, then a passively cooled GPU should be fine (ie, a heatsink on the video card).

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If you buy a standalone video card, it will have it's own video processor chip. If you use the on-board graphics card, it uses your PC's processor. Processors generate heat with more processing=more heat. If you stick in a separate video card, you lower the processor strain on both. Make sure you find a "half-height" video card and if you can afford it, pay a bit more for a high-end card that has a video CPU fan.

BTW, your on-board graphics card probably has only 8 MB of your system RAM allocated for video. Most standalone video cards have at least 256 MB of RAM. You will be amazed when you play some games with a real video card. I just did this for my daughter, who is a big Syms freak, and she couldn't believe how much stuff she couldn't see before.

Kevin

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Spreading the work load/heat dissipation by using two processor chips sounds like an excellent and practical suggestion. I'll look into it in the near future [Right now I'm in the middle of other projects, disposing of stuff in preparation to painting the dining room. :) ] gracias

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