TL;DR: Overheating laptops and gaming PCs often shut down to protect hardware. Blow dust safely, monitor temps, and if issues persist, book a professional thermal paste & deep clean.

Identify the problem

In Stellenbosch, gaming rigs and student laptops struggle with:

Sudden shutdowns during Zoom calls or exams.
Fans revving loudly during gaming, even at moderate loads.
Laptops that feel hot to the touch near the keyboard or vents.
PCs throttling FPS mid-game due to thermal limits.

Cape Town’s summer heat and local dust build-up make overheating a common issue.

Safe steps (do this in order)

Power down and let the device cool before handling.
Place it on a hard, flat surface — avoid beds or couches that block vents.
Use compressed air to blow dust out of vents (short bursts; don’t tilt cans).
Check temps with free tools (HWMonitor, Open Hardware Monitor).
Reduce load — pause gaming or video rendering until stable.
If shutdowns persist, book a Thermal Paste & Deep Clean with Digissential.

Do-nots

Don’t use a hairdryer or vacuum — static and heat can damage components.
Don’t ignore repeated shutdowns — each one stresses hardware.
Don’t run heavy loads while the fan sounds like a jet engine.
Don’t attempt CPU/GPU repaste without training; fragile parts can crack.

Time & cost in Stellenbosch (realistic bands)

Basic dust clean & thermal check: from R350.
Thermal paste replacement + deep clean: from R650.
GPU/CPU upgrade with stress test: from R400–R550 (labour only).
Turnaround: same-day in workshop; 1–2 days if full disassembly required.

When to stop DIY

If fans keep spinning loudly even after dusting.
If CPU/GPU temps stay above 90°C under light use.
If your laptop shuts down mid-assignment or exam prep.
If you smell burning plastic or see smoke — stop and book service immediately.

Book help (fast)

Thermal Paste & Deep Clean → Thermal Paste & Deep Clean
GPU/CPU Upgrade service → GPU/CPU Upgrade

FAQs

Q: Why does my laptop shut down suddenly?
A: Overheating triggers a safety shutdown to prevent hardware damage. Dust, old thermal paste, or failing fans are common causes.

Q: Can I fix overheating myself?
A: You can blow dust from vents and monitor temps, but deep cleaning and thermal paste replacement need professional tools.

Q: How often should I replace thermal paste?
A: Every 2–3 years for gaming rigs; sooner if you notice overheating or Cape Town’s summer heat worsens shutdowns.

Q: Does overheating damage my device?
A: Yes. Prolonged overheating reduces CPU/GPU lifespan and may cause data loss during shutdowns.

Q: What if my fan sounds loud but temps stay high?
A: That often means clogged heatsinks or dried thermal paste — time for a professional clean.

Compliance & trust:

External references:

Updated on 2025-09-04.