On-board Cooling System

• Your Inspiron 537 ST, like all desktops, offers a heat sink and at least one internal fan to help manage the heat generated by the components installed within your case. These cooling components blow the hot air from inside the tower out through numerous holes and slots cut in the back of the system. Depending on the specific configuration of your 537 ST, you may have the option of installing an additional fan, or a more powerful one to help with heat issues.
  
  

No Room to Breathe

• The internal cooling system within your 537's tower requires space and air to cool the components and remove the created heat. Blocking the vents by pushing your tower against the wall or closing it within a cabinet prevents proper air flow and traps heat within the tower. Always ensure your tower has plenty of space to “breathe,” and the vents in the back of the system are not blocked—on the inside or outside—by wires, furniture or other objects.
  
  

Dirty Components

• Airborne debris is in just about every home, in the form of dust, hair and lint. These floating particles accumulate on the inner workings of your computer over time, preventing efficient cooling and operating procedures, resulting in overheating. Take time to regularly clean the inside of your 537's computer tower, using a clean, lint-free cloth and canned air. Carefully remove any collection of dust on the electronic components, and pay close attention to the fan, heat sink and air vents to ensure proper air flow.
  
  

How to Keep Cool

• Although you cannot prevent your computer from generating heat, you can minimize the risk by keeping your tower clean. An overworked processor is a hot processor, so close down any processor-intensive programs you have open and are not using. A small external fan pointed directly at the computer tower can also help keep cooler air flowing into the case, making your fan more effective and aiding in heat dissipation.
  
  

How Not to Keep Cool

• Many users believe a quick and easy way to eliminate heat buildup is to simply remove the side casing of the tower. This not only does not help with heat dissipation, but it leaves your computer exposed to possible spills, greater amounts of airborne debris and other external dangers that may damage your delicate electronic components. Keep your tower closed at all times to protect your system, and enlist other means to prevent overheating.