1. Keep Your PC Cool and Avoid Overheating
Heat is the biggest enemy of computer components. High temperatures can cause performance throttling and permanent damage over time.
✔ Use high-quality cooling solutions – Upgrade to a better air or liquid cooler if necessary
✔ Ensure good airflow in your case – Add intake and exhaust fans for better circulation
✔ Replace thermal paste every 1-2 years – Helps keep CPU & GPU temperatures lower
✔ Keep your PC in a cool, ventilated area – Avoid placing it in tight or enclosed spaces
🔹 Tip: Use HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check CPU & GPU temperatures regularly.
2. Clean Your PC Regularly to Prevent Dust Buildup
Dust accumulation blocks airflow, leading to higher temperatures and component stress.
✔ Use compressed air to clean fans, heatsinks, and filters
✔ Vacuum your room frequently to reduce dust buildup
✔ Keep your PC off the floor to prevent it from sucking in more dust
✔ Clean mechanical keyboards and mice to prevent key/mouse failures
🔹 How often? Every 2-3 months for light users, monthly for heavy users.
3. Protect Your PC from Power Surges and Voltage Spikes
Sudden power fluctuations can fry your components if they’re not properly protected.
✔ Use a high-quality surge protector to prevent voltage spikes
✔ Invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) if you experience frequent power cuts
✔ Avoid cheap power supplies – Low-quality PSUs can fail and damage other parts
🔹 Tip: Always buy 80 PLUS Bronze or higher-rated PSUs for stable power delivery.
4. Don’t Overclock Unnecessarily
Overclocking can boost performance, but it also increases power consumption and heat, shortening the lifespan of your CPU, GPU, and RAM.
✔ Only overclock if you need the extra power for gaming or rendering
✔ Use proper cooling – Overclocking requires high-end cooling solutions
✔ Monitor stability with tools like Prime95 (CPU) and FurMark (GPU)
🔹 Tip: If you’re not a competitive gamer or power user, stock settings are usually safer and more reliable.
5. Manage Your Storage for Longevity
✔ Enable TRIM on SSDs to keep performance high
✔ Avoid filling SSDs beyond 80% – This reduces wear and maintains speed
✔ Defragment HDDs (but NOT SSDs!) to keep them running efficiently
✔ Use external or cloud storage for long-term backups
🔹 Tip: Install Windows and frequently used applications on an SSD, and store large files on an HDD.
6. Update Software and Drivers Regularly
Outdated software can cause security vulnerabilities and performance issues.
✔ Keep Windows and BIOS updated for security patches
✔ Update GPU drivers using NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin
✔ Check for firmware updates for SSDs and motherboards
🔹 Tip: Avoid beta drivers unless you need a specific fix—they can sometimes cause instability.
7. Use Proper Shutdown and Restart Practices
Abrupt shutdowns can corrupt system files and stress hardware components.
✔ Shut down your PC properly instead of cutting power
✔ Avoid leaving your PC on 24/7 unless necessary
✔ Use Sleep Mode instead of turning your PC on and off constantly
🔹 Tip: Restarting your PC at least once a week clears memory and fixes minor software issues.