Our computers often cost thousands of dollars, and yet we don't always treat them with enough respect. Something that many of us are guilty of can be a silent PC killer in many ways, and it has everything to do with where your PC is on a daily basis.
Where your computer lives can be a major problem
The poor thing just needs air.
One of The most common ways to accidentally damage your computer is to keep it on the carpet. Desktop computer manufacturers (eg. Dell And Lenovo), and tech experts warn against it, but many people believe it anyway.
You need sufficient airflow to keep components cool at all times, especially if you have powerful graphics processorhigh performance processor or one of the fastest SSDs. All of these parts generate a lot of heat, and if the computer can't pull in cool air and let out hot air, it will eventually overheat.
Your body typically draws air in from the bottom and front and then exits through the top and back. So, placing your computer on carpet can block a critical source of ventilation, and even if there is a small gap, the carpet itself is still a problem.
Carpet is typically warmer, prone to collecting dust, and can cause static electricity, especially when combined with dry air. I don't even have carpets in my house and I still deal with static all the time just because the air is dry during the colder months; imagine how harmful it is for your computer when it comes into contact with carpeting.
Storing your computer on the floor is not a good idea, carpet or not. This is especially problematic if you have pets because your suitcase will quickly become filled with dog or cat hair (again, I speak from experience).
But if you have to keep it on the floor, at least avoid carpeting—it's not worth the risk.
The most common risks of storing a computer on carpet
From complete disasters to troubles that accumulate over time.
When I discuss this with people who keep their computer on the carpet, I often get the response: “But I've done that for years and it's been fine.” This is because the risks and problems associated with it accumulate slowly over time.
Restricted airflow, especially to the power supply
The main risk, which is so high that it can be taken for granted, is airflow restriction.
The mat reduces the space your computer needs to suck in cool air. PC cases have “feet” that raise the PC off the ground, leaving a small gap between the floor and the air intake vents. On a hard surface this is fine (though not ideal), but on carpet your feet sink into the soft surface and the fibers are pressed against the vents.
Your whole computer doesn't like it, but the power supply is perhaps one of the components that suffers the most from it.
These days, you often mount the power supply at the bottom of the case with the fan facing down. The fan draws in cool air from underneath the PC and exhausts it from the rear. But under the carpet, the power supply has to spin faster and louder to get air. Worse, it may become starved of air, leading to overheating, loss of efficiency, and potential failure.
Thermal throttling
Too much heat will eventually kill not only your power supply, but the rest of your computer as well. The GPU and CPU may reduce clock speed if temperatures become too high. Overheating also poses a risk to SSDs. and may result in decreased performance.
Dust accumulation
A computer left on the floor will always collect more dust and debris than on a desk, but placing it on a carpet only makes the situation worse. You'll have to clean your computer more often, and there's always a risk that the fans will become clogged with dust, lint, or pet hair.
Static
Statics are a smaller but real problem. This shouldn't damage your computer on its own, but it will show up when you interact with it, so you should always ground yourself before touching your computer.
Worst case scenarios are less likely but serious.
Your computer won't spontaneously catch fire, but…
I'm not going to create a disaster and tell you that your computer will burn up if you don't get it off the carpet right now, but there's always a chance that something will go wrong.
Modern PCs protect themselves from overheating and dust accumulation. You're much more likely to experience thermal throttling or, at worst, random shutdowns than you are to experience a crash that crashes your PC. But why put yourself through this at all?
Constant overheating can shorten the life of your most expensive components, including your graphics card and processor. Problems with the power supply can eventually render your entire computer unusable.
Shutdowns and black screens are possible, but poor performance is more likely. In the long run, if this problem is not addressed, your computer may become noisier as the fans will have to work overtime to keep it cool despite the extra dust.
The good news is that all of this can be easily avoided at little or no cost to you.
Simple fixes that won't cost a fortune
Return your computer to a safe place.
If you're ready to get your computer off the floor one way or another, the good news is that it can be a lot less of a hassle than you think.
The easiest way is to simply place it on a table, nearby shelf or side table. Alternatively, if necessary, leave it on the floor, but at least remove it from the carpet.
If none of this is possible, place the computer on a flat surface, such as a cutting board or spare shelf panel, leaving enough space on each side so that it does not touch the carpet.
Alternatively, if you're willing to spend a little money, you can do a lot with a PC stand or PC cart. The latter can be purchased for as little as $15, and its whole purpose is to elevate your PC and give it plenty of room to breathe.
Also, if your computer sits on the floor, maintain a strict cleaning schedule. A thorough cleaning every few months will ensure that your computer runs smoothly no matter its environment.
