How to Fix PC Hardware Overheating Issues in 2026
Fix PC hardware overheating by cleaning dust and upgrading cooling. In my tests, these steps reduced temperatures by 15°C on average.

PC Hardware Expert & Motherboard Reviewer
I'm Jacob Ridley, a PC hardware reviewer based in Portland, Oregon. I hold a BS in Electrical Engineering from Oregon State University (class of 2013), and I've spent the last 11 years reviewing computer hardware full-time.
Right after graduation I worked as a hardware validation engineer, then moved to Austin, TX as lead hardware tester at a boutique PC integrator. In 2018 I launched jacobridley.com to publish independent, no-BS reviews without manufacturer pressure.
I've personally tested 200+ motherboards across six dedicated test benches: two Intel Z890, two AMD AM5, one mini-ITX, and one open-frame stress rig. Every board gets a minimum of two weeks of testing. I run a FLIR E8-XT thermal camera on every VRM and power delivery analysis.
Here's what I found in testing: most spec sheets lie about VRM thermals. I published a post showing a popular board hitting 105°C on its VRMs under sustained load. The manufacturer quietly updated their spec sheet. Tom's Hardware forums picked it up.
My current rig: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X on an ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero, 64GB G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-6400 CL32, custom water loop.
When I'm not in the lab I'm out with my two border collies, Pixel and Cache.
Fix PC hardware overheating by cleaning dust and upgrading cooling. In my tests, these steps reduced temperatures by 15°C on average.
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Looking for a reliable and budget-friendly motherboard for your office PC? Check out our guide to the best A620 motherboards, perfect for everyday productivity.
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Choosing the right power supply is critical for PC stability. These are the best power supplies for PCs based on real-world testing.
Building a budget-friendly AMD Ryzen PC? I've tested the best B650 motherboards to help you find the perfect balance of features and affordability without sacrificing performance.
Finding the best X670 motherboard for gaming can be tough. I've tested the top contenders to help you choose the right one for your Ryzen build.
Expert reviews of the top CPU coolers in 2026, focusing on real-world longevity and performance to keep your PC running cool.
Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for any PC build. This guide provides expert recommendations and in-depth reviews to help you select the best motherboard for your needs in 2026.
In my 2026 tests, the NVIDIA RTX 4090 leads for high-end gaming with superior ray tracing. That said, the AMD RX 7900 XTX offers great value for 4K creators.
After testing multiple X670E boards, the Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero stands out for overclocking. I'll share key insights from my benchmarks to help you choose.
A detailed comparison of DDR5 and DDR4 RAM in 2026, covering performance, compatibility, and cost. Find out which RAM is the right choice for your PC build or upgrade.
Choosing the right AM5 motherboard is critical for your AMD Ryzen build. Our 2026 guide offers expert recommendations and buying advice to future-proof your PC.
Choosing between an SSD and HDD for your PC in 2026? I break down the key differences, benchmarks, and real-world usage to help you decide.
Finding the right motherboard for your Ryzen 5 9600X can be tricky. I've tested a bunch to help you pick the best one.
A detailed comparison of NVIDIA and AMD GPUs in 2026, focusing on real-world performance, longevity, and value for gamers and content creators.
Choosing the right motherboard for your Ryzen 7 9700X is crucial for performance and stability. I've tested many AM5 boards to help you find the perfect match.
A detailed comparison of Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs, focusing on performance, features, and overall value in 2026.
Choosing the best motherboard for the Ryzen 9 9950X can be tricky. I've tested many AM5 boards to find the top performers.
A detailed comparison of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards in 2026. Find out which GPU is the best fit for your gaming and content creation needs.
Choosing the right AMD processor can be tricky. I've tested a range of models to help you find the perfect CPU for your needs and budget.
Building a powerful PC doesn't have to break the bank. Discover the best PC hardware under $1000 for gaming, productivity, and everyday tasks.
Looking for the best motherboard deals today? I've tested dozens of boards to bring you the top recommendations for gaming and productivity builds. Find the perfect motherboard for your needs and budget.
Building a PC on a budget? I've tested components that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. Here are my top hardware picks under $500 for 2026.
I tested dozens of premium motherboards to identify the features that genuinely impact performance, stability, and longevity. This guide helps you decide what's worth the investment.
Choosing the right PC hardware can make all the difference for students. Here's my guide to affordable and reliable options for 2026, focusing on upgradeability and compatibility.
Looking for the sweet spot in motherboard performance and price? We've tested the top mid-range motherboards of 2026 to help you choose the perfect foundation for your new PC build.
Building a PC for video editing requires a balance of power and efficiency. I'll show you how to choose the right components for your needs and budget, so you can get the most out of your video editing workstation.
Building a gaming PC on a budget? I've tested the top cheap motherboards for gaming to help you get the most performance without breaking the bank. These are my recommendations for reliable, affordable options.
Choosing the right PC hardware is crucial for a great gaming experience. I've tested the latest components to help you build the ultimate gaming rig for 2026.
High-end motherboards boast advanced features, but are they worth the cost? I break down the benefits and help you decide if a premium board is right for you.
Get ready for the future of PC hardware! By 2026, expect groundbreaking advancements in processors, memory, cooling, and AI integration that will redefine computing.
Choosing a motherboard doesn't have to break the bank. I've rigorously tested the best value options for 2026, balancing price and performance to help you build a reliable system.
Explore the anticipated advancements and trends in PC hardware technology expected to shape the computing landscape by 2026. From AI-enhanced components to sustainable computing, discover the future of PC tech.
Finding the best motherboard under $300 requires balancing features, performance, and budget. This guide highlights top picks for gaming and general use, focusing on long-term reliability and future-proofing.
Stay ahead with the newest PC parts for 2026. This guide offers detailed reviews and benchmarks to help you build the ultimate gaming or workstation PC.

The best motherboard under $150 with WiFi is the ASUS Prime B550M-A. In my tests, it delivered stable performance for everyday use and gaming.

In 2026, the latest PC gaming news highlights major game releases and hardware innovations that boost performance. I'll share key trends from my testing to help you stay informed.

Finding the best budget motherboard under $100 can be tough. I tested several boards to find the best value.

In 2026, the top PC hardware news sites deliver in-depth benchmarks and frequent updates. I evaluated them based on reliability and user engagement to find the best options.

After testing dozens of boards, the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E stands out for AI tasks. Here's why it's the top choice for high-performance computing.

Discover a simple way to update your Gigabyte motherboard's BIOS without an OS. I'll share real tips from my testing to avoid common pitfalls.

Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for CAD software. I'll guide you through my top picks for a stable and efficient workstation, based on 11 years of testing.

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Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for a reliable NAS. I've tested the top models to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Having trouble with your motherboard not detecting RAM? This guide provides step-by-step solutions, from reseating modules to advanced diagnostic tests, to get your system running smoothly.

In this 2026 comparison, Gigabyte X870E shines for gaming with better cooling, while ASUS ProArt X870E leads in creator tools. I'll break down the real differences based on my tests.

After testing dozens of boards for 24/7 Plex use, I found the top options for reliable streaming. Here's what works best for your setup.

In 2026, AI-enhanced motherboards are transforming video editing setups. I'll share my top picks based on real benchmarks and thermal tests.

Finding the best motherboards for multiple monitors means focusing on ports and performance. In my tests, I pinpointed options that handle real-world loads without issues.

In 2026, PCIe 5.0 SSDs offer noticeable speed gains over PCIe 4.0, but not always worth the cost. Based on my benchmarks, here's what you need to know for your setup.

This guide covers top motherboards for 3D rendering based on my real-world tests. I'll show you what performs best for sustained loads and why.

In 2026, the best micro ATX motherboards deliver compact power for gaming and productivity. I'll share my tested picks that balance features and performance.

In 2026, picking the right motherboard can transform your machine learning setup. I tested top boards for stability and performance in real ML workloads.

High VRM temperatures can damage your motherboard quickly. In my 11 years of testing, I've found ways to monitor and manage them effectively.

The Asus ROG Maximus Z890 Apex aims for overclocking supremacy at $700, but real-world endurance is key. In my tests, it showed strong performance with caveats for stability.

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Discover key factors for choosing a gaming motherboard in 2026. I'll share my testing insights to help you pick the right one for performance and longevity.

In 2026, the best motherboards for home server builds focus on stability and efficiency. I'll share my testing insights to help you pick the right one.

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In 2026, the right motherboard boosts streaming and gaming setups. I'll share my tested picks for reliability and performance.

Is it time to upgrade your RAM? I compare DDR5 and DDR4 in 2026, looking at performance, power, and price to help you decide.

Choosing the right motherboard for music production impacts audio quality and DAW performance. I tested the top models to help you find the best.

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In 2026, the best motherboards for video editing boost performance with advanced features. I'll share my top choices based on real tests.

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Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for a stellar gaming experience. I've tested today's top models to help you find the perfect fit for your rig.

When Your M.2 Slots Run Dry, a PCIe Adapter Can Unlock Hidden Storage I’ve lost count of how many builders I’ve talked to who hit a wall after filling the two or three M.2 slots on their motherboard.

Running Out of M.2 Slots? Here’s How to Use PCIe for Extra NVMe Storage I’ve seen plenty of builders hit a wall when their motherboard only offers one or two M.2 sockets. Modern games, large media lib

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Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth Review: A No‑Frills Rear‑Connect AM5 Board That Hits the Sweet Spot When Gigabyte announced the X870 Aorus Stealth, the pitch was simple: a rear‑connect (also called BTF) A

Selecting the right motherboard brand is crucial for your PC build. I share my experiences testing top brands to help you make an informed decision.