Worried about cooling your PC? This is a hot topic (pun intended) among our members. Some of the higher power consumption processors such as the Pentium 4 run very hot and require lots of cooling. Others have installed their computers in tight spots (i.e. behind the dash or in the glove compartment) or in areas where heat can be trapped such as the spare tire well.
CPU's have *
max temps* in the 70-95 degrees centigrade range (~160-200F). In general, the fan and heatsink that comes with your computer often works just fine. In some cases, aftermarket heatsinks or fans/thermal grease can help. In extreme cases, other measures must be taken.
Here's some links to posts by members about ideas for cooling their PC.
1.
Peltier cooling (dielectric)
2.
Submerging in vegetable oil
3.
Water cooling
4.
Cooling the CPU using the car's A/C systemWizardPC's ghetto cooling test
*Note that using your A/C system to cool your CPU faces two issues. First, the A/C in the summer is your heat in the winter. You'll need a way to keep the heat from blowing inside the computer if you tap in to your A/C. Second, after turning of your car, the CPU will be cooler than the outside air, inviting condensation to form on the system.
If you have other cooling tips or links, add them to this thread!