Restricted airflow in the case is often the crux of case temperature problems. Ribbon cables and power connectors can create a barrier in the case. Using cable ties or rearranging the drive layout can open up airflow in the case. In some cases, you may wish to consider using rounded cables; however, these typically have reduced performance because the close proximity of the wires results in increased interferences. Consider using additional or higher power fans before switching a server to rounded cabling.
For thermal problems with memory or hard drives, there are heat sinks and cooling fans that can be mounted to provide additional protection. Some people even advocate using 2-inch ductwork to provide a direct thermal exhaust for overheating components. With the exception of large cases full of drives, this is rarely an option due to space constraints. Simply adding a large 80mm fan in the correct place will often do the trick.
Environmental temperature
Environment temperature refers to the temperature that exists immediately adjacent to the computer. It does no good to have a room kept at 60 F if you have the computer in a sealed cabinet that skyrockets to 90 F. This is not an exaggeration; most computers are equipped with a 300-watt power supply, meaning that in worst-case scenarios your computer might as well be a 300-watt space heater -- more if you leave the monitor on. That $5 thermometer is useful here as well.
A typical office temperature can vary by as much as 15 F, depending on location and the amount of sunlight coming through the windows. Computers are often kept under desks where the cool air from ceiling vents may not reach them. Of course, placing the computer in a closed location, such as between a wall and a desk, can also have a significant effect. If there is insufficient space for the case fans to pull in or vent out air, the computer might as well be in a sealed closet. Always make sure there is a minimum of six inches between the front and rear of the computer and a wall, desk, or other obstruction.
Monitoring temperatures inside the case
There are several software packages out there that can tap into your computer's thermal diode. One of the most popular is Motherboard Monitor, a freeware program that supports dozens of motherboard chipsets. Motherboard Monitor can also monitor fan speeds and voltages, making it an excellent tool for identifying thermal problems due to failing fans or voltage fluctuations.
Most computer BIOSes are also able to access the sensors on your processor and motherboard. Unfortunately, this is of little value, because your system will not be under stress while you are in the BIOS. Of course, if your temperatures are high in low-stress conditions, your computer is likely to have problems once you get around to doing work.
In addition, there are monitoring panels that fit in a 5.25-inch drive bay that include multiple thermometers and a front panel display. Many are multipurpose and include audio, USB, and FireWire ports. These vary significantly in quality and features, so you will need to research them carefully. While in most cases they are rather unnecessary, if you have a borderline temperature situation, monitoring it becomes easier when you only have to get within a few feet to read an illuminated LCD.
