Air Cooling For Computer Newbie?

[whitelucent]

The main issue I've had with every computer is they always overheat, sometimes to the point where they break down entirely. I always keep them on a desk or table, or if I'm using a laptop I make sure the way I'm positioned doesn't block the cooling fan from doing it's job. I've owned HP, Dell, Toshiba, and Gateway computers and they all overheat. (The only computer I've owned that didn't break because of this is my Dell Latitude D620, it's a really nice laptop). Is there something I could be doing wrong, or do I just need to take extra steps to prevent this from happening?

[TheRealOranges]

Under advanced power options in Windows, I assume you are using windows, check whether the cooling is set to active or passive, for both plugged in and battery, then check cpu performance

[whitelucent]

1 minute ago, TheRealOranges said:

Under advanced power options in Windows, I assume you are using windows, check whether the cooling is set to active or passive, for both plugged in and battery, then check cpu performance

Thanks for the advice! I'll try that.

[8-Bit Ninja]

1 minute ago, whitelucent said:

Thanks for the advice! I'll try that.

If your using them for extended periods of time, you could try under clocking (Guides on youtube), and if its a laptop, getting a cooling pad like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/E-PRANCE-Laptop-Cooling-Cooler-Ultra-Portable/dp/B014EOGPWO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499676302&sr=8-3&keywords=cooling+pad might help 

[Mooshi]

Can also change thermal paste to drop a couple degrees, especially if it's a prebuilt. They seldom use good paste and cheap out.

[LogicalDrm]

Don't get laptop. Fact is that they go for smaller size and loose some in terms of cooling. So if you are going for heavier loads, look for laptops which have beefier cooling. But if its better to have lighter to carry, don't try to run those heavy tasks.

[doits]

this is what nearly all laptops do. Get a laptop cooling pad imo.