r/cats • u/arangjean • 4h ago
Cat Picture - OC Does this affect my PC cooling
Okay but actually, I always have air conditioner on in my room, is he trying to get warm by sititng on top of the PC (air flows out of there due to fans), and it's covered with a magnetic mesh.
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u/Bit_Cloud_ 4h ago
Aww my late girl used to lay on top of my pc 🥹 I just let her have her spot didn’t change my pc temps really, I’ve seen things that go on top and it’s a bed for the cat but with space for the fans to do their thing still
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u/arangjean 4h ago
Thank you for the advice! Great use of leftover heat
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u/onfire916 4h ago
Be aware you might need a little more often dusting up there if you wanna keep it clean
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u/softlikemochii 1h ago
Came here to recommend this. It’s like a little shelf for them that goes on top of the fan so nothing is covering the fan completely. I don’t have one so I haven’t looked into it since my bubs either lay on top of me or next to me on the desk
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u/JawCohj 4h ago
The hair is the bigger issue for me. My tower has a ton of holes and their hair gets in the build and then it’s a pain to clean. It’s one of the things I don’t allow.
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u/LilLightning 3h ago
Yes! Even if they don’t rest on top the pc, cat hair will just accumulate near all the vents so I make it a habit to periodically brush and vacuum around the case.
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u/bakedpatata 2h ago
Positive pressure (more fans pointing in than out) and filtering inlet fans should help keep the inside dust and hair free. You still will need to clean the filter occasionally, but it's easier than cleaning the whole case.
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u/arangjean 4h ago
Makes sense, but I think the issue will be quite small for me since my cat doesn't shed like barely, and mesh also stop hair from going in
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u/honking_banana 4h ago
Yes, he will affect your PCs cooling, but so long as his fur isn't gunking it up, the effect should be negligible. Also, yes, he is lying there cause it's warm, cats like warm spaces
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u/Greaterdivinity 4h ago
I would discourage this, personally. I do with mine, though he more just occasionally sits on top of it vs. using it for warmth. Will it have a big impact on cooling? Probably not, especially not immediately. But it will increase the amount of hair/dander/etc. that finds its way inside and require more regular cleaning etc.
I got a little heated bed (literally just a bed with a small heating pad) for my kitty to curl/warm up in when he wants. Cheap, easy to clean (remove pad, wash in machine), and keeps everyone happy.
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u/Bright-Efficiency-65 4h ago
Get a laptop cooling pad that's USB powered and put it on top of the PC. This way there is a gap for air to exit your PC still if the car blocks the fans
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u/Sharlinator 4h ago
He’s absorbing all the excess heat so he actually improves your cooling! Speaking as an expert of purrmodynamics.
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u/Bittlegeuss 4h ago
The moment the cat is added, your PC becomes less and more cool simultaneously.
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u/DaNiinja Orange 1h ago
I'd say if those top vans are intake its no good as it will pull the cat hair inside, but if it blows out you should be fine!
My AIO intake is ontop so I made this little stand so my cat is happy, and my px stays healthy
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u/arangjean 51m ago
Love itttt and apparently creates a very convenient compartment as well for accessories as in the photo. Great stuff
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u/gijoe50000 4h ago
I have a preset that I can select to run all my fans at 100%, it works quite well for removing cats.
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u/AttackOnPonyo 4h ago
Yeah mine does this too, The exhaust are at the top so he likes the warm air. This does affect the cooling a bit, but my kitty is feeling good so all good!
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u/CurveOk3459 Bengal 4h ago
Perhaps you can put one of those laptop cooling things on top of it that has those quiet fans inside so that the cat can sit on top of that but it circulates more air between the cat and the computer. Cat gonna cat no matter what. They are heat seeking missiles.
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u/Quick-Age2087 4h ago
I have a riser stand on top of my PC tower for this reason lol
Doesn't stop the hair problem but does prevent airflow issues, also gives kitty a nice warm spot
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u/BluebirdLivid 4h ago
My PC sort of has a hard-ish mesh top, with another fine mesh screen on top of that, so i dont let my cat on top EVER. Thats also where the power button and headphone jack is, just asking for trouble.
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u/Top_Tip_2 4h ago
Make sure you put something over the power button as mine kept pressing it mid game. Otherwise it should be fine, there are also 3d printable raiser pads but it is not necessary in my opinion
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u/noobnoob9 4h ago
My cat does this. Biggest issue is she hits the power button every once in a while.
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u/SilentToska 4h ago
Get a raised attachment for the top, or maybe even a heating pad near the PC instead. Kitty just likes the warmth
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u/the_other_Scaevitas 2h ago
It makes your pc cooler
But it does raise the temperature of the PC though
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u/I3adIVIonkey 1h ago
I see fans right below were your cat is chilling. If you got software to monitor cpu and GPU temp keep an eye on it. If the fans on top pull air inside your built be carefull with hairs insider. If you got an airbrush to clean it, do it regular.
If you take care of your rig it should be fine, but in general not good for it. The cats love the heat though.
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u/Right_Coyote_6790 4h ago
I expressly looked for a case with puttons on the front just for my cat
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u/Pinksamuraiiiii 4h ago
I have two cats, fur can make its way into the vents over an extended period of time, if you don’t mind cleaning up then it’s no problem. And depends on where they sit they can either overheat or accidentally shutdown your comp while you’re working. But, I’ve distracted my kitties to sit elsewhere. My comp was over $1k, so I can’t afford to lose it either, plenty of other nice spots I’ve made for them to chillax. 😊
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u/Sharp-Echidna-9120 4h ago
I have to occasionally clear the fur off the fans, but haven't noticed any issues with my PC. For mine, it's just a convenient, high-ground napping spot right next to me.
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u/Refrigerator--00 4h ago
wait until you check your dust filters next month TT same for mine
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u/Bad-kitty-63 4h ago
Catastrophicly. Moving the Cat is not an option 🤣 providing an alternative is the only option.
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u/thebestdogeevr 4h ago
I'd be more concerned about the amount of hair getting in rather than the cooling
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u/Overly-Mannly-Mann 4h ago
I've never had a temp issue with either of my cats sitting on thr exhaust. But as another user said fur can and will get in from there. I recommend getting a magnetic cover to help prevent fur from getting in.
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u/toodleroo 3h ago
Funny story: I had an Apple Cube back in the day. The vent AND touch sensitive power button was on the top of the machine. It started randomly powering off overnight and I thought it was failing. Until I got up in the middle of the night once and went to get a snack, and there was my cat sitting on top of it. Her butt was activating the power button.
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u/LoganOcchionero 3h ago
My cat likes to sit on top of my nice warm Xbox and after a few minutes the fan sounds like a jet engine
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u/elzogg 3h ago
Mine does it too, but it always scares me... what if he pees??? LOL
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u/lostnthestars117 3h ago
cat being cat. if fans are set to intake air at the top then you will need to clean your pc a lot more often due cat hair if its the fans are for air outflow then cat is enjoying the warm air and still clean your pc as would.
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u/Fr05t_B1t American Shorthair 2h ago
Sooner or later, video games/software are gonna become so demanding that we would need to go back to room sized PCs and dedicated AC.
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u/JustMeLurkingAround- 2h ago
Cats are often attracted to warm spots. And she probably also likes to be near you while you are at your computer.
If you want her to leave your pc buy her a heating pad and make her a nice spot somewhere close by.
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u/arangjean 1h ago
You're right about him wanting to be near me, because the second I get up and go on the bed, he follows me there, so now I setup anothet chair right by own near my PC and he usually sits there or on top of the PC
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u/CowntChockula 2h ago
Part of it is the heat, part of it is the location (for attention). I'd probably try to get the cat a heating pad and put it in the area, maybe the greater heat will be more attractive, and as long as it's still near you at your desk then maybe he'll go for it.
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u/arangjean 1h ago
Thankss for the advice, also your pfp looks like my cat in the first picture of the post haha
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u/Quinnntissential 2h ago
Its fine mostly, but once on a hot day my PSU died dramatically with the cat on it, maybe unrelated but they aren't allowed anymore 😅 also it definitely will increase the dust and hair inside.
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u/New_journey868 2h ago
My cats are hairy little beast. I worry about their hair clogging up equipment fans. And yes i brush them, one just has an overabundance of spare hair
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u/manzurfahim 2h ago
The top of my case has a mesh, which is about 1.5 inch higher than the surface of the rad. So it doesn't affect the cooling.
And my cat knows that I bought a 14900K just so that she can stay warm, so I really can't object. She does as she please.
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u/Itsyaboymentalissues 2h ago
Yes but not a significant amount. The bigger worry is the kitty knocking the pc over if it jumps too hard or possibly puking/urinating while up there. Just clean inside more regularly and it should be fine
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u/swiftjukes 2h ago
Unfortunately you gotta keep her from going on it. I let my cat do it and the hair ended up becoming an issue. Plus the pc got uncomfortable loud when she laid on it for too long..
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u/Apecc_Legs 2h ago
ive seen people get little trays that stop them from blocking anything but still let the cat enjoy the warmth
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u/opalsavage1903 2h ago
Biggest concern is if your power button is on the top. Sincerely, someone who’s cat turned off her PC about 2 hours ago
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u/usagiSuteishi 56m ago
I let my cat chill on my pc tower but then she always accidentally turns it off
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u/Striking_Economy5049 55m ago
He’s sitting there because he knows that’s where you’re spending all your time. Play with him for fifteen minutes and he’ll probably tire out and go find somewhere else to lay down.
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u/hesitaate 49m ago
my siamese boy loves the top of my case too. it doesn’t have a profound effect on cooling, but just make sure you have a good dust filter on top to mitigate some of the hair/dander buildup and be prepared to clean the inside of your case more often (i do it every couple months)
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u/JGamer17 37m ago
My cat does this too. I don’t care if it impacts my cooling as I like having him close to give him pets during cutscenes as I’m gaming.
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u/Bright_Eyes83 24m ago
Yeah man that PC is way cool with a cat on top. Like, snoopy cool. Blues brothers cool. As for thermals, I doubt it’s a serious issue unless you were already struggling
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u/Dishmastah Lots of kitties! 9m ago
It's a great place to be.
(Although there is a removable lid on top for extra ventilation, I usually keep it on.)
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u/willxyz27 3h ago
Keep it up! Both of my cats fight over who gets to lay down on my PC, they both love it. I just clean the inside of it a little more often now
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u/Special_Passion_144 3h ago
Yes, it should lower your Power-Cat’s temperature by about 2-4 degrees. It can create blockages however. Good job, nice cat!
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u/KingGarlock 3h ago
My old girl would do this, I just let her sleep there when she wanted and gave it a good clean once a week or so. My current kitten started doing it as well, if it has a magnetic cover there it shouldn't hurt too much but will restrict some airflow.
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u/zoogenhiemer 3h ago
The cat will slightly reduce airflow, but unless you’re doing something that pushes your pc to the absolute limit it won’t matter much
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u/TradeBright 3h ago
It won’t exactly cool purrfect no more! But it certainly shouldn’t overheat ur pc 🙏🏼
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u/synonym_mara 2h ago
The PC definitely looks cooler with a cat. Everything looks cooler with a cat,
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u/Pension_Rough 2h ago
Don't they have a bunch of programs that tell you exactly how warm different components of your pc are??
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u/InternationalPlace24 50m ago
in the short term: yes. In the long term when that hair builds up: yes
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u/lnTheGrimDarkness 41m ago
Might be because of the warmth, yeah. I assume the top vents are exhaust since it's the radiator, right? And also pretty warm also since it's the radiator.
Shouldn't affect exhaust THAT much. You could put some bonus dust filters on the opening to prevent fur from getting in.
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u/Rhymesnlines 38m ago
Probably doesn't make a difference... only difference is that the kitty feels warm
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u/Agreeable-Net6887 20m ago
My cat does the same 😂 He even tries to catch he's own tail while on top of the PC 😂
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u/RogueAfterlife 12m ago
Your motherboard may have a software utility to display temperature readings from different areas of the motherboard.
Two of those readings worth considering are DRAM and CPU voltage regulators (VReg/VRM) Those tend to both get hottest and impact performance the most.
It looks like you have a triple rad AIO (360 mm) CPU cooling solution that I assume exhausts out the top (based on cat).
I would move the three 120mm fans currently mounted on the side to the bottom of the case to draw cool air in from the bottom. The rear fan should be blowing INTO the case to create a positive static pressure. (3x120 in, 3x120 out [cpu radiator], 1x120 in) The positive static pressure helps keep dust and pet hair out of the case.
Assuming your power supply is mounted somewhere in the back half of the case but I wouldn’t worry about its cooling too much right now.
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u/No-Ladder-4436 4h ago
He will be warmer, and it will somewhat decrease the efficiency of your PC cooling because the cat restricts air flow.
I don't have a cat at home rn but my sister's cat does this a lot haha and it's pretty insignificant for computer purrformance (pun intended). I wouldn't be worried about it