Consumers and businesses increasingly rely on powerful computers to run high-tech applications. But in the coming months, they may have issues obtaining the PCs they need. Since 2018, Intel has reported a processor shortage, which some experts believe may not be resolved until the latter half of 2019. Read on to learn more.

Reasons for the shortage
There are many contributors to Intel’s long-running chip production problems. For starters, demand for Intel computer chips has been higher than expected as more businesses depend on resource-intensive applications, cloud computing, and state-of-the-art machines to gain a competitive edge.

Additionally, there are major delays in the production of Intel’s next-gen 10-nanometer processors, largely because the company is short on capacity. This means businesses will not have access to PCs featuring these processors until much later in 2019.

Intel also appears to be prioritizing development of server CPUs, as they make up a huge portion of the company’s revenue. Focusing on server chips, however, has resulted in slower production rates of consumer-grade CPUs. Desktop CPU revenues, in particular, lagged significantly behind notebook and server CPUs, which resulted in the shortage of chips for desktop PCs.

What’s being done
Experts predict that customers will have had enough server CPUs so production for these productions will slow down by the second half of 2019, freeing up enough capacity to meet the demands for desktop and notebook CPUs. In fact, according to Intel’s interim chief executive Bob Swan, “We are working closely with our customers to align demand with available supply while we add capacity and we expect supply-demand balance to improve by mid-year.”

Intel also promises that PC shortage issues will be completely resolved by the third quarter of 2019. In the meantime, computer hardware manufacturers like Lenovo and Asus have their work cut out for them. To make up for the Intel chip shortage, PC manufacturers are strongly considering switching to AMD processors for desktops and laptops.

What does the shortage mean for businesses?
Businesses who are unable to acquire the newest Core, Celeron, and Pentium series processors for desktops and laptops may have to look for alternatives compatible with non-Intel chips. But if your company is running on a tight budget, it may make more sense to wait until late 2019 to upgrade to computers equipped with next-gen Intel processors.

Sticking with older hardware does leave your business exposed to security and downtime risks, so it’s important to stay on top of the latest updates and regular maintenance. Fortunately, a top-notch managed services provider can proactively manage your hardware for a reasonable monthly fee.

If you want to hear more about the latest hardware news and developments, stay tuned to our blog. We also provide services for all things IT, so contact us today!

The post Expect CPU shortages until late 2019 appeared first on TechSolutions, Inc..

Laptops may be more affordable than ever, but we’re also using them for more advanced tasks than ever. This means you run the risk of overheating your laptop and causing long-term damage. Here’s how to avoid that.

Causes of overheating

Laptops create heat during their normal operation. That’s why they’re designed with internal fans that blow out hot air and suck in cooler air. When your laptop keeps shutting down or suffers serious slowdowns, chances are it’s overheating.

One of the most common causes of overheating is when the fan doesn’t operate normally. This may be due to dust and grime clogging up the fan, preventing it from rotating properly. It’s also possible that the air vents are being blocked, preventing air from flowing into the laptop.

Another thing to consider is the age of your laptop’s battery, which relies on lithium to store electricity. This chemical naturally decays over time, no matter how carefully you use it. The older the battery, the less efficient it is and the more heat it generates.

Software use can also contribute to overheating. Too many apps and programs running in the background can overwork your laptop.

What to do if it’s overheating

The first thing you should do is check your hardware. Turn your laptop off and inspect the vents and your fan for any dirt, grime, or other possible causes of blockage. Also check whether the fan itself is not physically dented, which can slow down its rotation.

Sometimes overheating is simply caused by bad habits. Do you use your laptops in bed or on the carpet? Do you use pillows as padding? Uneven or soft surfaces often block the air vents, leading to overheating. Always place your laptop on a hard, even surface.

Aside from the hardware, check your software. Are there a lot of apps and programs that start automatically when you switch on your laptop? If yes, then you may need to limit them.

Keeping it cool

To prevent your laptop from overheating, always make sure that there’s adequate airflow for your laptop. Better yet, invest in a cooling pad. These pads lift your laptop and add more fans to facilitate better airflow.

Limit the number of programs that run when you start your laptop. Change your settings to “power save.” And shut down your laptop whenever you’re not using it.

It’s easy to take laptops for granted because they’re billed as plug-and-play devices. However, with a little extra care and attention, your devices will last much longer. If you want to prolong the lifetime of your IT hardware, call our experts today.

The post How to prevent your laptop from overheating appeared first on TechSolutions, Inc..