Fixed: Laptop Overheating During Use–Try This Trick

Is your laptop turning into a furnace during gaming sessions, with the CPU and GPU pushing temps over the edge? You’re not alone-overheating hits hard when dust clogs vents or background apps hog resources, throttling your computer’s performance. This 5-step guide solves the problem quickly: identify symptoms, clean vents and fans, update software, adjust power settings, and check temperatures over time. Regain smooth, cool operation and extend your laptop’s life without pricey repairs.

1. Diagnose the Overheating Symptoms

Notice how your laptop slows down or shuts off unexpectedly during simple tasks like browsing? That’s often the first sign of overheating kicking in.

To diagnose, follow these steps:

1. Observe baseline performance: Note slowdowns during light tasks like web browsing. Idle temperatures should stay under 50 degreesC.
2. Install monitoring tools: Download free software like HWMonitor (from CPUID) or Speccy (from Piriform). Launch it to track CPU and GPU temps in real-time.
3. Check under load: Run a stress test, such as Cinebench for CPU or FurMark for GPU, while monitoring. Watch for temps exceeding 80 degreesC-above this, thermal throttling or shutdowns occur to prevent damage.
4. Compare idle vs. workload:

   Idle: 40-50 degreesC normal; load: 70-85 degreesC max safe. If consistently over 80 degreesC, clean vents or reapply thermal paste.

   Studies from Intel show sustained high temps reduce lifespan by 20-30% (as detailed in their official processor temperature guidelines).

2. Clean the Laptop’s Vents and Fans

Imagine dust clogging your laptop’s internals like a blocked chimney, causing heat to trap inside and spike temperatures.

This buildup restricts airflow through vents and fans, forcing components like the CPU and GPU to overheat, which throttles performance and risks hardware failure. The solution? A simple compressed air clean.

1. First, power off and unplug your laptop, then use short bursts from a can of compressed air (like Dust-Off, $5-10) to blow out vents from multiple angles, holding the can upright to avoid liquid spray.
2. For thorough results, if your model allows (e.g., many Dell or HP laptops), safely remove the bottom panel with a screwdriver-follow iFixit guides for your specific device.
3. Gently direct air at fans without touching blades.

Before cleaning, idle temps might hit 70 degreesC; after, they often drop 15-25 degreesC under load, per user reports on forums like Reddit’s r/techsupport, restoring efficiency and extending lifespan. Clean monthly for prevention.

3. Improve Software and Background Processes

Why does your laptop get hot when it’s sitting on the desk doing nothing? Culprits like rogue background apps and outdated software are silently ramping up the CPU.

To cool things down, start by improving through specific steps.

1. One quick fix is using Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows) to end unnecessary processes like bloated browser tabs or antivirus scans- this can drop temperatures by 10-15 degreesC almost instantly, per user tests on forums like Reddit’s r/techsupport, providing immediate relief during heavy use.

2. For deeper issues, scan for malware with tools like Malwarebytes (free version available), which detects hidden threats ramping up CPU; a full scan might take 30 minutes but prevents recurring heat spikes.

3. Or, update drivers through Device Manager or manufacturer websites like Dell’s support page.

   Research from NVIDIA shows that old graphics drivers can raise power use by 20%. Regular updates provide lasting stability and avoid frequent fixes.

4. Adjust Power Settings for Better Cooling

Turning on high performance mode can make your laptop run faster, but it will also heat it up a lot, like a toaster. Adjust the settings with care.

To keep things cool without sacrificing too much performance, switch to Windows’ Balanced power plan via Control Panel > Power Options. Here are common mistakes to avoid and fixes:

• Leaving ‘Maximum processor state’ at 100% on battery: This causes unnecessary heat spikes, per Microsoft’s power management guidelines. Set it to 90% for battery use and 100% when plugged in to cap thermal load.
• Turn off automatic brightness adjustment: High screen brightness uses more battery and produces heat. Enable it in Display settings to auto-adjust, reducing load by up to 20% according to Intel studies.
• Skipping sleep timers: Constant wakefulness overheats components. Set sleep after 15 minutes idle to prevent excess warming, as recommended by energy efficiency reports from the U.S. Department of Energy.

5. Monitor and Maintain Long-Term Temperature Control

Keeping tabs on your laptop’s heat isn’t a one-off fix-tools like SpeedFan can alert you before issues escalate.

1. Use HWMonitor, a free tool from CPUID, for steady monitoring and to set custom alerts.

   Download it from cpuid.com, then configure notifications for CPU/GPU temps surpassing 70 degreesC- a safe limit backed by Intel’s thermal guidelines to avoid throttling during intensive tasks like gaming.

2. During heavy workloads, perform manual checks every 20-30 minutes via HWMonitor’s real-time dashboard; log peaks to spot patterns.

3. Use Speccy from Piriform with it to check fan speeds-adjust the curves to speed up at 60 degreesC for earlier airflow, which lowers temperatures by up to 10-15 degreesC in tests without much noise.

4. Schedule weekly scans for sustained performance.

Why Does Laptop Overheating Occur During Use?

Laptops overheat during everyday use because everyday factors like dust and demanding apps team up to overwhelm cooling systems.

Consider a case study: During an intense World of Warcraft session on a Dell Inspiron 15 laptop, accumulated dust clogs the internal fans, restricting airflow by up to 40%, as noted in a 2022 Dell support analysis. The game’s high CPU and GPU demands-rendering complex graphics and AI behaviors-spike temperatures to 90 degreesC within 30 minutes, triggering thermal throttling to prevent damage.

This interaction reduces performance by 20-30%, per Intel’s thermal management studies.

To mitigate, users can clean vents monthly using compressed air (e.g., Dust-Off cans) and monitor temps with free tools like HWMonitor, ensuring sustained gameplay without lag. Those curious about hands-on fixes for ongoing laptop heat issues might find value in how I solved my laptop heating without a cooling pad.

How Does Dust Buildup Affect Airflow?

Dust isn’t just grime-it’s a heat-trapping villain that chokes your laptop’s vents over time.

These microscopic particles, often 1-100 micrometers in size, settle on fan blades and heatsinks, increasing surface friction and drag per Newton’s laws of motion. This disrupts laminar airflow-where cool air smoothly passes over components for convective heat transfer-leading to turbulent, inefficient cooling.

A 2018 study by the IEEE on PC thermal management found that moderate dust accumulation can spike CPU and GPU temps by 15-25 degreesC, risking throttling or hardware failure.

Prevent escalation with monthly cleaning:

1. power off your laptop,
2. use a compressed air canister (like Dust-Off, $10) at 90-degree angles, and
3. apply short 2-3 second bursts to dislodge buildup without generating static electricity.

This restores efficiency, maintaining optimal temps below 80 degreesC under load.

What Role Do High-Performance Tasks Play?

Pushing your laptop with gaming or video editing? Those intensive tasks crank the processor to max, generating heat faster than fans can expel it.

To cool things down quickly without hardware mods, start with software tweaks that limit workload intensity, often dropping temps by 10-15 degreesC.

1. First, cap frame rates in games at 60 FPS using in-game settings or RivaTuner Statistics Server (free tool)-this slashes GPU strain during sessions like Fortnite.
2. Next, switch to Windows’ Balanced power mode via Control Panel > Power Options for video editing; it throttles max clock speeds intelligently, preserving performance while curbing heat from apps like Adobe Premiere.
3. Enable task-specific profiles in tools like ThrottleStop (free, advanced users) to undervolt your CPU by 50-100mV, reducing power draw without speed loss.

These steps take minutes and maintain usability.

Can Poor Ventilation Surfaces Worsen the Issue?

Placing your laptop on a bed or couch seems comfy, but it seals off vents like putting a lid on a steaming pot.

This blocks airflow from the bottom vents, causing internal temperatures to spike-often by 20-30 degreesC, per studies from the Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering. Manufacturers like Apple and Dell warn that reduced ventilation can trigger automatic shutdowns to prevent damage, debunking the myth that soft surfaces are harmless; they actually trap heat, shortening battery life and component lifespan.

For optimal cooling, always use a hard, flat surface like a desk. Buy a cooling pad like the KLIM Wind ($30).

It lifts your laptop and includes fans that improve heat removal by up to 50%, so it runs safely during heavy tasks.

How Do Outdated Drivers Contribute to Heat?

Old drivers don’t just glitch-they inefficiently tax your hardware, turning minor tasks into heat factories.

Updating drivers ensures efficient resource use, slashing power draw by up to 20% and reducing thermal output, per Intel’s optimization studies.

1. Start by checking via Device Manager in Windows: right-click Start > Device Manager, expand Display Adapters or Processors, and look for yellow exclamation marks.
2. For GPU drivers, use NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software to auto-detect and install updates.
3. CPU/chipset drivers? Download from manufacturer sites like Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, or Lenovo Vantage.
4. Run Windows Update for basics.

This process, taking 15-30 minutes, optimizes performance without hardware swaps.

What Preventive Measures Extend Laptop Lifespan?

Simple habits like routine maintenance can add years to your laptop’s life by keeping heat in check.

1. Start by scheduling monthly cleanings: use compressed air to clear dust from vents and fans, preventing airflow blockages that spike processor temperatures by up to 20 degreesC, as noted in Intel’s thermal management studies.

2. Get a cooling stand for your laptop, like the Rain Design mStand for $50. It increases airflow under the laptop and drops the heat by 10-15 degreesC. This cuts battery wear from long-term high temperatures.

3. Monitor temps using free tools such as HWMonitor or Core Temp, aiming to keep CPU under 80 degreesC during use to avoid thermal throttling.

4. Consider upgrading RAM from 8GB to 16GB ($40-60 kits), minimizing disk swapping and easing processor load for sustained cooler operation.

These steps cut thermal stress, extending component life by 2-3 years per user reports from Puget Systems benchmarks.

Why Schedule Regular Cleaning Sessions?

Without a cleaning calendar, dust accumulates silently, shortening your laptop’s cooling efficiency month by month.

Neglected vents clog with debris, forcing fans to overwork and potentially fail prematurely, as seen in reports from the Consumer Technology Association where dust buildup contributes to 20-30% of overheating issues.

To prevent this, schedule bi-monthly cleaning sessions using compressed air cans-hold the can upright and blast short bursts into vents for 1-2 minutes, avoiding skin contact. Always power off and unplug first.

One user on Reddit’s r/techsupport shared how this routine restored their Dell XPS’s performance, reducing fan speeds by 40% and extending battery life noticeably after just one session.

How Does Elevating the Laptop Improve Cooling?

Lift your laptop off the desk with a stand, and watch airflow double as vents breathe freely.

For HONOR laptops like the MagicBook series with bottom vents, opt for an adjustable aluminum stand such as the Rain Design mStand ($50), which raises your device 6 inches for optimal intake, reducing thermal throttling by up to 20% per Puget Systems benchmarks.

Alternatively, DIY elevation using stacked books or wooden blocks offers a free fix but risks instability-avoid if your setup involves movement, as it may cause wobbles leading to uneven cooling.

A study from the Journal of Thermal Science (2020) confirms elevated positioning enhances dissipation by 15-25%, but always secure with non-slip pads for safety.

Start by measuring your laptop’s base for a snug fit.

What Software Tools Track Temperature Effectively?

Tracking heat doesn’t require guesswork-free tools reveal exact CPU and GPU readings in real-time.

Yet common mistakes sabotage effective monitoring.

1. First, depending on built-in Windows Task Manager overlooks GPU spikes during gaming-switch to HWMonitor (free from CPUID) for detailed, real-time logs of all components; install it via official site, launch on startup, and set alerts for temps above 80 degreesC to catch issues early.
2. Second, fan inconsistencies can cause erratic readings. Use the free SpeedFan software for fan control. Download it from Almico and adjust the curves to keep fan speed at 40-60% during heavy use. This stops sudden drops from causing false alerts.
3. Third, neglecting ambient factors like room heat skews data-cross-check with Core Temp for calibrated sensors, ensuring accuracy within 2-3 degreesC per benchmarks from AnandTech studies. These steps, taking under 30 minutes to set up, build reliable heat tracking without guesswork.

Can Upgrading RAM Reduce Overheating Risks?

Struggling with multitasking heat? More RAM means less CPU swapping, easing thermal strain.

Upgrading to 16GB or more drastically cuts thermal buildup, as it minimizes CPU-intensive paging-studies from Intel show up to 25% less heat during heavy multitasking like video editing or browser-heavy workflows.

1. Start by accessing your BIOS (press Del or F2 on boot) to verify supported RAM types, such as DDR4 for most modern systems.
2. Use Crucial’s free System Scanner tool to locate compatible modules. The tool checks your system and suggests exact matches.
3. For Lenovo devices, check their support portal for max capacity-many ThinkPads handle 32GB via two SODIMM slots.
4. If Asurion-insured, confirm upgrade eligibility under hardware replacement policies to avoid voids. This simple swap often takes under an hour and sustains cooler operation long-term.

How Can You Troubleshoot Constant Overheating?

If simple fixes don’t work and the heat keeps happening, it points to bigger problems-begin by finding the reason step by step.

1. Begin with source criteria: Monitor temperatures using HWMonitor (free tool) while running stress tests like Prime95-if CPU exceeds 90 degreesC under load, suspect hardware.
2. Differentiate failure signs (random shutdowns, burning smells) from glitches (high idle temps post-updates; try BIOS reset via F2 key on Dell/HP boot).
3. Test fans: Open panels (voids warranty if under coverage), but for a non-invasive approach follow the steps in our instructional guide to fixing a laptop fan without opening the case; use compressed air to clean dust; listen for irregular whirring.
4. For DIY, apply thermal paste like Arctic MX-4 ($8) if experienced.
5. Quick tip: Put your laptop on a cooling pad to lift it.
6. If temps persist above 85 degreesC or fans fail, flowchart to pro: Contact Dell/HP support for RMA if <3 years old, per their warranty policies-avoids costly $200+ repairs.

What Signs Indicate Hardware Failure?

Random crashes or fans screaming at max speed? These scream hardware trouble beyond simple dust.

Start by monitoring temperatures with free tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp to check if your CPU idles above 90 degreesC- a red flag per Intel’s guidelines, indicating potential failure. Fans at max without response suggest failing bearings or PWM issues; test by running stress software like Prime95.

Myth busted: Not all throttling is software-controlled; degraded thermal paste often causes uneven heat spread, leading to hotspots (as shown in a 2022 Puget Systems study on GPU longevity).

Actionable fix: Disassemble, clean with isopropyl alcohol, and reapply high-quality paste like Arctic MX-4 using a pea-sized dot method for even coverage.

If temps persist, consult a technician to avoid permanent damage.

How Do You Test Fan Functionality?

1. Grab SpeedFan and run a stress test to hear if your fans spin up properly under load.

2. Next, enter your BIOS (restart and press Del, F2, or F10) to verify fan curves-set CPU fan to ‘PWM’ mode and aggressive thresholds (e.g., 50% speed at 60 degreesC).

   For workload simulation, use Prime95 for CPU stress or FurMark for GPU, monitoring temps via HWMonitor.

   Listen closely during tests for grinding or rattling noises, indicating dust buildup or bearing wear.

3. If fans fail to ramp up under high CPU use (e.g., during Cinebench runs), troubleshoot by

   • updating BIOS firmware from your motherboard manufacturer (like ASUS or Gigabyte sites)
   • reseating fan headers
   • or replacing with Noctua NF-A12x25 fans.

   Clean dust with compressed air first.

   This process ensures optimal cooling, preventing thermal throttling.

Why Consider Professional Repair Services?

DIY limits hit a wall with warranty-voiding internals-pros handle thermal paste reapplication safely.

Consider Sarah, whose HONOR MagicBook Pro had ongoing GPU overheating while playing games, which led to performance slowdowns and crashes. Frustrated by DIY attempts that risked her two-year warranty, she contacted Asurion, her insurance provider, for a covered fan replacement.

The process involved shipping the laptop to their certified repair center, where technicians used Arctic MX-4 thermal paste for optimal heat transfer-restoring performance without voiding coverage.

For users without insurance, Dell or HP’s official support provides the same level of skill; schedule an appointment on their support websites and supply your serial numbers for checks. Expect 3-7 day turnaround, backed by studies from IEEE showing professional repasting reduces temps by 15-20 degreesC, preventing long-term damage.

What Temporary Fixes Work in Emergencies?

Laptop frying mid-meeting? Plug in a cooling pad and switch to balanced power to buy time.

1. Next, put your laptop on a hard surface or books for better airflow. This drops the temperature by 5-10 degreesC, as stated in Dell’s thermal guidelines.
2. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to close apps that use too many resources and free up CPU. Get usage below 70%.
3. If malware is suspected, run a quick scan with Windows Defender or free Malwarebytes tool, which detects threats in under 5 minutes without a full reboot.
4. For monitoring, use HWMonitor software to track temperatures in real-time.

These steps that don’t require opening the device, based on Intel’s cooling guidelines, usually fix overheating issues without taking anything apart and quickly restore normal performance.

What Broader Factors Influence Device Heat Management?

Beyond basics, your room’s climate and laptop build play huge roles in keeping things cool.

Room temperature has a big effect on computer performance. For example, a 30 degreesC room can raise CPU temperatures by 15-20 degreesC more than a 20 degreesC room, based on Intel’s studies of thermal throttling.

Gaming laptops with metal chassis excel in heat dissipation, reducing hotspots by up to 10 degreesC versus plastic builds in standard laptops, which trap heat and risk throttling during intensive tasks.

Metal pros include superior conductivity, but they add weight; plastic is lighter yet demands external cooling pads. Balance via BIOS tweaks: enable aggressive fan curves or undervolt the CPU by 50-100mV using tools like ThrottleStop, maintaining temps under 85 degreesC for longevity. Related insight: Fixed: My Mac Fan Was Too Loud Constantly

How Does Ambient Room Temperature Impact Performance?

A stuffy 30 Celsius room can push your laptop’s internals 10 degrees hotter, throttling speeds.

To avoid performance hits and hardware damage, steer clear of common environmental pitfalls. Here’s how:

• Never leave your laptop in a hot car; temperatures can spike to 50 degreesC+, causing instant shutdowns. Instead, store it in shaded, ventilated areas below 25 degreesC, as recommended by Intel’s thermal guidelines.
• Block vents with soft surfaces like beds or laps, trapping heat and raising CPU temps by 15-20 degreesC. Buy a cooling pad with fans, such as the Cooler Master Notepal for $20, to increase airflow.
• Expose it to direct sunlight or dusty spaces, accelerating component wear. Opt for clean, shaded desks and monitor internals with free tools like Speccy or HWMonitor to track temps in real-time.

These steps, backed by a 2022 Microsoft study on device longevity, can extend battery life by up to 30%.

What Materials in Laptop Design Affect Heat Dissipation?

Aluminum shells wick away heat better than plastic, but poor internal paste undoes the gains.

When choosing laptops from Lenovo’s ThinkPad series, look at the specs for an aluminum chassis. Models like the X1 Carbon have one, which improves heat dissipation and cuts GPU throttling in small designs by up to 15% compared to plastic models like the IdeaPad series, according to Puget Systems tests.

Metal carries heat from the GPU faster than other materials, which stops hot spots in thin designs.

Every two years for maintenance, put on fresh thermal paste with Arctic MX-4 or similar; take it apart using iFixit guides for full coverage, which brings back cooling and makes hardware last longer. Always verify ventilation ports for optimal airflow.

Why Do Gaming Laptops Overheat More Frequently?

Gaming rigs pack powerful GPUs for titles like World of Warcraft, but that firepower demands aggressive cooling.

Consider the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 laptop, equipped with an NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU. During extended 4-hour WoW raid sessions, its CPU and GPU temperatures soar to 95 degreesC, triggering max fan speeds and thermal throttling that drops frame rates by 25%, per a 2022 Puget Systems study on laptop thermals.

To combat this, undervolt the CPU using ThrottleStop software:

1. download it,
2. adjust offset to -100mV in the FIVR tab, and
3. test stability with Prime95.

This method reduces temps by 10-15 degreesC without performance loss.

Complement with thermal repasting using Arctic MX-4 paste and a cooling pad for better airflow, extending playtime without interruptions.

How Can BIOS Updates Improve Thermal Controls?

Update your BIOS, and suddenly fan curves adjust smarter, keeping heat down without sacrificing speed.

This happens because BIOS firmware governs critical settings like processor power limits (PL1 for sustained load, PL2 for bursts) and fan profiles, which dictate RPM based on temperature sensors.

Install the newest version, like the BIOS with ASUS Armoury Crate or Gigabyte’s EasyTune. This raises PL1 limits-for example, from 125W to 150W on the Intel Core i7.

It lowers thermal throttling and follows Intel’s thermal rules, so the warranty stays valid.

For safe Windows updates:

1. Download the BIOS file from your motherboard manufacturer’s site (e.g., MSI’s support page).
2. Extract and run the updater tool in UEFI mode via Windows’ built-in recovery (Shift + Restart).
3. Backup current settings with tools like CPU-Z first.
4. Flash during idle, monitoring temps with HWMonitor to avoid interruptions.

This process takes 5-10 minutes and boosts sustained performance by 10-15%, as seen in AnandTech benchmarks.

How Do Macro Environmental Vectors Affect Overheating?

Humid air or long use sessions make your laptop’s heat problems worse.

Humidity accelerates corrosion on circuit boards, impairing cooling efficiency; a 2020 study by the IEEE noted that 60% relative humidity can increase thermal resistance by 15%. Power fluctuations, like voltage spikes from unstable outlets, force components to work harder, spiking CPU temps up to 20 degreesC, per Intel’s hardware guidelines.

Extended use compounds this, with cumulative heat buildup degrading batteries faster, as shown in a UC Berkeley report on device longevity. For an extensive analysis of similar overheating trends in portable electronics, our guide Solved: My Android Phone Was Overheating Constantly explores practical fixes that apply across devices.

Combat these with actionable tweaks:

• Put a portable dehumidifier (like the Eva-Dry E-333 for $20) in damp areas to keep relative humidity at 40-50%.
• Use a surge protector like Belkin 12-Outlet ($30) for stable power.
• Take 10-minute breaks every hour during long sessions. Put your laptop on a cooling pad such as the Cooler Master NotePal, which sells for $25. This increases airflow and drops temperatures by 10-15 degreesC.

What Influence Does Humidity Have on Internal Components?

High humidity doesn’t just fog screens-it promotes condensation that shorts circuits over time.

While many assume high humidity directly causes overheating in devices like laptops and PCs, research from the IEEE shows it indirectly exacerbates issues through corrosion on metal components. For instance, moisture accelerates oxidation on CPU heatsinks and fan bearings, reducing airflow efficiency by up to 20% over months, as detailed in a 2019 study by the Electronics Cooling Journal.

To prevent this, put silica gel packs-like 10g rechargeable ones from Dry-Packs-into storage cases. Replace them every 2-3 months.

Alternatively, opt for low-humidity environments below 40% RH using dehumidifiers like the Eva-Dry E-333 (under $20), ensuring fans spin freely and circuits stay protected during off-seasons.

How Do Power Supply Variations Contribute to Heat?

Unstable power adapters force your laptop to work harder, generating extra heat from inefficient charging.

Voltage changes often cause this inefficiency.

These changes interrupt the charging and require the system to adjust.

For instance, on battery, laptops like those with Intel’s 12th-gen processors automatically throttle CPU and GPU speeds-dropping from 4.0GHz to 2.5GHz under load-to prioritize safety and battery life, as per Intel’s power management specs.

When plugged into an unstable adapter, high power draw can cause sudden GPU spikes, pushing temperatures above 90 degreesC and risking thermal throttling or damage. A stable power supply, such as a 90W original Dell adapter or a UPS like APC’s Back-UPS (around $60), minimizes outlet variances, reducing heat buildup by up to 15% according to a 2022 IEEE study on laptop thermals.

To mitigate, test adapters with a multimeter for consistent 19V output and avoid daisy-chaining outlets for reliable performance.

Why Does How Long Something Is Used Matter So Much?

Hours of continuous use turn efficient cooling into a struggle, as heat compounds without breaks.

To mitigate overheating, implement duration management techniques from thermal engineering best practices.

1. Start by enforcing idle modes-use built-in software like Intel’s Thermal Monitor or third-party tools such as HWMonitor to trigger automatic shutdowns after 2 hours of peak load, allowing passive cooling.
2. Next, integrate workload timers in applications like Task Manager on Windows, capping sessions at 90 minutes before a mandatory 15-minute vent-off cool-down, where fans cycle off and ambient air restores balance.

2022 IEEE studies show this reduces heat buildup by 40 percent. That prevents shutdowns and lets hardware last longer.

Balance long sessions, like 4-hour renders, with these periodic breaks for optimal performance.