Can you place a computer on the carpet? As much as there is no danger for this, the carpet is not the ideal surface to put a computer on.
In Fact, modern computers are designed to have a protective case that protects the computer from static electricity. There are many disadvantages to putting your computer on the carpet. If possible, avoid the carpet.
This is because the carpet will accumulate dust, causing problems and reducing its lifespan. In this article, you will learn the effects of placing a computer on the carpet.
Afterward, you can make an informed decision about whether it is ideal or not. And just because it’s called a desktop, you are not restricted to placing it on a desk. You can find other safe, creative places to place it.
Can You Put a Pc on Carpet
Airflow and dust are the main concerns in placing a computer tower on the carpet. These two risks can lead to an overheating problem in your computer, provoking the need for a replacement.
Still, if you have an efficient way of dealing with ventilation problems, you are free to place your desktop on the carpet.
On top of that, people who regularly clean their computers have a bit of leeway in placing the tower on a carpet.
However, note, that positioning the desktop PC on the carpet of a room that leaks or has a higher likelihood of flooding is dangerous.
Water easily damages parts of a computer rendering it unusable. Also, different circumstances dictate how and where you place your computer. Let us kick this off with airflow.
Blockage of the Airflow by the Carpet
At the bottom of your PC, there is a section where hot air is emitted. This is the fan, which is responsible for airflow. It allows cool air in and takes out the hot air from the PC.
Now modern PCs, it is not flat, and hence it leaves space for air circulation. A carpet has all forms of dust. It may look clean, but it may contain hair-dried skin and all other forms of dirt in there.
Now when the computer is placed on the carpet, the airflow area absorbs the dust as it is taking in the cool air, and that way, the dust will block the airflow after accumulating dust for a while.
When the airflow is blocked, your computer’s cooling system is compromised. In that case, the PC will get overheated.
The carpet on the other side is highly flammable. So on extreme overheating, the two components can be a safety hazard. Ensure you consider the PC airflow when placing it on a carpet, especially when it is thick. You can consider placing it on a platform. Even a wooden piece will work just fine.
The Carpet Is a Blockage Itself
When you place the desktop on the carpet, the carpet covers all the areas the desktop is sitting on. In this case, the carpet will block the computer’s airflow, and also, like the dust, it will end up blocking the airflow.
Apart from that, how often do you clean the area the PC is standing on? Especially if it’s on a corner, you rarely remember to dust around that area.
On the other hand, the carpet absorbs a lot of dust through static. The dust will end up being pulled by the PC during the airflow process.
If possible, avoid placing the PC on the carpet, especially if the carpet is thick. It will block the airway completely, leading the PC to overheat and probably not functioning right.
Remember to clean the carpet often to ensure there is no dust to be absorbed into the carpet.
Risks of Putting a Computer on your Carpet
All computers face almost the same problems. Placing your computer tower on the carpet can bring about the below problems or not.
But to be on the safe side, here are the problems and their causes. With this information, you can prevent them and enjoy a long lifespan with your PC.
Electric damage
Electrical damage comes around when there is a buildup of static electricity. According to how computers are designed, they are almost optimally protected from this kind of damage.
For statics to harm the motherboard, they need to be close to the circuit. But we all know it’s almost impossible to be 100% efficient.
Especially when the laptop is on a carpet, there is a lot of static electricity involved. To ensure the computer is safe, place a wooden platform between the computer and the carpet.
Heat Damage
No machine is 100% efficient. In most cases, some energy is converted to heat. That is why the computer has an airflow for the energy converted to heat to find a way out through the ventilation.
You have to ensure the ventilation of the computer is not blocked where you place it. Please place it in a semi-open place to ensure the flow of air. In case your computer keeps overheating, get a thermal pad as it will help absorb the hot air, and prevent it from damaging the components in the computer.
Physical Damage
Have you ever unintentionally knocked an object on the carpet? Placing your computer tower risks you knocking it over. Look at it from this perspective; you are in a hurry to settle down in your office for an urgent task.
You stumble upon the tower tipping it over. Consequently, you risk harming both your feet and the computer tower. The cables connecting your tower to the monitor can get yanked as you walk around the office.
For this reason, most people prefer placing their computer towers on the desk. The downside to this practice is limiting your working space. However, to avoid this, it would be best to position your computer tower away from paths. Additionally, get a strategic location that doesn’t require to be frequently accessed for safety reasons.
Corrosion Damage
Dust slowly destroys your computer tower’s casing. As you clean different surfaces in your house or office, you will come across dust. This dust accumulates even in locations you never thought of.
The tower is no exemption from this concept. Dust particles from the environment will land on your machine. The computer’s fan traps dry skin and other floating material directing it to the sensitive parts of the desktop.
When this foreign material is left uncleaned over time, it starts to eat through the metal parts of your computer tower. If you want to avoid this damage, regularly clean your computer room.
The casing, too, should be cleaned often to avoid dirt accumulation. Nonetheless, the area near your tower should never be vacuumed when the computer is running. The electrical current produced by a vacuum cleaner has more potential to damage your machine than static electricity.
The Best Place to put your PC
Placing your desktop on the carpet is allowed. However, the carpet is not a recommended position due to the above-discussed risks. Some individuals prefer placing their desktops on the working desk.
Here, you will notice when your desktop attracts dust. Clean it before any damage is done. However, this surface increases the chances of knocking the tower over as you work.
Bigger computer towers placed on the desk reduce a person’s working space. If you want to enjoy a longer service time with your desktop, it would be best to install PC shelves.
These shelves will add a safe space for your tower where you can allocate room for the cables. Segment your shelf to fit all the computer accessories vital to your work.
A wise alternative to explore in positioning your computer tower is an end table. The design of most end tables accommodates a lower shelf that you can utilize. Place it on the end table and work on your main table.
The wire connection between the computer accessories gives you enough working space. The essential thing in placing your desktop is sufficient airflow.
For this reason, any slightly raised surface will serve you better than the carpet. This is because the raised surface makes you conscious of your computer tower’s presence for cleaning. Take note of the cords’ placement to avoid yanking them unconsciously.
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Conclusion on pc tower on carpet
Placing the computer tower on the carpet doesn’t have major issues. Even the possible issues are unlikely to happen. Regardless of the issues being minimal, to ensure your computer serves you longer, get a better place for it. The excess dust alone absorbed by the computer will affect its ultimate functionality.
