What common issue can arise from uncleaned air vents in HP desktops?

Uncleaned air vents in HP desktops can lead to overheating and reduced performance because dust and debris can accumulate, obstructing airflow. Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures. When air cannot flow freely through the vents, components may overheat, leading to thermal throttling, where the CPU and GPU slow down to prevent damage. This results in reduced performance during demanding tasks. Furthermore, prolonged overheating can decrease the lifespan of critical components, leading to hardware failure. Thus, regular cleaning of air vents is critical for maintaining both performance and longevity of the device.