[mike]

Cleaning the inside of your computer isn’t that difficult at all. It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to clean your PC.

What you will need:

• 10 minutes spare
• A can of compressed air
• And/Or a new None Nylon Paintbrush
• A wide open space
• Anti Static Wristband (Or, a nearby Radiator)

Caution: If using a paintbrush please ensure it is none Nylon. Ignoring this could cause static electricity and seriously damage your computer. If unsure, use compressed air.

Before you follow any of the instructions please either wear your Anti Static Wristband or touch a "Grounded" object whilst touching your PC. E.g. The copper pipe on the bottom of the radiator, the fridge, etc. This ensures any static build up on the PC initially is grounded.


Method:

1. Shutdown your PC as normal and remove the power and any other cables connected to the machine.

2. Remove the side cover of the computer case so your Motherboard and other Hardware components are showing. This is usually held on by two screws, however some computers have clips you push down. If your not sure, refer to your Manufactures website or the Computers Manual.

3. Relocate to an open space. Preferably an area where excess dust from the PC will not be a problem, you can always wipe this up later.

4. Compressed Air: Take your can of compressed air and blast at everything inside your computer. Pay special attention to the following areas;

Caution: Please follow the safety instructions on the compressed air can.

• The heatsink and fan on top of your processor
• Case Cooling Fans
• Power Supply Unit
• Add on cards (Eg, Graphics cards, Audio Card, TV Cards, etc)
• Hard Drives and Removable Drives
• Empty PCI/PCI-E/AGP/Memory slots

None Nylon Paintbrush: Gently brush away the dust from the above areas and if necessary use compressed air (Or take a deep breath) to remove the dust from the case.

5. Check that there are not any cables that are touching or lying next to the CPU Fan or Cooling Fans and once happy, replace the side cover and plug your cables back in.

[allheart55]

I have recently taken to using my husband's electric air compressor. You can adjust the air flow to as low as you like. I not only find it does a much better job with the clean up, I don't have to spend $6.00 US for a can of compressed air.

[Tootech]

Great idea, just be a little careful all you compressor owners.....

It's pretty much along the lines of using vacuum cleaners to remove the dust, most people do ok with no adverse effects. Once in a while a PC won't restart.

Using vacuum cleaners = risk of static charge damage.

Using compressors = risk of water/oil contamination.

Like I said, most people don't have a problem, just be aware of the risks.

[allheart55]

Tootech, I should clarify my use of my husband's electric air compressor.

It isn't an air compressor gun and it is not the type that uses or contains water or oil sealed or otherwise.

That being said, I am in total agreement with your post.

I don't use a vacuum cleaner and never would. I have heard of some sillies that have done so.

I don't use a static strap and never have. I do make sure I drain the flea power before I touch anything. I have been zapped a few times.....

I do recommend the use of a static strap for the average user.

[Dalo Harkin]

I have been building PC's for many years and never had one not work due to static - if you are concerned about it then leave the PSU cable into the mains so its grounded - or touch the copper pipe at the bottom of a radiator

[Tootech]

Hi allheart,

I had an image in my mind of a dirty great oily compressor, and when the gun trigger is pulled, off goes the PC into orbit

I take your point, small electric compressors probably do a fine job.

In the world of electronic components static and dirt are the enemy. Static does affect components - electronic test benches are wrist band compatible, as are assembly lines, for good reason.

Once, a good few years ago I zapped a memory module because I hadn't grounded myself. There were two, Kingston modules and one worked and one didn't when I had finished. I remember that noise, you know when static jumps, so after that I play safe, especially with expensive kit.

I know most people don't bother with wrist straps/grounding etc and never seems to get caught out.....job's a good un I guess

[Dalo Harkin]

We all know how static is generated and there are ways to avoid it

[Jack Hackett]

not wearing cheap nylon clothes helps reduce any static build up upon your person

[Plastic Nev]

Back to vacuum cleaners and compressors, the chance of a static charge from either are well known. However there is also the rare chance of a vacuum sucking a component off the board. With all air compressors water can build up due to condensation in the pipeline and or receiver, this happens because compressing air heats it, once in the receiver or pipeline it cools and condensation forms. Plus also a large industrial compressor is likely to compress the air to around 100PSI, so without some form of pressure regulator/reducer, the blast could blow components off the board. I stick to a soft, dry, long bristled brush, and perhaps a blow from a hair drier on cold air.

[Tootech]

Totally agree Nev, also like to add that most, compressor pumps require lubrication - in the form of oil. As the air is compressed it becomes contaminated with the lubricating oil.

There is always an oil content in compressed air from a standard compressor, unless an inline filter is used to remove it.

Originally Posted by Jack Hackett

not wearing cheap nylon clothes helps reduce any static build up upon your person

Are you casting aspersions on Allheart, Jack

[allheart55]

Bob, No worries, I know Simon. I don't take anything personally, life is too short.

Back on topic.....

If I was concerned about being zapped I would wear a static strap. I have found draining the flea power and grounding myself, works well enough.

As for the air compressor, much safer as far as I am concerned.

How many people shake their can of compressed air. None, I hope.....

Flea powder?

OMG

Jk love

[Match]

I find that using a soft log bristled wooden handled paint brush taped to the end of the vacuum pipe most effective, as just using the brush seemed to just move the dust around and just using the vacuum meant getting to close to components, where as using this method the vacuum sucks up the dust and the brush moves it off the components while the wooden handle isolates the brush from the vacuum. the reason I tape the brush to the pipe is that I leave the PSU plugged in but turned off so as when I'm holding the case I'm grounded, and after cleaning I check that all the cards and CPU are seated correctly.

Unplug the supply to the PSU at all times.

[Dalo Harkin]

Originally Posted by Match

I find that using a soft log bristled wooden handled paint brush taped to the end of the vacuum pipe most effective, as just using the brush seemed to just move the dust around and just using the vacuum meant getting to close to components, where as using this method the vacuum sucks up the dust and the brush moves it off the components while the wooden handle isolates the brush from the vacuum. the reason I tape the brush to the pipe is that I leave the PSU plugged in but turned off so as when I'm holding the case I'm grounded, and after cleaning I check that all the cards and CPU are seated correctly.

I wouldnt recommend this as a vacuum produces static

[Dalo Harkin]

Originally Posted by Wolfeymole

Unplug the supply to the PSU at all times.

LOL - why is that then Wolfey if its turned off?

the reason I tape the brush to the pipe is that I leave the PSU plugged in

Your still getting a supply to that point duh.

[Dalo Harkin]

Originally Posted by Wolfeymole

Your still getting a supply to that point duh.

Hmm - does that mean that when I turn my whole electric supply off at my house - to fit some lights or a cooker - I need to call the national grid