How Do You Clean Your PC?
Tuesday November 11, 2008
Do you use a can of compressed air or do you use an air compressor? I was "raised" to believe that blowing the dust out of the inside of a computer with a garage-level air compressor is a sure fire way to ruin a motherboard.
Or is blowing the dirt and dust out of a computer even necessary? Thoughts anyone?
Vacuuming instead of blowing seems logical but at least in my experience, I don't feel like I ever get a PC very clean that way.
Or is blowing the dirt and dust out of a computer even necessary? Thoughts anyone?
Vacuuming instead of blowing seems logical but at least in my experience, I don't feel like I ever get a PC very clean that way.
I normally use a can of compressed air, but I’ve also resorted to using a hair dryer set to cool, but the compressed air works better, using a high powered air machine doesn’t sound like a good idea to me either.
I have used all of the above for cleaning any computer out.the problem is when you have problems with your computer not working right after cleaning it because of static discharge.
even a small amount of discharge can do damage to your computer.ESD proof compressed air and a ESD wrist strap is the way to go if you don’t want to make any problems for yourself.
-Dave
I’v been vacuuming my hand-built and OEM-built computers for 10 years without any problems. I concentrate on the heat sinks, removing fans from them etc. I work in the electronics field, so I appreciate ESD precautions. A soft brush, either on the vacuum hose or a large round, soft artist’s paint brush helps, along with bonding (grounding, if you will) yourself to the computer case. While I don’t OC, I do clean at least every 4-6 months and I have not had a heat-related failure yet. I do use quality components, and that helps, too. I think the object is to not spend a lot of time getting everything perfectly clean, concentrate on the thermal components and try not to disturb the rest.
I’ve used my air compressor for the last nine years. I had only one possible problem as a result. I may have damaged a 3 1/2 FD by blowing directly in the opening of it. It didnt work when I started the system up but I’m not so sure it worked to begin with. I would advise anyone using an air compressor to use caution not to spin any fans with it and only use enough pressure (maybe 20 psig)to do a satisfactory job.
I use compressed air.
I have been using my air compressor for 10 years with no trouble. Is the only way to clean fast and thoroughly the heat sink of processor and the power supply. Air from compressor always concentrates moisture, so is not possible to generate static. Donīt know what may happen with dry compressed air from a can.