Dust Inside Computer

Jim350 · Jan 23, 2011

I took my computer apart to clean the dust from the inlets, outlets, processor heat sink and fans. Should have done it months ago.
You would not believe how much dust was in side it.
Everything was plugged.
Fans were doing nothing.
Just one of those things that should be done on a regular schedule but never get's done.

Chas · Jan 23, 2011

Definitely agree that cleaning is a regular chore.
You wouldn't leave your tractor radiator bunged up without cleaning it out, don't do it to your computer!
Lot of guys are a bit nervous about lifting the hood on the computer, but it ain't so scary once you have done it and there ain't much in there that will bite, providing you think a bit first.
Important areas are the fans. Use a vacuum cleaner and a small paint brush GENTLY to lift the dust. A childs paint brush is good for the fan blades and the narrow bits. A good tip is to ground yourself to a radiator or pipe before touching anything inside. Heat is the bad guy, if your computer cooling is full of dust, overheating will cause failures.
Just think of it like a lady, a gentle caress wins the response, a heavy hand causes problems!
There are those who put the computer under the desk on the floor - this is not a good idea - keep it on the desk and out of the dust.
chas

greenbeanman in Kansas · Jan 23, 2011

My PC tower sets on a hardwood floor and seems to draw in all sorts of crud. I think carpet would tend to trap the material whereas my feet kick up dust whatever every time I walk by.

The first time I opened one up was a definite shocker. I now clean mine on a regular basis. I also use spacing block so that I don't accidently slide it up against the wall which would limit the air flow.

The first time I took the side off of my newest computer I was in for a surprise. While most have the left side removable, this one has the right side removable.

Jim350 · Jan 23, 2011

Another thing to look for is a heat sink over the processor.
You might have to remove the fan to see it.
The fins in the heat sink can be plugged with dust also.

The power supply is usually in a metal box that should also be opened and cleaned.

Old Roy · Jan 23, 2011

My guru recommended me to do mine every few months.
he said the cooler it runs the faster it will stay.
also recommended to use canned air, because it has all the moisture taken out of it

Dust Inside Computer

Jim350

Member

Chas

Member

greenbeanman in Kansas

Well-known Member

Jim350

Member

Old Roy

Well-known Member

Similar threads