Tips for dusting out a PC [closed]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
How do I clean a computer from dust?

My PC is about a year and a half old, and despite the fact that I use a case with filters in front of the intake fans, it's getting dusty.

Generally when I want to dust my PC out I use compressed air and just blow the dust out, but it doesn't seem to always do a great job, and a lot of the time, the dust just flies all over and ends up settling in nooks and crannies inside the case. Getting the video card dusted out seems especially difficult since the dust seems to just blow around within the casing.

My fans have been running louder recently (especially on GPU) and I'm sure dust is the issue.

I've heard people suggest using a vacuum hose near the case but frankly I always feel a bit nervous about that.

Does anyone have any pointers for how to dust without just spreading the dust from one place to another?

Answer 1

I just cleaned out my parent's computer a week ago. In addition to doing this outside (as suggested by others) I'd suggest removing some of the parts out of the case to clean them. This is especially helpful if some components are really caked with dust and you find the dust is just moving from one part of the case to another when you're using the compressed air.

Answer 2

I have an air compressor in my garage for this purpose. :)

Answer 3

I use an industrial air compressor ... Make sure that when you blow near the fans to stop them spinning. I have not experienced this first hand, but apparently spinning them too fast can damage them.

Answer 4

Make sure to clean out your primary fans. Too much accumulated dust will surely make them fail. Depending on your situation you may have to remove some of the clumps of dust by hand if air is not doing the trick.

Answer 5

You concerns about a vacuum are ok. They can generate static pretty bad sometime when in operation, so that is ok to avoid using inside your computer.

Instead, I suggest disconnecting everything and going outside with your computer and using compressed air or an air compressor to give a full cleaning. Nippysaurus is correct in the concern with the fans being spun too fast. You can burn out the bearings. Just hold a finger on them and prevent them from spinning before you apply any compressed air and you will be ok.

Being outside, you don't blow dust everywhere in your house and you can clean it thoroughly. Make sure to give that power supply a good cleaning too. It is amazing how much can build up in there.

Answer 6

For those super-users who don't have a dedicated air compressor, a compressed air can does just fine too. I second the recommendation of taking the PC apart (at least the drives and the expansion cards) to clean the dust from nooks and crannies.