Cleaning the dust out of your computer

[darkdiablo]

So its been 8 month since I build my rig. There is plenty of dust in there. My GPU's idle temperature use to be only 32 degrees Celsius when I first assembled it. Its now at 43 degrees (I'm guessing its because of the dust collecting, trapping more heat).

Anyone know something to use to suck out the dust without risking to damage anything, especially from those hard to reach places? Also, is there anyway that the collected dust can damage the internal hardware overtime? Thanks in advance.

 

[maniac5999]

Other than by clogging heat sinks and letting parts overheat dust is unlikely to cause damage. Most people will reccomend canned air to clean out dust, as vacuums can generate static electricity, which is very bad for computer components.

 

[Zap]

is there anyway that the collected dust can damage the internal hardware overtime?

Yes, primarily due to components overheating.

Most people use compressed air of some sort. Some use vacuums or brushes. If really dusty, bring it outside for cleaning because you don't want the dust to be all over your house.

 

[darkdiablo]

Great idea, thanks. I'll give the canned/compressed air blower a try.

 

[Dark Shroud]

I prefer a blow dryer at this point because it's cheaper and doesn't leave chemical residue. If a PC is really bad I will vacum it out using a long hose keeping my unit away from the PC.

 

[Slugbait]

I prefer a blow dryer at this point because it's cheaper and doesn't leave chemical residue.

But it does propel static electricity at a high rate of speed. You could achieve the same results with a damp sponge: a dead machine.

It costs about $15 for a set of micro-attachments for your vacuum cleaner, they were designed for cleaning electronics like sewing machines, computers, etc.

 

[darkdiablo]

But it does propel static electricity at a high rate of speed. You could achieve the same results with a damp sponge: a dead machine.

It costs about $15 for a set of micro-attachments for your vacuum cleaner, they were designed for cleaning electronics like sewing machines, computers, etc.

Could you link me to one of these attachments?

 

[Slugbait]

Searching "vacuum micro-attachments" at google leads to dozens of stores. But you probably won't be able to find the least expensive one, so here ya go: http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Vacuum-A.../dp/B000BSJCLY

 

[darkdiablo]

Searching "vacuum micro-attachments" at google leads to dozens of stores. But you probably won't be able to find the least expensive one, so here ya go: http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Vacuum-A.../dp/B000BSJCLY

Thanks a lot.

Would a canned air blower cause static electricity too?

 

[Slugbait]

Would a canned air blower cause static electricity too?

No.

 

[Blain]

Some use leaf blowers.

 

[corkyg]

I use the static proof vacuum attachments. Blowing depends on where you do it. If you can do it outside, that is good. Inside, not so good. Blown stuff settles back down. Another good initial tool for big bunnies is a Swiffer dusting sheet or mitt. Dust just sticks to it.

Here are the vac tools I use - they are usually in stock at your local Oreck store.

 

[Modelworks]

Using air to clean indoors is a bad idea really, you are just blowing the dust around.
If you need to use air you can do it much cheaper than canned air.
Stop by the pet section of a store and pick up some aquarium airline tubing. You can get 6-10ft of it for about $3. It is 1/4 inch vinyl tubing. Then just blow through it and it will give you the same effect as canned air and the supply is limitless


Myself I disassemble the pc completely . Remove each part, video cards, remove the fans and clean it all with some of those cheap paint brushes. Air alone doesn't remove the surface dust, you need something to rub it off and a brush works well. Those little ones for kids paint by number work well.

 

[Modelworks]

Thanks a lot.

Would a canned air blower cause static electricity too?

To get static in air you need the air to be dry. Canned air is somewhat moist. The danger from static is really pretty low in an assembled pc. It is when the parts are separate the risk is the greatest. Really the best way is to leave the pc connected to a ground source when cleaning or working on it. One way to do that safely is leave the power cord attached and switch off the power supply on the supply, most have a toggle switch on the back.

Another way to keep the ground connection is plug the pc into a power strip and turn off the power strip. Strips do not disconnect ground when turned off. When I work with electronics on the workbench I use a grounded mat on the table.

 

[colonel]

I use a compressor 25 to 30 psi to blow the dust and at the same time I got a big 5 hp sucking the dust in the air....

 

[BoomerD]

I have an older Electrolux canister vacuum I use to blow the dust out of my PC's. Yes, I take them outside for the task.
No, I don't "suck" the dust out, I reverse the hose assembly and blow it out.
I get a dust cloud that would rival that of any major dust storm in the Middle East every time...
We live on the edge of farm country, and this is the dustiest place we've ever lived.
If you wash your car today, tomorrow it'll have a layer of dust/dirt all over it again.

 

[Blain]

When cleaning out a PC, I keep the fan blades from spinning due to air flow.
This avoids any possibility of the fans acting as generators and feeding power back into the MB circuits.

 

[fluffmonster]

canned air to lift the dust, a nearby vacuum to collect the lifted dust. really though, removable dust screens on case intakes bears most of the burden of my dust countermeasures.

by biggest problem is cleaning fan blades. any suggestions on the best way to clean those?

 

[corkyg]

... biggest problem is cleaning fan blades. any suggestions on the best way to clean those?

I use a moistened Q-tip swab - wipe each blade clean. Removing the fan is probably faster, then you can really wipe it down with a Swiffer tissue.

BTW - taping cut pieces of Swiffer to all intakes will greatly reduce dust entering the case.

 

[Slugbait]

BTW - taping cut pieces of Swiffer to all intakes will greatly reduce dust entering the case.

Used dryer sheets here.

 

[corkyg]

Used dryer sheets here.

Those work too - funny - I keep finding them in my clothes.

 

[WT]

I just got this for Xmas - no more cans of air !!!

http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW/ref=pd_sim_k_4

.75hp and it BLOWS !! Fun to scare the kids with as well !

 

[PCDust]

Canister of compressed air for cleaning the computer is good

I meant don't blow the dust out of your computer inside your home.
Computer dust filter

 

[Slugbait]

But do not forget to clean the computer from dust should be not at home. ))

Welcome to Anandtech, and thank you for your first post.

Now please translate what you said.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

Welcome to Anandtech, and thank you for your first post.

Now please translate what you said.

Bet their English is better than your Russian.

They meant don't blow the dust out of your computer inside your home.