Heatsink Dusty. Best way to clean?

evo4ever32 · 8 Feb 2009 at 21:12

Hello all.

My Tuniq Tower 120 is getting rather dusty and im concerned its hindering cooling and airflow performance. Ive noticed from the day of purchase to present day my average temp has gone up by about 1.5C! This is definitely caused by the dust build up. The worst affected is the heatsink just by looking at it you'd think the sink fins were completed blocked up by dust!!

Whats the most effective way to clean out dust from a heatsink? I'd rather not buy anything but use something out of the home. Thanks

Alexdaredevilz · 8 Feb 2009 at 21:14

air compressor, or hoover, thats how i deal with it

arknor · 8 Feb 2009 at 21:16

i use a cotton bud to clear out any major dust buildup inbetween the fins

evo4ever32 · 8 Feb 2009 at 21:18

Thanks. Ill try them both! Cheers.

Audigex · 8 Feb 2009 at 21:46

If you don't mind taking it off and re-seating... detatch any fans and give it a rinse under the tap, then hairdryer it dry and put it back in.

More effective than compressed air, it'll be as good as new.

Just remember not to leave your E6600 attached ;-)

PwnDirect · 8 Feb 2009 at 22:09

Audigex said:
give it a rinse under the tap, then hairdryer it dry and put it back in.

+1

Sam__ · 8 Feb 2009 at 23:18

Audigex said:
detatch any fans and give it a rinse under the tap, then hairdryer it dry and put it back in.

+2

Bradley8988 · 8 Feb 2009 at 23:21

I just pealed it off in one nice layer.

Sam__ · 8 Feb 2009 at 23:33

Bradley8988 said:
I just pealed it off in one nice layer.

ooo, that is a nice thick layer lol.

TheMorningStar · 9 Feb 2009 at 01:04

soft paintbrush, artist type, large size. get some dust filters for your intake fans

thepeganator · 9 Feb 2009 at 01:14

Compressed air

Audigex · 9 Feb 2009 at 01:54

You definately need some dust filters!

If not on the case, retro-fit one to the front of that fan.

Adam123 · 9 Feb 2009 at 08:59

Hair Dryer on full speed with the little cool air button pressed in, if you have one of those adaptors for the hair dryer that focus wher ethe air is going, even better, i did mine a few times, on the lsat time i wish i wore a maskk, the room was filled with dust lol. mind u, it wasnt quite as bad as your pic

True_Scotsman · 9 Feb 2009 at 09:01

TheMorningStar said:
soft paintbrush, artist type, large size. get some dust filters for your intake fans

This is what i do, works great.

4T5 · 9 Feb 2009 at 09:04

TheMorningStar said:
soft paintbrush, artist type, large size. get some dust filters for your intake fans

Me three

I have 2 special paint brushes I use for all my PC cleaning duties.

dlknight · 9 Feb 2009 at 12:44

Audigex said:
If you don't mind taking it off and re-seating... detatch any fans and give it a rinse under the tap, then hairdryer it dry and put it back in.

+3 would also be worth getting some new thermal paste, maybe Arctic Silver 5? and applying as per the instructions on their website (http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm).

WhiteKnight

MoRT489 · 9 Feb 2009 at 12:46

Can of compressed air F.T.W. either outside or with the hoover running next to it!

Why is "f t w" (without the spaces) blocked on this forum?!

Brizzles · 9 Feb 2009 at 13:27

Alexdaredevilz said:
air compressor, or hoover, thats how i deal with it

Wouldn't put a hoover anywhere near my mobo.

Something that is plastic and spends its life rubbing against carpet is a static magnet.

Phunky Phish · 9 Feb 2009 at 14:19

If you detach it hoover then either tap or, for speed, a blast of Isopropyl (aerosol alcahol).

lukeharvest · 9 Feb 2009 at 18:01

Audigex said:
If you don't mind taking it off and re-seating... detatch any fans and give it a rinse under the tap, then hairdryer it dry and put it back in.

Probably one of the easiest and best methods