Cleaning tips? (inside computer)

dokko · 17 Sep 2006 at 14:07

Well i had a little peep inside me computer the other day and although not too bad, it needs a clean sometime in the near future.

So i was wondering whats the best way to go about it?

I've heard NOT to use a hoover, god knows why, it seems the easy option, so what should i use?

Also is it worth popping into the PSU to give that a clean or should i leave it alone?

Ta.

iBot · 17 Sep 2006 at 14:17

Soapy water.

Seriously, why bother cleaning it?

Dust isnt going to effect it at all, so just leave it.

dokko · 17 Sep 2006 at 14:24

iBot said:
Soapy water.

Seriously, why bother cleaning it?

Dust isnt going to effect it at all, so just leave it.

I thought people cleaned their computers regularly.

Hmm..

Still want to, might get one of those gas spray things, any idea what there called?

killer_uk · 17 Sep 2006 at 14:24

Compressed air. I think you can buy cans of the stuff (if you really want to) but I just use an air compressor.

Do not open the PSU though.

dokko · 17 Sep 2006 at 14:27

killer_uk said:
Compressed air. I think you can buy cans of the stuff (if you really want to) but I just use an air compressor.

Do not open the PSU though.

Right cheers.

sunlitsix · 17 Sep 2006 at 14:33

compressed air?

good 'ol lung power 4tw

but yeah, i would use compressed air if i could be bothered to buy some

shimy182 · 17 Sep 2006 at 15:30

noobs.. dont blow dust away !

straw + mouth^(suck)= clean

or i think someone should invent vacuum cans

payingattention · 17 Sep 2006 at 15:34

iBot said:
Dust isnt going to effect it at all, so just leave it.

Ehh, not true, my CPU dropped about 5 degrees C when I cleaned 6 months' worth of dust out of the heatsink & fan... nearly half the fins in the heatsink were blocked :/

Compressed air cans work a treat, much more effective than blowing, but they do cost money...

topgun06 · 17 Sep 2006 at 16:28

My PC is due a clean. It’s caked up, filters are full, CPU heat sink is solid dust. And I’ve got to get all the pieces of daddy long legs off the fans.

I went the DIY shop, asked for some compressed air and they don’t sell it. :confused:

iBot · 17 Sep 2006 at 16:34

payingattention said:
Ehh, not true, my CPU dropped about 5 degrees C when I cleaned 6 months' worth of dust out of the heatsink & fan... nearly half the fins in the heatsink were blocked :/

Compressed air cans work a treat, much more effective than blowing, but they do cost money...

Smoker?

payingattention · 17 Sep 2006 at 16:35

I saw some in a certain overpriced PC store, but it was ridiculously expensive for a can of air. I'd buy some from OcUK if they stocked it, I'm sure they could manage a better price.

iBot said:
Smoker?

No way

FunkyCowie · 17 Sep 2006 at 17:23

I get cans of compressed air from a local stationary store... seems like office staff use it for something? Don`t use a strong compressor though I once lost an important, not very well soldered, piece off a board.

I have immersed a few thoroughly filthy boards in distilled water and given it a wash then layed it in an oven on low heat (leave the oven to heat up switch off power then use a temperature gauge to get about 50-60 degrees C then leave it in there for about an hour, repeat if necessary) to dry it out and they have been much better for it.

basmic · 17 Sep 2006 at 17:41

Every 6-8 months, I'll take my computer to bits. All I use is a soft paintbrush, and a vacuum hose near where I'm flicking the dust to.

If I'm cleaning the heatsinks, then I'll clean the CPU with Akasa TIM (Thermal Interface Material) Cleaner and meths (in that order).

Maybe some washing up liquid to wipe away the tea stains, when the odd cup of tea has "lost it's balance". :eek:

dokko · 17 Sep 2006 at 17:51

basmic said:
Every 6-8 months, I'll take my computer to bits. All I use is a soft paintbrush, and a vacuum hose near where I'm flicking the dust to.

If I'm cleaning the heatsinks, then I'll clean the CPU with Akasa TIM (Thermal Interface Material) Cleaner and meths (in that order).

Maybe some washing up liquid to wipe away the tea stains, when the odd cup of tea has "lost it's balance".

Like the 1st idea, think i'll do that, cheers.

Chronictank · 17 Sep 2006 at 17:57

why cant you use a vacuum cleaner? :S
provided you use a plastic nozzel (sp?) i dont see the problem

FunkyCowie · 17 Sep 2006 at 18:01

I read its due to static build up in the air... Hasn`t caused problem for me though cos although I use compressed air I also have the vacumm on nearby to suck up the chunks like the guy with the brush.

squiffy · 17 Sep 2006 at 18:06

killer_uk said:
Do not open the PSU though.

Unless you're a idiot, opening a PSU is fine. Obviously with it disconnected and left day to lose charge. Don't touch the parts, but blowing with breath to dislodge dust lumps. Should've seen the amount of dust inside that old thing! :eek:

killer_uk · 17 Sep 2006 at 18:08

It was just a warning, I wouldn't recommend anyone open their PSU as it voids the warranty as well. Best thing for the PSU would be compressed air.

Duke · 17 Sep 2006 at 18:13

Take it outside and let rip with compressed air.

roid · 17 Sep 2006 at 18:38

Can't see any harm in plastic vaccum cleaner nozzle.