Dust in system

tomanders91 · 4 Mar 2007 at 14:21

Can a lot of dust in a case effect performance in anyway?

What should you use to clean it? One of them little things that spray air? or can you just use a cloth?

thanks.

Lagz · 4 Mar 2007 at 14:23

Just use a vacuum cleaner if you want to remove dust

clocka · 4 Mar 2007 at 14:32

i use a dyson with fluffy end, this way you can brush off the dust and suck it up and the nozzle doesnt get too long that it sucks off a capacitor

.

or for just cleaning the case i use a straw selotapes to the end of the nozzle so there is a hell of a lot of suction coming out of the straw.

michael baxter · 4 Mar 2007 at 14:39

I recommend a complete strip down, using a soft brush to sweep out the crap (like a make-up blusher brush for example). The PSU is best blown out with an air line, like those at garages. IMHO, the PSU the most important component to keep clean. If it was to fail due to overheating, then it could easily fry other parts. I would also recommend reseating the CPU.

Michael

masslac · 4 Mar 2007 at 15:15

Jesus Christ.

Do NOT use a vaccuum cleaner. You can buy cans of compressed air from about £3 each.

Dismantling the machine totally would also be my advice.

Lagz · 4 Mar 2007 at 15:37

masslac said:
Jesus Christ.

Do NOT use a vaccuum cleaner. You can buy cans of compressed air from about £3 each.

Dismantling the machine totally would also be my advice.

Why not?

Why would you want to totally dismantle a machine just to remove some dust :confused:

. Surely the process of dismantling a system and rebuilding it is more likely to cause a hardware failure than not doing anything to it at all!

In answer to the op other question: dust will not affect performance I dont think, although it may possibly slightly increase the chance of hardware failure. The risk isn't that large though - nearly all average home users and most businesses never bother to clean out their PCs.

masslac · 4 Mar 2007 at 15:42

Lagz said:
Why not?

Static electricity, to name but one problem.

Lagz said:
Why would you want to totally dismantle a machine just to remove some dust . Surely the process of dismantling a system and rebuilding it is more likely to cause a hardware failure than not doing anything to it at all!

Not if you are thorough and actually have a clue about what you are doing.

allllec · 4 Mar 2007 at 15:45

Lagz said:
Just use a vacuum cleaner if you want to remove dust

no no no no noooooooo. dont do this. Can build up the ever so dangerous static... best of just brushing lightly with a brush or using canned air.

clocka · 4 Mar 2007 at 15:46

i think he was referring to static discharge, thats the only reason why not too. if if the computer is unplugged then you will prob be alright tho. cleaning case is fine, but if you want to clean dust off cpu cooler etc then remove it, then hoover it out and then put it back on.

t31os · 4 Mar 2007 at 16:29

Dust acts as a cushion for heat, the more it builds up, the hotter things will get, the hotter they get, the more chance they have of failing and the less lifespan you will have from your hardware.

So yes, dust can easily effect performance.

Canned air and a soft tipped brush are my preferred way to clean the PC.

quantumisation · 4 Mar 2007 at 18:19

compressed air is what i use. It seems to give some sort of liquid though so not sure if you should use it on electrical components tbh. If static electricity is your concern then dismanlting the computer isnt going to avoid it, its going to increase the chances of breaking something each time you touch it. Unless you have an antistatic mat and strap ofcourse

masslac · 4 Mar 2007 at 19:08

just earth yourself by touching the rear of the psu before you start

the minute amounts of liquid you saw are simply moisture from the air, and are nothing to worry about

Chevens · 4 Mar 2007 at 19:08

for the love of god dont use a vacuum cleaner on your PC, use compressed air, its easy to get hold off.

Also dust not only builds up heat, it can sometimes start to conduct electricity and could potentially short things, the datacentre i used to work in was very carefull to ensure a dust free environment

Tony Williams · 4 Mar 2007 at 19:14

I don't recommend using a household hover due to static my friends motherboard wouldn't work after this.

If you want to clear the dust completely, buy compressed air and if you want to use the air on the computer while it's on don't spray too close to the motherboard keep a short distence, normally says that on the tin.

If you don't want to pay for air simply cover your eyes and blow.

Dust gets clogged in fans and fins and blocks the airway. Recommended you clear the dust every 6 - 12 months.

clocka · 4 Mar 2007 at 20:15

Tony Williams said:
If you don't want to pay for air simply cover your eyes and blow.

CLASSIC

!

geff_r · 4 Mar 2007 at 22:01

I've used a hoover for about 10 years no problem.
How does plastic discharge static?

squiffy · 4 Mar 2007 at 22:02

What about using hairdryer in "cool" mode, with the thinnest nozzle attachment.

Vicar · 4 Mar 2007 at 22:07

clocka said:
CLASSIC!

Classic and works, although avoid backdraft have a handy glass of water nearby to spit out the residue in your mouth, a small price to pay for the taste of other people dead skin in yer mouth

Seriously....

Tony Williams · 4 Mar 2007 at 22:10

squiffy said:
What about using hairdryer in "cool" mode, with the thinnest nozzle attachment.

Should be fine, only time I used a hairdryer was due to a spill to help dry it out, worked fine.

Roachman · 4 Mar 2007 at 23:31

I can see the point when people say "don't use a vacuum cleaner because of static" but I have to say I have used a vacuum cleaner and had no problems whatsoever. Take your time and be gentle (obviously) (earth yourself if you are unsure).

I could argue that compressed air will just blow the dust everywhere (and there may be a LOT more than you think), at least a vacuum cleaner will collect it.

Just my 2p