How often should I clean fans and heatsink?

wyvern_cs · 13 Dec 2020 at 15:59

I'm concerned about potential dust build up. Should I clean them whenever they look dusty or at regular intervals, e.g. every month

Mr Evil · 13 Dec 2020 at 16:09

Depends. I just cleaned my case fans for the first time since they were installed 5.5 years ago, and they only had a light covering of dust (I clean off the filters in front of them every couple of months though). Previous systems I owned with high-speed fans needed cleaning much more often. I clean stuff when it looks dusty, or it starts making funny noises, or gets hotter than it should, or if I happen to be taking it apart anyway.

wyvern_cs · 13 Dec 2020 at 16:35

Mr Evil said:
Depends. I just cleaned my case fans for the first time since they were installed 5.5 years ago, and they only had a light covering of dust (I clean off the filters in front of them every couple of months though). Previous systems I owned with high-speed fans needed cleaning much more often. I clean stuff when it looks dusty, or it starts making funny noises, or gets hotter than it should, or if I happen to be taking it apart anyway.

Alright, thanks for the reply. Everything seems okay atm and I plan on taking apart everything when I get a new case soon so I'll clean them then.

Dg834man · 14 Dec 2020 at 02:18

You would be surprised how minging and choked with dust they can get before it seriously impacts cooling

Minusorange · 14 Dec 2020 at 04:38

Get one of these

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x IT Dusters CompuCleaner Xpert - Electric Air Duster= £61.99

Total: £70.69 (includes shipping: £8.70)

And give your rig a good blow once a month (just be sure to secure your fans from spinning first)

Blackjack Davy · 14 Dec 2020 at 12:55

Dg834man said:
You would be surprised how minging and choked with dust they can get before it seriously impacts cooling

I agree with this it doesn't impact cooling unless its seriously choked its mainly cosmetic and peace of mind knowing you've got that minging thing sitting on your desk. And it gets everywhere recently had to dismantle my case assembly right down to removing the plastic shroud that surrounds the metal chassis and the amount of crud that collects not just dust but cobwebs and the odd dead spider - its disgusting.

ttaskmaster · 14 Dec 2020 at 13:27

Every month I crack open my case and blow the dust out of all the fans, rads, mesh filters and anywhere else I find it.
Works well enough for me.

pc-guy · 15 Dec 2020 at 10:48

Get a can of compressed air and go nuts on the inside

. Way Cheaper than the blower

I remember I walked into maplin years ago asking for compressed air, the staff was like “do we do compressed air, what is it for?”

doyll · 15 Dec 2020 at 16:02

wyvern_cs said:
I'm concerned about potential dust build up. Should I clean them whenever they look dusty or at regular intervals, e.g. every month

Depends on how much dust, hair, dander, from kids, dogs, cats, birds etc. I use filters on all case intake fans and don't use any case exhaust fans, just let air flow out unobstructed vents. I hoover filters first house hover of each month. 2 of our systems are about 2 years old now and are still nice and clean inside. Newest one is only few months old so not enough use yet. 2 systems are 24/7 units.