Clean & cool running computer
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NOTE: Print this out and read it completely before starting this project.
Dust and especially particles of cigarette smoke can build up and corrode circuitry causing various problems such as computer lockups.
Computer fans pull a lot of dust inside the chassis. If undisturbed, the dust can interfere with ventilation, eventually causing parts to fail.
1. Make sure you do this in a safe environment, and have everything at hand and you are confident taking your pc apart.
2. Get any supplies you might need: a can of compressed air is essential. I got a mini cleaning kit from maplins and it had a mini battery powered vacuum cleaner, cd+floppy disc cleaners, cleaning fluids, and an anti-static rag. Also get a dust mask if you're allergic to dust (i am, and didnt buy one and this half killed me lol)
3. Turn off the computer and let sit for 1 hour for the parts to cool down.
4. Leave the computer plugged into the surge suppressor (if you have one)
5. Disconnect all peripherals {printer, speakers, mouse, Keyboard, etc} from the computer (except power lead as in step 3).
6. Remove the computer cover (see your owner's manual for instructions).
7. Ground yourself to the computer with the anti-static wrist strap by putting the crocodile clip on the chassis.
8. Spray compressed air on the fan blades, from a distance of 8-12 inches, power supply chassis, drive chassis and circuit boards, generally anywhere that has dust, it will go everywhere!! but aim the can upwards!
9. Gently brush off dust that the forced air didn't dislodge and spray it again when its loose.
NOTE: A big makeup brush works extremely well for this, just make sure it's natural bristles to reduce static. Also, synthetic bristles tend to not give if they get caught on something.
10. Brush any remaining dust out from the bottom of the chassis.
11. Spray the computer cleaning fluid onto an anti-static rag.
12. Wipe the inside and outside of the cover thoroughly.
13. Replace the cover and reconnect the peripherals.
14. Power up pc and check everything is ok, then if you have them, run the cd and floppy cleaning disks.
NOTES: Whatever you do, do not use a household vacuum (its safe on the outside, i did it on my vents, but never inside as there could be a risk of an ESD (electro-static discharge) and this is death to computer components. I used the mini battery operated vacuum to clean the inside of the case and used the brush to dislodge stuff but i still dont recommend going over and circuit boards with it.
Purchase high flow foam filters for your fans. These will help prevent dust from entering into the computer or from clogging your fans. Be sure to clean the filters once per month to ensure an ample supply of air.
The compressed air is fantastic for cleaning under your keyboards keys as well, turn it upside down and spray air in between the keys and see how much stuff comes out!!
Here are some pics to help:
Clogged Vents:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f313/computerclean/ventsbefore.jpgDirt Inside:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f313/computerclean/insidebefore.jpgOther Dirt
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f313/computerclean/before.jpgAir Duster Spray
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f313/computerclean/airduster.jpgClean Inside:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f313/computerclean/cleaninside2.jpghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f313/computerclean/after.jpg
All back in place:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f313/computerclean/backinplace.jpgSort of makes you realise how much dust gets in there doesnt it?? And that cant be good for it! The fans on this computer are noisy as hell when running on high, and they come on a lot earlier than they used to these days, but after cleaning, wow, not come on once! Even i didnt expect such a massive difference. This will be especially useful for people overclocking there CPU's and/or graphics cards, you really need to keep them cool!!!
Note I take no responsibility if you arse it up, but come on, it's not difficult
