clean PC

[unknownerror404]

what are the best way to clean my computer without damaging motherboard or anything?

 

EDIT- I never clean pc before this is 1st time i am doing so tell me what i need i heard about compressed air can 

 

[smeek14]

You could use canned air, it's for sale at Target. Just make sure you don't turn it upside down. Also be sure to change the thermal paste on your CPU and GPU.

[Void Master]

4 minutes ago, unknownerror404 said:

what are the best way to clean my computer without damaging motherboard or anything?

 

EDIT- I never clean pc before this is 1st time i am doing so tell me what i need i heard about compressed air can 

 

yup compressed air or those air blowing dusters from amazon .....

u can use a compressor but set it to the lowest psi 

[jaslion]

1 minute ago, Void Master said:

yup compressed air or those air blowing dusters from amazon .....

u can use a compressor but set it to the lowest psi 

Compressor is my favorite. Just make sure to first leave some air out without blowing into the pc to make sure you don't get a little bit of moisture that sometimes builds up inside the tank. Setting them between 2-3 bar is a good pressure without risk.

[NineEyeRon]

Electric duster, just used mine today. Every few months I blow out the case, keyboard and desk area.

 

Paid for itself as I use it around the house where a vacuum wouldn’t do.

[Letgomyleghoe]

Compressed air, small pipe cleaners for heat sink fins, whatever works.

[Roswell]

1 hour ago, smeek14 said:

You could use canned air, it's for sale at Target. Just make sure you don't turn it upside down. Also be sure to change the thermal paste on your CPU and GPU.

Definitely don't need to reapply paste every time you clean your computer.

[AdvilLobotomite]

43 minutes ago, Vitamanic said:

Definitely don't need to reapply paste every time you clean your computer.

I second this. That was a weird suggestion.

[The_russian]

44 minutes ago, Vitamanic said:

Definitely don't need to reapply paste every time you clean your computer.

Unless you only clean your computer once every 3-4 years, then you probably do. You should obviously clean it more often, but judging by the looks of some people's computers online...

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

1 minute ago, The_russian said:

Unless you only clean your computer once every 3-4 years, then you probably do. You should obviously clean it more often, but judging by the looks of some people's computers online...

Shushh I haven't replaced that stuff since I built this thing like... 8 years ago? 

 

To add on soft bristle paint brushes also work well for removing dust from boards. Of course... make sure they're not covered in paint... 

[CommanderAlex]

A dry vac with the hose on the return line has a lot of pressure. I switched from using an air compressor to the dry vacuum as it is more convenient. 

[AdvilLobotomite]

19 minutes ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Shushh I haven't replaced that stuff since I built this thing like... 8 years ago? 

 

To add on soft bristle paint brushes also work well for removing dust from boards. Of course... make sure they're not covered in paint... 

Ok then definitely replace your thermal paste. I was under the impression you had a new PC and everyone cleaned their PC as often as I do, twice a year...

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

2 minutes ago, AdvilLobotomite said:

Ok then definitely replace your thermal paste. I was under the impression you had a new PC and everyone cleaned their PC as often as I do, twice a year...

Oh I'm not the OP hahaha. Was just a side comment. 

[AdvilLobotomite]

1 minute ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Oh I'm not the OP hahaha. Was just a side comment. 

Oh, right. Still, you should replace your thermal paste.

[Letgomyleghoe]

5 minutes ago, AdvilLobotomite said:

Oh, right. Still, you should replace your thermal paste.

I’m sure he knows

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

2 hours ago, scuff gang said:

I’m sure he knows

I'm usually just too lazy to do it hahahaa. Plus I didn't have any quality thermal paste around when I did my D-check on my rig a few weeks ago. Getting more is too much of a hassle under these stay at home restrictions. 

[smeek14]

22 hours ago, Vitamanic said:

Definitely don't need to reapply paste every time you clean your computer.

If he hasn't in a long time it isn't a bad idea.

[AdvilLobotomite]

19 hours ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

I'm usually just too lazy to do it hahahaa. Plus I didn't have any quality thermal paste around when I did my D-check on my rig a few weeks ago. Getting more is too much of a hassle under these stay at home restrictions. 

Use mayonnaise.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

7 hours ago, AdvilLobotomite said:

Use mayonnaise.

Does it matter if it's expired or not?

[keelanforrests]

• Turn off your PC and unplug the power cable from the rear. If you want to be extra safe, unplug everything.
• Move your computer to somewhere well ventilated if possible, or at least open a window or door to let fresh air into the room.
• Remove the side panels and (if possible) the front panel of your case.
• Use a lint-free cloth or can of compressed air to clean the dust from any dust filters, as well as any obvious collections in the base of the case. 
• Use a can of compressed air—we don't recommend trying to blow forcefully yourself—to clean the dust from any heatsinks like your CPU or graphics card cooler.

 

iosemus emus4u Happy Chick

[Dominusmar]

Not the best way but I used a leaf blower and some wipes. I wouldn't recommend if you don't know what you're doing.

[NineEyeRon]

Electric air dusters should be mandatory, why anyone would use canned air over them baffles me.

 

Canned air is only really needed if you need to carry air around a big office building etc for cleaning laptops.
 

My air duster cleans quite a few electrical items around the house where dust etc accumulates in hard to reach areas.