Compressed Air Pistol for cleaning PC ?

[Mikey89]

So just wondering, can i use this compressed air pistol to clean the inside of my case like every 6-12 months ?

 

https://www.dedeman.ro/ro/pistol-pneumatic-de-suflat-cu-duza-lunga-airmaster-air-51/p/1005706

 

Since i got 3 front intake fans i noticed that dust will accumulate on the GPU fan pallets over time so want to know if the pistol in link will do the job.

[trag1c]

I use my air compressor with my various assortment of air guns all the time to clean my pc. Just make sure you're not spinning the fans because those guns will make them go stupidly fast, especially if you're like me where your airlines are regulated to 150 PSI.

[MathewBijuBuz]

They should work fine. Just make sure you hold you fan in a steady position while cleaning.

[Mikey89]

6 minutes ago, trag1c said:

I use my air compressor with my various assortment of air guns all the time to clean my pc. Just make sure you're not spinning the fans because those guns will make them go stupidly fast, especially if you're like me where your airlines are regulated to 150 PSI.

That was gonna be my next question.

 

Can it damage the fan blades ?

[IPD]

won't damage fan BLADES...but could potentially damage the bearings, especially with the cheap quality parts that OEMs use for this kind of stuff.  Could also throw the fan's balance off.  Unlikely, but possible.

[Mikey89]

31 minutes ago, IPD said:

won't damage fan BLADES...but could potentially damage the bearings, especially with the cheap quality parts that OEMs use for this kind of stuff.  Could also throw the fan's balance off.  Unlikely, but possible.

So i shouldn't use it then for cleaning dust from the GPU fan blades ?

 

I plan to keep GPU where it is inside the case and not remove it.

 

It's the ASUS ROG STRIX version of the GPU i would hope they have high quality parts.

[BobVonBob]

45 minutes ago, IPD said:

won't damage fan BLADES...but could potentially damage the bearings, especially with the cheap quality parts that OEMs use for this kind of stuff.  Could also throw the fan's balance off.  Unlikely, but possible.

The problem isn't potential damage to the bearings or balance either, it's that spinning the fan generates a voltage that backfeeds the motherboard and could damage it.

[narrdarr]

Don't forget there is a fan in the psu. 

Also you don't need a crazy amount of pressure. I'm usually between 90 and 120 psi. Too much pressure can knock a chip off a pcb. 

You'll also want to make sure your air tank on your compressor is drained of water.

[IPD]

7 hours ago, Mikey89 said:

So i shouldn't use it then for cleaning dust from the GPU fan blades ?

 

I plan to keep GPU where it is inside the case and not remove it.

 

It's the ASUS ROG STRIX version of the GPU i would hope they have high quality parts.

Just immobilize the fan while you are blasting particles off it.  I'd also consider keeping a shop-fac handy, so you can suck in loose particles you are dislodging--so they won't resettle on your electronics.

[freeagent]

I use a metro datavac, it’s pretty sweet! It’s a little louder than a can of compressed air

[GuiltySpark_]

Maybe for outdoor major cleaning of neglected PC's compressed air works but 99% of the time for maintenance cleanings I'm using a soft bristled automotive detail brush and a vacuum. No way I'm blasting that stuff back out in the air just to settle on something else.