Dust!

[Aleksbgbg]

So here's my plan...

 

I'm going to clean my newly built PC every month (which is not overkill, it has been here for 5 days and the LEDs are outlining a lot of it on the window O_O) but I need a few tips.

 

According to linus, it's optimal to use a compressor instead of canned air as it is .. free ... and easier to use ...

 

Doing this outside, obviously.

 

Fans:

As far as I'm aware, I'm meant to hold these when spraying them, seeing as they can break? Anyway, I'm not going to detach any fans but just spray them and make sure the dust falls outside of the case.

 

PSU:

For the PSU, I'm going to take it out of the case just enough to spray some air inside from both sides and all around, then put it back.

 

CPU/Heatsink:

For the CPU, I'm going to keep the heatsink on and just spray it from the top and I guess the dust will spread out onto the motherboard. From the side as well, for the left-over dust.

 

GPU:

I'm guessing this takes the same process as the CPU. Not going to remove it either. Some guy told me he removes it and cleans it out thoroughly but I don't find that necessary.

 

RAM:

Spray it all around, without removing.

 

Drives:

HDD - spray the top only... the bottom is sensitive, right? Or am I mistaken?

SSD - only the top is uncovered, so that's pretty simple.

 

Motherboard:

A quick spray without detaching. Emphasis on any areas if necessary. Also, possibly from the bottom (where there is a gap from the stand-offs) - what do you guys think?

 

Case:

So as far as the case goes, I'm going to detach any detachable parts and wash them if they are dirty using soap and water, or if not then just rinse them from the dust. For non-detachable parts, just spray 'em .Rinse the dust filters too. For the inside, spray wherever there is noticeable build up. The case will be last as dust may come back from other parts during the cleaning process.

 

So is this all right/correct/necessary/etc.? Opinions and personal experience? Thanks

[Chasem121]

I just take my rig out to the air compressor and clean out the dust form any of the fans. I wouldn't bother detaching anything, if you do get any gains from cleaning that thoroughly it will be minimal. (Talking thermal performance wise)

 

As for appearance aspect, clean it until you feel happy

[Arwanell]

just remember: when blowing case fans, PSU, GPU, CPU, put a finger/screwdriver into the fan to block it. spinning the fan too fast may damage it

[ImBleu]

Its a bit overkill no? Rather just make sure you have good air pressure within the case and get dust filters.

 

I have an $80 case and live in a dusty area and only need to clean my internals like once every 6 months.

[QFA350]

Seems good to me but removing the GPU is easier and it does allow you to get in at a better angle!

[daniellearmouth]

just remember: when blowing case fans, PSU, GPU, CPU, put a finger/screwdriver into the fan to block it. spinning the fan too fast may damage it

 

False.

 

Fans don't get damaged from being spun; that just doesn't happen.

[soup]

People often forget their peripherals when doing a clean, imagine all the grot/oils etc on your fingers that are all over the K/B and mouse .

And if you have ever snacked over the keyboard, all the cheeto crumbs between the keys .

 

   Take out any batteries and put the items in a dishwasher with NO soap (being careful that any cords are safely out of the way) and let rip ensure the K/B and mouse are FULLY dry before powering back on .  Voila, squeeky clean peripherals!

[comefightme]

False.

 

Fans don't get damaged from being spun; that just doesn't happen.

It doesn't get damaged because of the spin, but because of the uneven pressure applied on the blades by the air can

[Teemo4Life]

False.

 

Fans don't get damaged from being spun; that just doesn't happen.

It does when you spin them too much normally, they need to spin the one direction they are designed for. Especially hold down the fans when cleaning using compressed air or a ED500

 

Even linus said

[comefightme]

People often forget their peripherals when doing a clean imagine all the grot/oils etc on your fingers that are all over the K/B and mouse .

And if you have ever snacked over the keyboard all the cheeto crumbs between the keys .

 

   Take out any batteries and put the items in a dishwasher with NO soap being careful that any cords are safely out of the way and let rip ensure the K/B and mouse are FULLY dry before powering back on .  Voila squeeky clean peripherals.

That dosent affect performance of the PC lol

[daniellearmouth]

It doesn't get damaged because of the spin, but because of the uneven pressure applied on the blades by the air can

 

Again, that still doesn't happen. It makes such an insignificant difference in regards to pressure that you just shouldn't really bother.

[comefightme]

Again, that still doesn't happen. It makes such an insignificant difference in regards to pressure that you just shouldn't really bother.

Putting a finger on the blades isn't so hard man

 

Ok how about the spinning blades will weaken the sprayed air and u cant clean whats underneath the fan

[daniellearmouth]

It does when you spin them too much normally, they need to spin the one direction they are designed for. Especially hold down the fans when cleaning using compressed air or a ED500

 

Even linus said

 

Well, clean them in that one direction then whilst it spins. It's not doing anything damaging to the fan in any way.

 

Also, just because Linus says it it doesn't mean it's gospel. Just putting that out there.

[soup]

False.

 

Fans don't get damaged from being spun; that just doesn't happen.

 

Sort of true, he did say TOO fast, bearings, if on their last legs, can break if asked to handle much higher than normal speeds but generally if you don't concentrate the air flow on the fans (spinning them to mental speeds) you will be fine.  I feel that they work so inefficiently as generators any back EMF is not enough to damage the MoBo

[comefightme]

just because Linus says it it doesn't mean it's gospel. 

Blasphemy.

[daniellearmouth]

Putting a finger on the blades isn't so hard man

 

It's also unnecessary, because if you seriously think you'll damage a fan just by spinning it too hard or having compressed air deliver uneven pressure, then the likelihood is you bought a bad fan from the outset.

 

Compressed air and the like does nothing other than cleaning a fan. The only reason you would do that is to make it easier to clean each individual blade. Had you said that in the first place then I wouldn't be arguing over this.

[soup]

That dosent affect performance of the PC lol

Never said it did.

[daniellearmouth]

Blasphemy.

 

No, it's hardly blasphemy when you consider that Linus, like you and I, is a person. And people make mistakes and misjudgements.

 

Also this is going further off topic than it should be.

[comefightme]

No, it's hardly blasphemy when you consider that Linus, like you and I, is a person. And people make mistakes and misjudgements.

 

Also this is going further off topic than it should be.

That was a joke m8, in fact Linus makes lots of cringy mistakes that we have to bear with watching his videos

[Arwanell]

Well, clean them in that one direction then whilst it spins. It's not doing anything damaging to the fan in any way.

 

Also, just because Linus says it it doesn't mean it's gospel. Just putting that out there.

and tell me how can you do that? you know how fans spin? dust gathers under the blades. so if you want to clean that you must blow them the opposite way

[daniellearmouth]

and tell me how can you do that? you know how fans spin? dust gathers under the blades. so if you want to clean that you must blow them the opposite way

 

Or, you could wipe them as well? You don't JUST have to use compressed air, y'know.

[Teemo4Life]

Well, clean them in that one direction then whilst it spins. It's not doing anything damaging to the fan in any way.

 

Also, just because Linus says it it doesn't mean it's gospel. Just putting that out there.

kinda is. Hes a professional tech guy. The most trusted guy and would 100% agree with everything he advises. His job is based around tech and giving tech advise to people. He knows almost everything about PC components if not everything.

[Teemo4Life]

Or, you could wipe them as well? You don't JUST have to use compressed air, y'know.

wipe them :OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

 

too rebel.

 

Using a electric duster is efficient, cleans 1000x more dust than compressed air and saves money in the long run

[daniellearmouth]

kinda is. Hes a professional tech guy. The most trusted guy and would 100% agree with everything he advises. His job is based around tech and giving tech advise to people. He knows almost everything about PC components if not everything.

 

Again, doesn't mean he's going to be 100% correct.

 

Sorry, but there will be things Linus says that are just plain and simple wrong. He isn't perfect, and isn't the undisputed king of tech like some would believe.

And there's nothing wrong with that. It's only human to err. Much like you and me, he learns constantly about new things.

[daniellearmouth]

and tell me how can you do that? you know how fans spin? dust gathers under the blades. so if you want to clean that you must blow them the opposite way

 

Oh and by the way......fans can go in reverse no problem. Just because it wasn't designed to do that it doesn't mean it isn't capable of doing so.