Question about PC cleaning

[Dethanu]

So we have this tech shop in the city that does clean dust from the computer with compressed air but bringing the computer outside to -3C is kinda "hard". Should i do that for the PC or it's not adviced since after a while i see condensation on the MB and other components

[Guest]

I wouldn't bother, just buy a can yourself they're cheap. Do it yourself dude  . Not difficult either just hold the can upright and spray, simple. 

4 minutes ago, Dethanu said:

So we have this tech shop in the city that does clean dust from the computer with compressed air but bringing the computer outside to -3C is kinda "hard". Should i do that for the PC or it's not adviced since after a while i see condensation on the MB and other components

 

[Kris_Kid]

You can use your vacuum if you want be be sure not to get it too close to capacitors or anything like that and remember to hold your fans still while cleaning 

[Guest]

1 minute ago, Kris_Kid said:

You can use your vacuum if you want be be sure not to get it too close to capacitors or anything like that and remember to hold your fans still while cleaning 

Wouldn't that risk a static shock?

[Kris_Kid]

I have done this several times with a lot of different machines and I havent had one die yet 

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, Powis21 said:

Wouldn't that risk a static shock?

Yup, that's why people choose compressed air.

[Guest]

You can also use a compressor if you have one, i wouldn't take the vacuum approach a little risk is still a risk and if it can be avoided it should, if your using the can hold it upright to ensure no water vapour is released causing a short on your pc. Same with compressor make sure for no water. Also hold the tower, compressors are powerful man  . 

[Kris_Kid]

Hmm I do suppose you are right your better off ginger to get some air as for your outside temperature do you have a garage or some place where dust isn't a concern

[JSFetzik]

My method is to use canned air and a vacuum. Don't use the vacuum directly on your PC. Use the canned air to blow out the dust. Set the vacuum hose near your PC to collect the dust you are blowing out. Move the hose around as needed.

[mmaatt747]

6 hours ago, Dethanu said:

So we have this tech shop in the city that does clean dust from the computer with compressed air but bringing the computer outside to -3C is kinda "hard". Should i do that for the PC or it's not adviced since after a while i see condensation on the MB and other components

Yea that's not the best of ideas.  Bringing that out in weather that cold and then bringing your PC back indoors will indeed create plenty of condensation on your components.  (just like bringing a bottle of soda outside of your refrigerator and leaving it on the table - it creates A LOT of condensation, and -3 C is even worse!)

 

But if you're going to go that route, just make sure you give your PC plenty of time to completely dry out before plugging it back in and powering up.

[charles899]

Use spit. Just spit on your computer.

[Scitesh]

I  have used leaf blower...not kidding

[Albatross]

A can of compressed air. Use it. They're cheap, easy to use and don't have the dangers of a vacuum.

[Mooshi]

Paying someone to dust your pc is like paying someone to spray air freshner in your bathroom. 

[DooBz]

I've used a leaf blower for many years, Just don't go crazy on the fans.

[hartantovictor]

On 12/14/2016 at 9:19 PM, Dethanu said:

So we have this tech shop in the city that does clean dust from the computer with compressed air but bringing the computer outside to -3C is kinda "hard". Should i do that for the PC or it's not adviced since after a while i see condensation on the MB and other components

Only when you can't see the chipset anymore.

[ProjectBox153]

On 12/14/2016 at 9:26 AM, Kris_Kid said:

You can use your vacuum if you want be be sure not to get it too close to capacitors or anything like that and remember to hold your fans still while cleaning 

I wouldn't recommend that for the reasons you said yourself.

[ProjectBox153]

8 hours ago, DooBz said:

I've used a leaf blower for many years, Just don't go crazy on the fans.

Bit extreme, isn't it? 

[slightlyjaded]

3 minutes ago, Jamiec1130 said:

Bit extreme, isn't it? 

depends how many leafs you have in your PC

[ProjectBox153]

Just now, slightlyjaded said:

depends how many leafs you have in your PC

I don't think I've ever had a leaf in my system, or any of my 43 systems, so that must be a pretty rare occurrence.

[slightlyjaded]

Just now, Jamiec1130 said:

I don't think I've ever had a leaf in my system, or any of my 43 systems, so that must be a pretty rare occurrence.

brother had a problem with moths in a stock AMD cooler... That's the closest I've seen.

[ProjectBox153]

Just now, slightlyjaded said:

brother had a problem with moths in a stock AMD cooler... That's the closest I've seen.

Something's wrong with that, isn't it? Was it sitting outside running as a server next to a moth infestation? 

[slightlyjaded]

Just now, Jamiec1130 said:

Something's wrong with that, isn't it? Was it sitting outside running as a server next to a moth infestation? 

No, my brother is just an idiot... it got a bit dusty... after about 3 years running, so he left the side panel off..... You can see where the moths came from.

[ProjectBox153]

Just now, slightlyjaded said:

No, my brother is just an idiot... it got a bit dusty... after about 3 years running, so he left the side panel off..... You can see where the moths came from.

Oh, makes sense now. Still a bit worrying though. 

[Mira Yurizaki]

If your computer gets dusty often, I'd recommend something called a DataVac. It's a highish speed air blower that works just as well as compressed air you can get online for about $50. There's an anti-static version for the tips though so I'd get that one if you're paranoid about static.

 

I have one, the only gripe I have with it is it gets warm really fast. I'd imagine you have about 5 minutes total per session if you don't want to burn out the motor (if that's possible).