air compressor cleaning = win

[Red Squirrel]

I decided to buy an air compressor so I can clean out my PC without using disposable methods such as compressed air cans, which also get really cold on the hands after long use.

Best investment ever. I must of dropped my temps by like 5-10 degrees. There are so many hard to reach spots that the vacuum could never get, such as the fins of the cpu or the inside of the power supply. I brought my PC outside on a dry day and just aired it all out at 100ish PSI (keeping enough distance). Works great!

Did my parent's pc too. OMG the dust in there! I'm scared to shut down my server and check that box... it's very hard to get to that server though so it ain't moving until I move out of the house.

This is the air compressor I bought:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST...2BAir%2BCompressor.jsp

 

[Corporate Thug]

that's a great idea...I would do it in a heartbeat if I could find one for $50ish rather than $100+

 

[LOUISSSSS]

anyone have a link for a good one available at sears or home depot?

 

[zagood]

Be careful with the compressor spitting out condensation, and there's an outside possibility of static discharge. Also secure or remove your fans beforehand.

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: zagood
Be careful with the compressor spitting out condensation, and there's an outside possibility of static discharge. Also secure or remove your fans beforehand.

+1, using compressed air to clean electronics or components is NOT recommended. Be sufe you use a good seperator and filter on the outlet.

Low Cost Compressors: Text

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah I need to find me one of those filter thingies. So far I don't think mine produces condensation but maybe after long use it may produce some small mist. I know when I used it outside I had no problems, but inside after about 30 minutes I could actually feel my hands get a little wet from holding the gun, even though no actual water sprayed out. I stopped as a precaution.

Had zero issues outside though as I finished off my PC then did my parents in one go.

 

[Gillbot]

Just because you can't feel or see it, doesn't mean it isn't there.

 

[Turbonium]

Originally posted by: Gillbot

Originally posted by: zagood
Be careful with the compressor spitting out condensation, and there's an outside possibility of static discharge. Also secure or remove your fans beforehand.

+1, using compressed air to clean electronics or components is NOT recommended. Be sufe you use a good seperator and filter on the outlet.

Honestly the first time I've ever seen this said.

Why not just wait 30+ minutes after you're done cleaning for any potential condensation to be eliminated? It's not like it's going to leave behind anything conductive, is it?

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Turbonium

Originally posted by: Gillbot

Originally posted by: zagood
Be careful with the compressor spitting out condensation, and there's an outside possibility of static discharge. Also secure or remove your fans beforehand.

+1, using compressed air to clean electronics or components is NOT recommended. Be sufe you use a good seperator and filter on the outlet.

Honestly the first time I've ever seen this said.

Why not just wait 30+ minutes after you're done cleaning for any potential condensation to be eliminated? It's not like it's going to leave behind anything conductive, is it?

Yes, it can. Not only that, but you are basically "snad blasting" your components with dust and water droplets.

 

[Nathelion]

Keep in mind that high-pressure air may leave static charge on your components. You could end up frying your stuff with ESD.

 

[TridenT]

I use a 20 gallon(I think) air compressor on my computer sometimes. I have used it on many computers and they all work just dandy. Even at like 90PSI....

Idk, my results are great. Way better than paying 50 bajillion dollars on canned air.

 

[Absolution75]

I just tend to use my paintball gun, works wonders