computer cleaning

[georgeg]

I just replaced my CD burner with a faster unit and noticed that the heat sink on my processer is rather dirty ( as is the rest of the inside of the computer case). Any recommendations on cleaning the insides and the heat sinks? Things to do and things to be absolutely avoided? For instance if I use a household vacuum cleaner on the insides might the vac generate enough static electricity to hurt things?

 

[tjaisv]

Spray it with a can of compressed air. I wouldn't recommend using a household vacuum though, but that's just my preference. Some people do it.

 

[amdskip]

I've used a household vacuum with no problems. No use in pushing the dirt out when it's just gonna be circulated through again. The best thing though is to use an air compressor. Blow everything out really good including the inside of the power supply.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: amdskip
I've used a household vacuum with no problems. No use in pushing the dirt out when it's just gonna be circulated through again. The best thing though is to use an air compressor. Blow everything out really good including the inside of the power supply.

yeah
caution: air from a compressor, if thigns are humid when its compressing, may be rather wet and shouldnt be used

id go by the can myself because of that

 

[lenjack]

If you have an intake fan, commonly at bottom front, consider some sort of filter for it to reduce future dust collection.

 

[georgeg]

Originally posted by: lenjack
If you have an intake fan, commonly at bottom front, consider some sort of filter for it to reduce future dust collection.

There is a filter, of sorts. Its a thing foam square in a holder inside the case. I cleaned it up while I had the case apart as well as sweeping up the loose dust on the bottom of the case. I pulled both side panels and was surprised to see how much dust accumulated on the "off" side panel. My main concern is cleaning the heat sinks and cooling fans without causing any damage to my system.

 

[Need4Speed]

Originally posted by: amdskip
I've used a household vacuum with no problems. No use in pushing the dirt out when it's just gonna be circulated through again. The best thing though is to use an air compressor. Blow everything out really good including the inside of the power supply.

I wouldnt use an air compressor, there is generally a lot of moisture in those lines. get 5.00USD can of compressed air from your local comp store.

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: Need4Speed

Originally posted by: amdskip
I've used a household vacuum with no problems. No use in pushing the dirt out when it's just gonna be circulated through again. The best thing though is to use an air compressor. Blow everything out really good including the inside of the power supply.

I wouldnt use an air compressor, there is generally a lot of moisture in those lines. get 5.00USD can of compressed air from your local comp store.

I don't know about you guys but the air compressors you have used must suck or something. We have an anti-moisture thing on ours and I've also used ones without an anti-moisture thing and there isn't moisture at all. I realize there could be but canned air gets freakin expensive and an air compressor does so much better of a job.