How should I go about cleaning the dust off an old motherboard?

[Turbonium]

I'm thinking I should used a can of compressed air. However, I have heard that using compressed air can actually damage components. Is this true?

I really want to clean this motherboard (I just got it off eBay; it's an older motherboard, circa Pentium era, and it's kinda gross with all the dust and all).

 

[MustISO]

Compressed air is the best method. Don't spray for too long and don't spray to close. Short bursts will clean it up nicely.

 

[Wyndru]

And be sure to let it dry for a bit after you spray if you use compressed air. I fried a board by turning the system on too quickly after spraying it because it left behind a bit of that white icy condensation.
I probably sprayed it for too long.

 

[SKORPI0]

Use a vacuum cleaner to suck off all the dirt. I'd rather do this than spread dust all over the place. 😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFm7V9M39Y

 

[nsafreak]

Get one of these and never have to worry about how you clean your electronics/PC components from now on.

 

[bryanl]

Do not let the vacuum cleaner hose or brush make contact with the circuit board, which can cause damage by knocking surface mount components or discharging high voltage static.

 

[Turbonium]

Anyone know where to get compressed air for cheap? It's pretty much a ripoff everywhere I check.

 

[Turbonium]

Get one of these and never have to worry about how you clean your electronics/PC components from now on.

Oh wow. Not bad. Kinda expensive though, but I'll consider it.