inside of my case is dusty - best way to clean it?

[tokamak]

after spending a year in my dorm room (built 1950ish ), the inside of my computer is literally COVERED in dust. every single component has a thick layer covering it. is it ok to just get a can of compressed air and go to town? im afraid im going to blow dust into something and ruin it. is there a better way?

 

[HiTek21]

Can of compressed air and a vaccume cleaner.

 

[tokamak]

do you think i should take out each card individually and clean it? or just take off the side panel and go nuts? why am i worrying about this so much?

 

[cainsdive]

I just use the compressed air my self. As far as I know there is no other way of doing it. You may want to get some intake filters as well.

 

[cainsdive]

Take it out side and go nuts sounds good to me.

 

[Cerb]

If it's really really really really really dusty, take it apart and use a damp cloth (but just to be safe, let it dry for a day). Otherwise, canned air and get intake filters!

 

[Corporate Thug]

compressed air, short bursts to avoid condensation

 

[pelikan]

Canned air is great, but a little frustrating in weak air pressure and short duration. Now I just use my air compressor - unlimited air and up to 120psi.

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: tokamak
do you think i should take out each card individually and clean it?

I leave my cards in place so I don't blow dust or bits into the (empty) slots.

 

[EdipisReks]

i use my fingers and a paper towel.

 

[amcdonald]

I'd take it outside and put a leaf-blower to it.

 

[JoeBaD]

I'd take it outside and put a leaf-blower to it.

That's what I do. Fast and effective!

 

[FluffyBunny]

Step 1: Take off all case panels.
Step 2: Drive or take a cab to the airport.
Step 3: Run out onto the tarmac (where the planes sit)
Step 4: When plane goes to leave hold case (with panels off) up to engine (back of engine of course)
Step 5: Blast from engine will blow dust off. Your done. Probably hurt. And likey going to jail.

Seriously though:

Compressed-air-in-a-can
NEW un-used painting brush (for dust bunnies)
mini computer vaccum
tiny amount of windex on a paper towel and Q-Tip

have fun

 

[tokamak]

thx for the replies everyone. i ended up just setting it out in my driveway and trying to blow it over with a can of compressed air . darn near froze my hand off, but at least its dust free now

 

[prometheusxls]

hoes it down with a can of air.

 

[mindwreck]

if ur cheap like me: use a brush.. slow but works. if ur lazy like me sometimes. i just power up my air compressor and put on the jet tip to blow everything out

 

[1sikbITCH]

Tokamak, I'd also check the heatsink for gummed up dust. If your case had dust build up, you can gaurantee your HS/ Fan is gunked up as well. See if there is a way to just take the fan off real quick without taking the HS off of the mobo. Then you can blow out your HS with the compressed air.

 

[pac1085]

Tack cloth? I got some for 0.99 at pep boys.