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Your issue may have something to do with your cleaning method

‘Cleaning without current’

I’ve been deep cleaning my 5 rigs for over 10 years using this method, therefore I have some experience. Remember … current is the enemy. As long as your components are not charged with current, static or otherwise, this method will give you clean components like you’ve never seen before. Bear with me. All you need is a liquid cleaner, water, air, time, Singer sewing machine oil, Playtex gloves ... and patience.

This method applies to components, i.e., motherboards, GPU’s, sound cards, controllers, CPU’s, PSU’s or anything without a lacquer finish including enamel finished cases and especially, plastic fans, colored, clear or black, it doesn’t matter.

The liquids? Purple Power engine degreaser, a cost effective citrus based cleaning solution. (23-25 USD per 5 gal) and water (tap water is good enough)
The air? Preferably moisture trapped air via an air compressor, or canned air, and ambient air.
Time? However long it takes to dismantle the component, plus a minimum 2 days to thoroughly dry.

You can fill old Windex or 409 bottles with Purple Power to use as sprayers or use a plastic bowl large enough to accept the component with room to swish.

Dawn the Playtex gloves, (do not use latex gloves, they will melt) Douse or submerge the nasty filthy components with Purple Power by spraying heavily or by submersion. Swish the component around if you submerse. Repeat as many times as you like with a clean solution. Thoroughly wash the component with water and immediately blow dry. Let the components sit for a minimum of 2 days.

Three warnings: 1) Purple Power will exfoliate some skin, so use rubber gloves. 2) Do not use Purple Power on lacquer finishes. 3) Any stickers on your components will eventually fade or be ruined to the point of forced removal.

Moving parts; A fan’s bearing type doesn’t matter. The sticker on the backs of fans protect the bearing well. When the sticker gets to the point of no return, (about four deep cleans) use printable round stickers. They can be found on-line at places like On-line Labels.com. There are various sizes and colors of round stickers available with sufficient sticking power to do the job. If there is a bearing well plug, gently remove it for replacement. A drop of Singer sewing machine oil in the bearing well and you’re good to go.

If you are skeptical, try cleaning on old working fan using the above method. After cleaning and drying, hook it up to current and watch your new-like fan work like a charm.

PSU’s; since I’m on the subject of cleaning without current. Before attempting the above cleaning method on power supplies, let them sit for a day or so. Contrary to popular chatter, PSU’s will not kill you unless you react to the tingle of an electrical buzz, fall backwards down the stairs and smack your head on the pavement. I hold my open PSU’s by the tails (ATX bundles) and spray away. PSU’s do take more time to blow off, but do not attempt to plug them in until they have thoroughly dried. I blew one up due to impatience, so I have seen nifty fireworks before.

Good luck with your janitorial efforts.

Cat