Cleaning CPU (bi-annually?)

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Andrew_C1

Andrew_C1

Honorable
Feb 18, 2016
119
0
10,690
So I haven't been very good about cleaning my CPU with the compressed air cans which is what I was told to do when I first built it. There are 2 options i can get off Amazon though, 1 is a high tech vacuum looking thing that has different mini attachments that work on different components of your computer, and the other is just your typical compressed air can you use on your keyboard to blow dust out from under the keys. Do I spring for the vacuum thing or do I just get a regular can of air? Also should I use it on everything including the fans or just worry about my CPU which I hear gets the most build up.
 
Solution
Karadjgne
For years now I've sat in the middle of a carpeted floor and pulled my pc apart to clean it thoroughly. I use a ¾" long handle, long soft bristle artist paintbrush and a regular vacuum cleaner hose. I've found compressed air cans good but generally if you do it in a respectably dirty case, it ends up blowing the dust everywhere which then resettles back in the case. So that's what the vacuum is for. During cleaning the vac is held a few inches away from any component, then use either the can or brush to take the dust off the components, which in turn is removed by the vac. I alternate every 6 months or so, a quick swish and thorough cleaning. Dust filters I do every 3weeks to a month.

Static isn't an issue as A) the vac is on the...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Andrew_C1

Andrew_C1

Honorable
Feb 18, 2016
119
0
10,690


I haven't checked yet, I don't wanna pull it apart unless I'm fully prepared to clean it. I have, however, seen pictures of just 1 year of dust build up and the CPU image gave me nightmares.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Gam3r01

Gam3r01

Titan
Jan 12, 2013
25,417
976
115,440
Just take off your side panel and take a look inside (or post a picture of it here). I clean my PC twice a year, but only because I move it twice a year, so I take out the GPU and clean it and the rest of my case before I pack it up for summer, and for christmas break.
That being said, I could probably go two years between cleanings. My apartment has newer carpet so it does suck up quite a bit of lint.

On a side note, dont vacuum your PC, compressed air is fine.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Karadjgne

Karadjgne

Titan
Ambassador
Dec 26, 2012
30,745
4,562
142,790
For years now I've sat in the middle of a carpeted floor and pulled my pc apart to clean it thoroughly. I use a ¾" long handle, long soft bristle artist paintbrush and a regular vacuum cleaner hose. I've found compressed air cans good but generally if you do it in a respectably dirty case, it ends up blowing the dust everywhere which then resettles back in the case. So that's what the vacuum is for. During cleaning the vac is held a few inches away from any component, then use either the can or brush to take the dust off the components, which in turn is removed by the vac. I alternate every 6 months or so, a quick swish and thorough cleaning. Dust filters I do every 3weeks to a month.

Static isn't an issue as A) the vac is on the carpet, B) my butt is on the carpet, C) the pc is on the carpet, D) constant contact with the pc frame while 'painting' the insides of the pc/components removes any and all potential. The pc doesn't get plugged back into mains power until it's back set where it should be.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom