Dealing with dust

[lex-luther]

Using cans of compressed air can only do so much to remove dust from fans within a computer case. I have resorted to using a vacuum cleaner on blow mode to really force the dust out of a case (make sure your computer is powered off before doing this). Anyone have any alternate methods of removing dust from internal fans like the GPU / CPU fans?

 

[bildo123]

I really don't think there's much else, Me personally I'll take the computer outside to the garage where the compressor is. I stand about 6 feet back and let it rip. Clears it out pretty nice although I don't recommend doing this at close range and if so make sure to hold the fans down in case of the speed of air breaking them. I suppose to get the nasty grimy dust an old toothbrush can do wonders.

 

[Evilonigiri]

Dump the whole system in water, it's the fastest way. People has done this before, although not very smart.

Instead, buy yourself some fan filters so not as much dust goes into the case. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, I'd say.

 

[grindking134]

I dont have a tips for getting the dust out but keeping your computer up high will cut down on dust dramaticly. I have my computer siting 2 1/2 ft off the floor on my desk and the only way you can see dust in the case is if you run your finger on the bottom inside the case. I only have to clean the fans and heat sink every 3-4 months and I have a dog.

 

[bildo123]

I dont have a tips for getting the dust out but keeping your computer up high will cut down on dust dramaticly. I have my computer siting 2 1/2 ft off the floor on my desk and the only way you can see dust in the case is if you run your finger on the bottom inside the case. I only have to clean the fans and heat sink every 3-4 months and I have a dog.

Carpet is also another big enemy, which I'm gonna rip out soon enough.

 

[ouch1]

Just like Evilonigiri said. Along with getting the system off the floor and get some fan filters. I have my system about 6 inches off hte floor and run filters on all of my intake fans. I dust my system every 6-9 months and there is barely any dust in it.

I know you can get fan filters from FrozenCPU.com:
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l2/g36/c223/list/p1/Fans-Fan_Filters.html

-ouch1

 

[ouch1]

Carpet is also another big enemy, which I'm gonna rip out soon enough.

Remember to not run your system until you do a complete house cleaning after you rip the carpet out. Since jsut ripping out the carpet will cause there to be WAY more dust than normal.

-ouch1

 

[bildo123]

Remember to not run your system until you do a complete house cleaning after you rip the carpet out. Since jsut ripping out the carpet will cause there to be WAY more dust than normal.

-ouch1

Pft, even on the way out and long gone its still the enemy...

 

[Raviolissimo]

the industrial strength Shop Vac is good for removing
dust. if you can remember where you put the long
skinny attachment.

where does the dust come from ? i just vacuumed off
the top of my Deskjet. almost seems like it's multiplying.

 

[bildo123]

Usually animals/carpets are the #1 culprit. But people themselves give off a good amount of dead skin and hair as well.

 

[ouch1]

Another thing to take into consideration is nearby construction, and or traffic from nearby freeways. I know that vehicle exhaust (especially diesel) is some of the worst dust you can find. It is high in sulfur and soot content. I had to repair some systems at a bus repair depot for my day job a few years ago. The dust was so bad it was like putting your hand into a bag of charcoal dust. Just imagine that on all of your fans and heatsinks.

-ouch1

 

[Evilonigiri]

Usually animals/carpets are the #1 culprit. But people themselves give off a good amount of dead skin and hair as well.

Did you know an avg human sheds one, that's right one, pound of skin everyday?

I was wondering where all my dead skin went...

 

[bildo123]

Did you know an avg human sheds one, that's right one, pound of skin everyday?

I was wondering where all my dead skin went...

No way lol thats insane, maybe, but still if thats the case I wonder how fast we reproduce skin cells.

 

[Mugz]

Fast enough to replace a pound a day, I'd guess.

As for dust, I usually use a toothbrush on the fans and a brush with long, stiff bristles for heatsinks.

 

[bildo123]

Fast enough to replace a pound a day, I'd guess.

As for dust, I usually use a toothbrush on the fans and a brush with long, stiff bristles for heatsinks.

Ha ya, seems fascinating though, then again I guess if it didn't your body would be pretty fleshy in a short time. The brush with the long stiff bristles reminds me of the grunge brush for my mountain bike..