Cleaning the computer

[Lagu]

Hello

Have you other any tip to me how to clean my computer? The propeller of the power supply is covered with smell of cooking. I have tried to clean it by a vacuum cleaner. This didn’t help of source. I have my computers in a room near the kitchen. Also, if I will clean the inside of the computer.

Any tip will be highly appreciated
Thanks
Lagu

[Empty_5oul]

if the power supply is really clogged it may be time for a new one??

but open the machine up - but make sure if you remove any cables/plugs/wires you remember where they go. and check everything is in securely. then if there is dust and other debris vacume the insides being careful of the components.
then with the power supply take the cading off so you can get to the fan. i find using an old toothbrush is best, then when it is sparkling again (or fit a new one) it should be much quieter. dust usually maximises the noise made.

[BlackAdder]

I use a vacuum and q tips to clean the fans, remove just the fan off of the cpu heat sink and vacuum the fins good, sometimes you can just lean in and blow on the fins to get the dust out while having the vacuum nozzle close to it.I just run the vacuum over the motherboard too. Good Luck!!!

[NVM]

vacuum won't help much if its greasy stuck-on dust. q-tips and alcohol would work best in combination with some canned air.

[BlackAdder]

good point, alcohol is non conductive and is a good cleaner.

[vaughan]

As NVM said alcohol - I use iso-propyl alcohol available from the Optometrist / Optician for cleaning spectacles - will remove oil and grease which traps dust.
Compressed air in a can is good for blowing out dust accumulated around the fins of the HSF and other hard to reach areas. I use Dust Away made by Hellmar but I'm sure a Tandy or Dick Smith electronics or similar will have something equivalent.
Be careful with the vacuum cleaner as you might suck a tiny part off the motherboard. The little clips that tell the m/b what speed to run at (older style m/b) may get removed if you are too eager.
Also be careful vacuuming the fans as you may cause them to spin at higher than their rated speed and do some damage. I clean the fins by hand with a soft paintbrush, canned air and if required some alcohol.

Its dusty dirty work so I finish the job with a well earned bottle of beer, or two. :shock:

Not a good idea to start the cleaning routine on a second computer when you've had too many cleansing ales however. :!:

[Lagu]

Thank you

Empty-5oul
BlackAdder
NvH
And Vaughan for the tip. I will try it and ofsourse i will be careful.

Lagu

[Lagu]

Hello!

Now I have cleaned all my computers. I ran to my pharmacist and got Isopropylalkohol. (Swedish spelling) Thanks Vaughan for this tip. Then I bought a spray pot with compressed air. After this, a get home and begin to clean my AMD64. My arsenal was: 1, toothbrush, 2, a toothpick, 3, pegs of cotton, 4 Isopropyl 5, compressed air and a vacuum cleaner. First, I remove all cables to the power supply and open it for cleaning. Then, the fans as was the worst. Especially 12 cm big fan I use in the A64. I tried to use my entire arsenal but was not satisfied. Suddenly I remember my vacuum cleaner. If you don’t know it, this is a real compressor. I change hole and mounted the hose coupling in the other hole back the vacuum cleaner. O Boys, what an effect using a small pipe there all dust was rapidly removed. I only need to clean the fan propeller by hands.

Conclusion: Isopropyl is very nice and effective. A vacuum cleaner that blows out is much effective. It helps you clean your computer faster. Even toothbrush and pegs of cotton is to good help. The compressed air isn’t worth to pay. It cost too much. If you think to test to blow out, I recommend you take your computer to the outside of your home. If not, you must clean the room you use.

Good luck
Lagu :D ;)

[Jeff]

Don't air compressors use oils and lubricants that can blow onto the computer??

You may want to be careful using an air compressor.

Jeff

[Keith75]

For years I have used my air compressor and haven't had a problem yet. The only thing I am carefull about it not directing the air at any delicate parts such as where the heatsink and CPU meet. Just use common sense and you will be fine.

Keith