Cleaning your hardware?

[beavereater]

I'm every so often opening my case to check things out, add stuff, take stuff out etc. BUT today was the first time I notice the large amount of dust. I'm just wondering what the best way to clean this is; Air can, some special spray...I don't know?? Or just leave it as is?

[ViRaL1]

At the shop we use a compressor, but canned air will work as well. When I used to work at a video game arcade we'd clean the circuit boards using a paintbrush to loosen the dust and a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to suck it up once it was loose.

[adam]

Compressed air should do a decent enough job. If your computer is well cooled/ventilated you can prevent alot of that dust buildup by using fan grill filters or you can make your own by wrapping pantyhose around the grill. The smaller holes impede air flow but will let in less dust and debris.

[crazythunder]

i have a clear case that i totally gut once a year, chipset fan and even powersupply fans. i give everything a thorough cleaning with q-tips and an old toothbrush.

[adam]

looks more like a time machine.

[ViRaL1]

looks more like a time machine.

It was...in the future. :P

I wonder how popular acrylic cases are with smokers. :P

[Craig Tucker]

looks more like a time machine.

Yes, I am sure I can see the flux capacitor

[crazythunder]

time machine?

[babyboo]

In my computer "noobness" voice I ask...what is that yellow cylindrical thing in front of the power supply with the hoses coming out? Now I know it is not a candle (haha since it looks like one). Is it part of some sort of liquid cooling system?

It is not the flux capacitor, holder for bio-memetic compound, part of the neural net or bio gel pack. What is it?

[crazythunder]

it's a reservoir for my water system. kinda foamy right now, think i got a small airleak somewhere or it's because i just changed the fluid, it'll settle down. first time i changed it in a year.. looks better when it's clear.

[babyboo]

Thanks for the info. I had never seen one before but figured that must be what it was.

[rallynavvie]

I find a shower every morning works pretty well

[jackal70058]

I hear the canned air works well. But only from the inside, if you use it from the outside it will blow the dust inside the Computer.

I leave the dust in mine, but if you have a Hi Performance unit the cooling could be affected keep it clean.

[Shadow57]

Like ViRaL1, we also use a compressor.

We take the cover/panel off and blow out the dust.
We stick a thin pencil or rod in the fans to prevent
them from spinning. We also take care not to damage
cables or small items in the case.

The fans and the power supply are a big collector of dust.

A good filter on the front would help.
I've been thinking about using pantyhose but I
didn't get around to trying that yet!

Karen

[ViRaL1]

Let me know how that works. Then I'll send someone to buy a pair. :P

[crazythunder]

i just can't imagine putting pantyhose on my case!! lol. i got some wire mesh fan grilles that work pretty good.

[Shadow57]