| How To Clean The Inside Of Your Computer... |
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Have you ever looked inside your computer case? Chances are, if your computer is over 6 months old, you will have a decent build-up of dust and debris inside your computers case. If it is older than that and has never been cleaned, you might be in for a dirty surprise. We have found dust and dirt an inch thick inside (literally) customers computer cases. If you computer runs even 1 fan, it is bringing in dust and dirt every second it is powered on. So why does a dirty computer case matter anyway? Well, there are several reasons.
The first, and one of the most important, is heat. Most PC components are air cooled. Our systems rely on small fans, typically 80mm to 120mm to draw air in to our case and expel air out, sometimes both at the same time. The air movement in the case helps to remove heat from our components, either by passing through heat dispersion systems like CPU heat sinks, or by passing over the components themselves. When dirt and dust clog the fins on these heat sinks and coat our components, the effectiveness of air cooling is greatly diminished. In turn, heat is retained in our components and they end up operating at temperatures higher than they should. This can lead to premature break down. Also, dust and dirt can clog slots and ports. There is nothing worse than plugging a PCI card or SATA cable into a slot that is filled with dust. Best case scenario, the card or device simply won't work until the slots cleaned, worst case, and the unit will short out. So what can you do? You really have 2 options. The first is have a reputable company service your computer. If you are under warranty, this may be covered. If you have absolutely no experience with PC hardware, this also would be your best solution. A typical computer cleaning should run $79-$129 depending on the company. A fair price given the alternative once heat damage occurs typically means a new PC. Your second option is to clean it yourself. Again, I have to stress that this should only be done if you have computer hardware experience. Handling components too roughly and introducing static shock are 2 very common reasons computer components get damaged and are easy to do if you do not know what your doing. You will need a few things before you get started: - Anti static Mat or Wrist Strap - Endust For Electronics - Can Of Compressed Air - A Soft Rag -Vacuum With Crevice Tool, Plastic - Soft and Medium Bristled Brush, Natural - Dust Mask First make sure your computer is powered down and unplugged. Make sure you are working in an environment with plenty of room and light. It is best if you are working in an area that is not carpeted to prevent static electricity. Next, adorn your dust mask and then you will want to open your computer case. This may be 1 removable side panel, both side panels, and it may be both sides and top that are removable. Once opened, hook your wrist strap or mat to a ground point on the system. Next, depending on how dirty the system is, using compressed air, work from top to bottom, spraying fans, heat sinks, and components. The idea is to work all of the dirt down to the bottom of the case. You will more than likely need to take a soft or medium bristle brush and work areas that the compressed air did not fully remove all the dust and dirt. Areas like the heat sink and fans are typical. Once the inside of the case and components look as clean as you would like, using your vacuum, suck out the debris now sitting in the bottom of the case. DO NOT TOUCH ANY COMPONENTS WITH YOUR VACUUM! This can cause static discharge and could ruin the computer. Professionals use a special vacuum designed for computer components that will not harm them if touch but household vacuums do not offer any protection. Using the Endust, spray a small amount on a rag and wipe out the bottom of the case, the case sides, and top, both inside and out. Make sure to brush and vacuum the outside of any fan ports on the case, USB and firewire ports, and any other area that has collected dust. Once you are finished, replace the case side/s as needed, plug in, and restart your computer. If done correctly, you should start right up and be on your way. In the event that there is an issue, retrace your steps. A loose wire may be at fault, or the main system power on the back of the machine might have been accidentally turned off. We hope this brings you closer to a clean, healthy PC. If for any reason you feel you would rather have the experts handle your PC cleaning, or just need computer help, call On-Site at 1-888-725-4509 and we will be there before you know it. Mention this Blog entry and we will handle the cleaning for a flat fee of $79.99. |