Fan cleaning?

Question

Hey guy.

Im about to open and clean inside my computer, just thought id ask a question to see if anybody had any advice or step by step guide to do this propaly

Answer 1

We have no idea what your case looks like. Just go for it.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 2

1. Make sure that your vacuum is locked away and nowhere near your computer. If you have an air compressor, lock it away also. These items generate static electricity that can permanently damage your computer. Ignore numpties that mention the use of vacuums or hoovers.

2. Buy a can (or two) of Airdusters (compressed inert gas - it doesn't generate static)

3. Pick up an old toothbrush or small paintbrush (1/2" or 12mm). Also try cotton buds. Spread out some newspapers - it will get messy.

4. Switch off the computer at the socket (and on the back, if it has a wee switch) but leave the lead plugged in for an Earth connection. It's best if you leave it to cool for a few hours.

5. Using a screwdriver, open the side panel or lid of your computer.

6. Open the side panel and touch the metal casing inside. This discharges static electricity (static) - hence the Earth connection is necessary.

7. GENTLY brush the inside of the case with the paintbrush/toothbrush and pick off the fluff as it gathers.

8. Continue to touch the metal case to reduce static.

9. When you have dislodged as much dust as possible, use the airduster to blast out stubborn bits. Be careful as sometimes a jet if icy fluid comes out and this can have a devastating effect on you as well as the computer.

10. Pay particular attention to the vents at the front and on the side of the computer case as the most dust will gather here.

11. Don't plan on getting it all cleaned - there will be some areas that are impossible to get into (PSU for one) so a good blast with the airduster will clear out some dust.

12. Replace the case and switch on.

Repeat this every six to 8 months for optimum performance. More often if you live in a very dusty environment.

Dust can form an insulating layer on critical components so that the heat is not wicked away properly via the case fans. This leads to overheating and early failure.

Smokers face the biggest problems as nicotine can form a layer within the case as well and it's not removed as easily.

Answer 3

One Small Tip.

For Cleaning A Fan. Use A Small Can Of Compressed Air.

Thus Being Very Affective.

Answer 4

You should be able to take off the back cover just like you took off the front cover. Also, while you've got it open I recommend you take off the fan blades to clean them and grease the little thing they sit on. Just a little 3 in 1 oil, WD40 or something like that. I recently fixed my fan at work by rubbing some chapstick on the spinning thing. It had gotten to the point that it would barely spin and made all sorts of noise.

Answer 5

Aha a fellow scots lad how can i refuse...I use a Pasting brush cos the fibrse are so much finer,brush everything up use the hoover about 4inches away from everything while brushing.Works everytime .

Answer 6

Simple, Open The Cover, undo the fan screws clean using an earbud and a dry cloth, dont use solvents. chemicals or even water! or you'll just blow your comp.

Answer 7

I build and repair computers and have never had a problem with dust. This 'problem' is heavily over played by people like PC World to extract an easy £25 from ill informed punters. The killer is water/severe damp not dust. But if you still feel the need, remove the lid and use a standard hoover to extract the dust. Be careful to avoid pulling off any leads etc.

Answer 8

I use a small clean paint brush,To brush the dust off everything then lightly vacuum it out.You could use a hair dryer on the cold setting to brush and blow it is up to you,

Answer 9

I use a new paint brush it gets into all the tiny parts, excelent for cleaning .

Answer 10

I suggest you unplug your computer before you try to clean it out or you could get electrocuted or your computer could blow up. I always unplug mine before I clean mine out. Be sure you don't try to rip the fan out or you could damage the motherboard because most computer fans are locked onto the motherboard or screwed in so be careful when trying to clean out your computer fan.