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Resolved Question

CPU cleaning

Jan 3, 2012 4:54AM PST

I have yet to clean the innards of my Pavilion desktop PC.
I had planned to use a vacuum cleaner, but was told that the effective computer vacuums cost a couple of hundred dollars. The battery-powered models are ineffective.He recommended a cannister of compressed gas instead.
The problem I have with the gas is that it is not removing dirt but blowing it somewhere else. On the other hand, it would be difficult to access all the 'nooks and crannies' of a CPU with a vacuum; would require a very small nozzle.
I would appreciate any recommendations you could provide.

Discussion is locked

padyboy has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Cnet has a video for you about this.
Jan 3, 2012 4:58AM PST
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Answer
(NT) Yep, Compressed Air Works Fine Here, Too
Jan 3, 2012 8:20AM PST
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Answer
Take the case out back
Jan 3, 2012 6:10PM PST

rather than clean it in the house. Blast the air into all fans and both the intake and exhaust sides of the PS as well. If you've the finned type heatsink, you can use a soft brush to loosen the dust first. Some will say to try and stabilize the fans to keep them from spinning. The thought is that DC motors can become generators and produce what's called "reverse EMF" (ElectroMotive Force) and damage electronic components. I can't speak with experience as to how important this is as I've never had a problem. The other thing some will say about vacuum cleaners of the type with long hoses is these can produce static electricity. Just take reasonable care.

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spray can
Jan 4, 2012 11:42AM PST

Mr. Haninger,

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Answer
Vacuum cleaner is fine
Jan 6, 2012 10:19AM PST

Assuming that you have a vacuum cleaner with a hose and tools that go on the end, this is easy. You don't need a "computer vacuum cleaner", whatever that is. First, make sure to vacuum out the vent holes so they're clear, inside and out. Then vacuum the dirt off the fan(s), inside and out. Then vacuum inside, carefully around the heatsink for the processor (there's a fan in there, too). Then vacuum (carefully) any other dust that you see. If you have an other cards with their own fans, get those, too, like a graphics card.

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Vacuum cleaner is (NOT) fine
Jan 6, 2012 10:31PM PST

I think that you've been more lucky that skillful using a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of your PC; vacuum cleaners produce static electricity, which is definite killer for any computer.

If you insist on using a vacuum cleaner; my advice is to use compressed air to blow out the case, and have the nozzle (of the vacuum) a few feet away to collect the dust that's sure to come out (I've done this in the past; it works great, while minimizing the risk of an unwanted static discharge).

BTW; while I was using the vacuum/ compressed air setup, I was also wearing an "anti-static" wrist strap.

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Double whammy
Jan 9, 2012 12:48AM PST

Here's a trick that will work for all. A combination of vacuum cleaner and canned air. Through cleaning means complete disassembly. Place the vacuum hose near the powersupply fan, outside the case. Next, using a short one inch paint brush with the bristles cut to one inch long. Work with the vacuum around the outside vents to collect what you can dislodge with the canned air and brush. If neccesary to place the cleaner hose near the inside, I wrap the nozzle neat the tip with foil and ground it, along with a wrist strap you should be wearing.