Cleaning dust from my PC

Forums › Desktop computing › Cleaning dust from my PC

Starscream122

568 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 101
Inactive user

#227468 8-Jan-2018 14:51

Hi Team

I have a gaming PC and I like to keep on top of cleaning the inside of it (twice a year) and the front mesh filter every month.

I use the air cans that you buy from PB Tech that cost around $15 for a small can. I am getting sick of always having to buy them and wasting money as I only need the air not the can and they don't last that long

so can someone recommend a small air compressor I can buy that's very low powered and safe for cleaning PC fans heat-sinks etc

it needs to be of good quality with the ability to adjust the air pressure.

Thanks

~ Chris

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Awrrr
19157 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 16482

Lifetime subscriber

#1932273 8-Jan-2018 15:41

Not quite the same but I duct-taped a straw to a vacuum cleaner attachment and use that to suck out the dust. The tape makes a seal for maximum suck and the straw adds precision and suction while preventing damage to components.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Rickles

3151 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 474

Trusted

Subscriber

#1932274 8-Jan-2018 15:47

For fans, grills, case etc, I just use the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner.

For the motherboard, I use a 20mm very soft paintbrush and the vacuum hose slightly above the brushing, and on half-power ... be careful because full-power suction across the board could cause static charge and damage m/b.

timmmay

20923 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5395

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1932275 8-Jan-2018 15:48

I just use a brush to loosen then blow it away.

Starscream122

568 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 101
Inactive user

#1932276 8-Jan-2018 15:49

I have a pint brush for the fans.

I was looking at this but they don't ship to NZ

https://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301814989&sr=8-2

lNomNoml

1909 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 523

ID Verified

#1932304 8-Jan-2018 17:39

Get a cheap vacumme cleaner / second hand that has a blow function then use the idea above and attach a straw to the vacume cleaner attachment.

Air compressor is good but most will be too strong IMO.

If all else fails convert your rig to one that uses mineral oil to cool down.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30047 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6235

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1932308 8-Jan-2018 17:44

liquid cooling stops dust?

Mighty Ape

Shop now at Mighty Ape (affiliate link).

lNomNoml

1909 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 523

ID Verified

#1932328 8-Jan-2018 18:16

Batman:

liquid cooling stops dust?

Mineral oil liquid cooling yes.

Starscream122

568 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 101
Inactive user

#1932333 8-Jan-2018 18:18

No. I have a fancy looking PC/Case I don't wank to put it in a fish tank lol

I am not sure how the vacuum cleaner idea would work what would the screw be fore and where would it go?

Jase2985

13772 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6254

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#1932341 8-Jan-2018 18:41

Rikkitic:

Not quite the same but I duct-taped a straw to a vacuum cleaner attachment and use that to suck out the dust. The tape makes a seal for maximum suck and the straw adds precision and suction while preventing damage to components.

thats just encouraging static electricity

Jase2985

13772 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6254

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#1932342 8-Jan-2018 18:44

i just use a small paint brush and a vacuum cleaner near by on low power to suck up the dust

SATTV

1671 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 659

ID Verified

#1932348 8-Jan-2018 18:50

I bought a cheap speak & Jackson compressor some years ago when I was servicing PC's for my own business, it appears they are no longer available.

One of my colleagues had something like this and he said it was excellent.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-power-x-change-18v-workshop-blower-and-inflator-skin-only_p06290530

You will need to buy a battery or find a mains powered on if this is of interest to you.

I used vacuum cleaners for a few years and they just do not cut the mustard IMHO.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

Geekzone

Want to support Geekzone and browse the site without the ads? Subscribe to Geekzone now (monthly, annual and lifetime options).

Starscream122

568 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 101
Inactive user

#1932351 8-Jan-2018 18:53

I wouldn’t let a vacuum cleaner anywhere near my pc. They do create static electricity.
Maybe I’m better off just sticking with the cans of air.

lNomNoml

1909 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 523

ID Verified

#1932352 8-Jan-2018 18:56

What about this? https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-12v-dc-digital-mini-compressor_p00278672

Rikkitic

Awrrr
19157 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 16482

Lifetime subscriber

#1932358 8-Jan-2018 19:39

Jase2985:

Rikkitic:

Not quite the same but I duct-taped a straw to a vacuum cleaner attachment and use that to suck out the dust. The tape makes a seal for maximum suck and the straw adds precision and suction while preventing damage to components.

thats just encouraging static electricity

No doubt, but it has always worked well for me.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

lurker

840 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 224

Lifetime subscriber

#1932382 8-Jan-2018 20:19

I clean mine out twice a year with my compressor, I would suggest a water trap might be a good idea depending on the compressor.

Otherwise you may get water in the mix from condensation inside the tank etc.

Also, something I haven't tried but am going to (which may be completely unsafe), on Youtube there are videos showing you how to refill your cans with a compressor.

The cans are still useful to have on your desk for quick tidy-ups of your keyboard etc, but pricey if you keep buying them.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4