Cleaning dust from my PC

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Starscream122

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Topic # 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

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Glurp
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Reply # 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.

I reject your reality and substitute my own. - Adam Savage

Rickles

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Reply # 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

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Reply # 1932275 8-Jan-2018 15:48

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

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Starscream122

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Reply # 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

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Reply # 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

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Reply # 1932308 8-Jan-2018 17:44

liquid cooling stops dust?

lNomNoml

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Reply # 1932328 8-Jan-2018 18:16

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Batman:

liquid cooling stops dust?

Mineral oil liquid cooling yes.

Starscream122

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Reply # 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

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Reply # 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

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Reply # 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

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Reply # 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

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Starscream122

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Reply # 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

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Reply # 1932352 8-Jan-2018 18:56

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

Rikkitic

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Reply # 1932358 8-Jan-2018 19:39

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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.

I reject your reality and substitute my own. - Adam Savage

lurker

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Reply # 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.

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