Cleaning the inside of a PC

[Bell ringer]

Bought my PC less than 6 months ago and have been postponing opening it to clean it. When I did, I was amazed at the amount of dust in there.

I need some help with cleaning it. I understand that I need a can of compressed air and an anti-static brush. Two questions:

- Do I need to use anything else?

- Where do I find the brush? Any help, such as links to online shops selling suitable ones, will be much appreciated.

Thanks

[oolon]

I would not use a brush, as you could bend things, scratch things. Stick to compressed air, and a vacuum, don't hold the vac to close and keep it on a low setting. Put your fingers in fans to stop the turning, to prevent damaging them. Most modern boards do not have any small parts like jumpers that can be sucked or blow off, so doing without a brush isn't a problem. For better cleaning remove cards and power supplies.

[Bell ringer]

I would not use a brush, as you could bend things, scratch things. Stick to compressed air, and a vacuum, don't hold the vac to close and keep it on a low setting. Put your fingers in fans to stop the turning, to prevent damaging them. Most modern boards do not have any small parts like jumpers that can be sucked or blow off, so doing without a brush isn't a problem. For better cleaning remove cards and power supplies.

Are you sure about the vacuum cleaner? What about the static?

[Jonj1611]

Dont let the vacuum touch any parts, otherwise its the same method I use, can of air and a vacuum, never had a static problem.

Also to clarify, when oolon says stick your fingers in the fans to stop them turning, they mean when the unit is off lol, just in case

Jon

[gavbon]

yeah i use compressed air, safest method IMO

i opened my rig up and found clumps of dust, obviously not a good thing tho!!!

[oolon]

Yes, I did mean have the computer turned off when you sick your fingers in the fans! Have your computer turned off, and switched off at the mains, however if you leave it plugged in it will be earthed. I use a vacuum with a plastic hose, and do not turn anything with it so static isn't really a problem. If you hold the side of the case you will also be earthed.