PC maintenance

Matso · 19-07-2008, 09:50 PM

While I was installing an ethernet adapter to my 5 year old computer so I can hook up to ADSL. I notice alot of dust (fluff) build-up on what I think is the CPU fan.

My question is how does one safely remove this said dust? And does it affect the performance of the computer?

Thanx in advance.

Matso

thro · 19-07-2008, 09:52 PM

Can of compressed air from <hardware store>.

Or if your vacuum cleaner can blow, use that... (outside of course)

It won't affect the PCs performance until it gets to the point where the machine starts overheating (maybe during games when its working hard).

When it overheats, it will do "wierd shit" ... eg, BSOD, crash, lock up, graphical corruption, whatever... (undefined behaviour) or maybe if the components (cpu/video card) can do thermal management it will slow down - once it gets hot...

Matso · 19-07-2008, 11:09 PM

Thanx Thro. As it explains why I was having screen lock-ups and now crashes. Although I do not know what a BSOD is or what to look out for when it happens.

Matso

thro · 19-07-2008, 11:12 PM

BSOD = blue screen of death...

HPM · 19-07-2008, 11:16 PM

Its okay so use a soft dry brush - much like a paint brush whilst vacuuming - the dust tends to adhere to the components due to heat. I've done it with all my electrical / electronic. I do use a compressor though - its better than th evacuum.

Gryphen · 19-07-2008, 11:44 PM

Use a compressor and clean it regularly, letting the dust build up, means it retains more heat etc, is slower to disipate, and basically reduces you safety margin in case either it does heat spike or a fan etc fails, on a regular basis clean the dust out, after all that little bit of extra heat helps shorten the life of all the components within the case,

Matso · 20-07-2008, 12:19 AM

AAAAh. Righto.

Now tis an excuse to buy a cheapo compressor for the poota and the tyres on the bike an cars.

phildo · 20-07-2008, 01:08 AM

Take it outside, remove the casing/cover and give it the blow job of a lifetime with a garden/weed blower. Works superbly.

Carbon · 21-07-2008, 10:46 PM

Just a warning, beware of static electricity while cleaning. That will destroy sensitive components! Although if you have a 5 year old computer, some components may start failing regardless of the dust!

Jonchilds · 23-07-2008, 05:18 PM

5 y/o PC should'nt see anything solid-state failing.

HDD's depending on brand, use and power cycles have a MTBF of around 5-7 years and fans if dusty/cheap can die in under 2 years.

My trick with the CPU coolers is to remove the fan screws & fan, then attack the heatsink with a vaccum and duster.

thro · 23-07-2008, 05:43 PM

Static isn't a huge problem so long as you take a couple of precautions - don't wear nylon/polysester, and ground yourself on something if possible just before you go poking at stuff...

I don't even bother grounding myself usually, so long as you don't go poking around at cards you should be fine.

I've only ever blown up one card in the past 15 years, and that was wearing a nylon jumper in winter and actually swapping cards out. Blowing the pc out with compressed air? no worries dude...

browca04 · 23-07-2008, 06:02 PM

Compressed air FTW.
I cleaned out a PIII that was about 10 years old not too long ago...

It's never failed to amaze me how much shit can accumulate in your PC over a long period of time....

xanthian · 23-07-2008, 06:07 PM

Keeping it off the ground usually helps reduce the amount of shit inside.

I wouldn't recommend cleaning out any heatsinks without taking the fan off first, though. That's just a trip to loud city waiting to happen as you blow all the dust into the bearing. You also don't get very good access.

Personally, I just use a clean paintbrush to dust down the various heatsinks and do it outside on a windy day. Saves me passing out from breathing too heavily. :p

Matso · 24-07-2008, 08:17 AM

Thanks for the tips guys. I simply would not have thought about the static elctricity and getting shite in the fan bearings.

Can I safely remove the heatsink and clean it away from the motherboard? I want avoid removing something that may affect the running of the computer if it is removed.

Also a weird thing happened to my CD drive on the weekend. When the PC was switched on it would open and close automatically and I could not find the reason why. Should I be worried and should I replace the drive?

Thanks heaps guys.

Dubs · 24-07-2008, 08:21 AM

Call these guys...They'll fix it

Dubs

browca04 · 24-07-2008, 08:40 AM

Are you handy with computers (As in building them)?

Just pull it apart and hit it with the compressor.
You''l be fine. As long as you don't cross the streams...

xanthian · 24-07-2008, 10:54 AM

I wouldn't take off the heatsink unless you're willing to replace the thermal paste. Just remove the fans from the heatsinks where possible (I don't think it's possible to do it on the new intel ones, from memory, without removing the heatsink).

Matso · 24-07-2008, 12:18 PM

browca anything basic it i could work it out. but the tecko stuff i fail. although with almost anything I pick up quickly if people have the patience with my questions.

I am toying with the idea of cleaning this one up for the kids and get some research done on building a multi media spec pc myself. kinda like teach me how to fish (etc....).

We will see how genourous the tax man is this year.

xanthian · 24-07-2008, 12:54 PM

Myself, or almost any one of the other self-confessed nerds on these forums would be able to help you. Throw in some beers or in some cases your old components, and you can even watch while we do it for you. :p

By "multimedia pc" did you mean games or dvds? Any graphics card will be able to play a dvd (on-board would not be recommended for blu-ray), but if you're talking about playing the latest games, you want to outlay more on the graphics card.

If it's there to do things to videos caught on a camera, that's more cpu (and somewhat RAM) intensive than anything else.

The word "multimedia" gets thrown around like "broadband"; causing people who actually know their shit to groan in pain.

I have something of a beast right now that I bought & built last weekend some time. Cost me $1500 but it should be good for gaming for at *least* 3 years, if that's some sort of benchmark you want to go by.

Matso · 24-07-2008, 01:27 PM

No gaming intended.

I am looking at more the video/photo editing lines and storing multimedia (music, videos et al) may even move into sound recording software. Also the share trading and assorted spread sheets/documents.

A question for the IT nerdz. Can you have more than one HDD in the PC unit (one to run software and the other for permanent storage and is it expandable?

More questions will follow in a new thread especially if Kruddenator and his cronies are generous in donation to the "Matso Wealth creation then spend it fund".

Thanks for the offer to build and may take up the offer if I stuff up or simply CBF doin' it my self.

19-07-2008, 09:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Matso Blek 08 Ninja 250R Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Forrestfield Posts: 98	PC maintenance While I was installing an ethernet adapter to my 5 year old computer so I can hook up to ADSL. I notice alot of dust (fluff) build-up on what I think is the CPU fan. My question is how does one safely remove this said dust? And does it affect the performance of the computer? Thanx in advance. Matso

19-07-2008, 09:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
thro CBR600RR7, 1.5x VJ22 RGV250 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canning Vale Posts: 9,382	Can of compressed air from <hardware store>. Or if your vacuum cleaner can blow, use that... (outside of course) It won't affect the PCs performance until it gets to the point where the machine starts overheating (maybe during games when its working hard). When it overheats, it will do "wierd shit" ... eg, BSOD, crash, lock up, graphical corruption, whatever... (undefined behaviour) or maybe if the components (cpu/video card) can do thermal management it will slow down - once it gets hot... __________________ CBR600RR \| RGV250 \| 180SX New to riding? Or group riding? -99999121 point(s) total

19-07-2008, 11:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
thro CBR600RR7, 1.5x VJ22 RGV250 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canning Vale Posts: 9,382	BSOD = blue screen of death... __________________ CBR600RR \| RGV250 \| 180SX New to riding? Or group riding? -99999121 point(s) total

19-07-2008, 11:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
Gryphen Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,511	Use a compressor and clean it regularly, letting the dust build up, means it retains more heat etc, is slower to disipate, and basically reduces you safety margin in case either it does heat spike or a fan etc fails, on a regular basis clean the dust out, after all that little bit of extra heat helps shorten the life of all the components within the case, __________________

20-07-2008, 01:08 AM	#8 (permalink)
phildo Honda XR650R Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Perth Posts: 473	Take it outside, remove the casing/cover and give it the blow job of a lifetime with a garden/weed blower. Works superbly. __________________ One owner. Only driven gently on Sundays. Sold to best offer. First to see will buy. Reward offered for safe return. Coming soon to a cinema near you. Available for a limited time only. My waterbed broke this morning. Oh, I don't have a waterbed. Bugger.

19-07-2008, 11:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Matso Blek 08 Ninja 250R Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Forrestfield Posts: 98	Thanx Thro. As it explains why I was having screen lock-ups and now crashes. Although I do not know what a BSOD is or what to look out for when it happens. Matso

19-07-2008, 11:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
HPM 91 Honda CBR1000F Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Kennedy Posts: 111	Its okay so use a soft dry brush - much like a paint brush whilst vacuuming - the dust tends to adhere to the components due to heat. I've done it with all my electrical / electronic. I do use a compressor though - its better than th evacuum.

20-07-2008, 12:19 AM	#7 (permalink)
Matso Blek 08 Ninja 250R Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Forrestfield Posts: 98	AAAAh. Righto. Now tis an excuse to buy a cheapo compressor for the poota and the tyres on the bike an cars.

21-07-2008, 10:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
Carbon Not Yet, but soon Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth Posts: 40	Just a warning, beware of static electricity while cleaning. That will destroy sensitive components! Although if you have a 5 year old computer, some components may start failing regardless of the dust!

23-07-2008, 05:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jonchilds It's not red. Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central NoR Posts: 5,394	5 y/o PC should'nt see anything solid-state failing. HDD's depending on brand, use and power cycles have a MTBF of around 5-7 years and fans if dusty/cheap can die in under 2 years. My trick with the CPU coolers is to remove the fan screws & fan, then attack the heatsink with a vaccum and duster. Last edited by Jonchilds; 23-07-2008 at 05:55 PM. Reason: added 'nt

23-07-2008, 05:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
thro CBR600RR7, 1.5x VJ22 RGV250 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canning Vale Posts: 9,382	Static isn't a huge problem so long as you take a couple of precautions - don't wear nylon/polysester, and ground yourself on something if possible just before you go poking at stuff... I don't even bother grounding myself usually, so long as you don't go poking around at cards you should be fine. I've only ever blown up one card in the past 15 years, and that was wearing a nylon jumper in winter and actually swapping cards out. Blowing the pc out with compressed air? no worries dude... __________________ CBR600RR \| RGV250 \| 180SX New to riding? Or group riding? -99999121 point(s) total

23-07-2008, 06:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
browca04 ?????? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Crawley Posts: 3,872	Compressed air FTW. I cleaned out a PIII that was about 10 years old not too long ago... It's never failed to amaze me how much shit can accumulate in your PC over a long period of time.... __________________ "To survive today, you will need your anger. Anger will be your friend. Anger will be your lover. When you go on holiday, anger will water your petunias."

23-07-2008, 06:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
xanthian Canary Yellow CBR 250 RR Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mullaloo, Perth Posts: 211	Keeping it off the ground usually helps reduce the amount of shit inside. I wouldn't recommend cleaning out any heatsinks without taking the fan off first, though. That's just a trip to loud city waiting to happen as you blow all the dust into the bearing. You also don't get very good access. Personally, I just use a clean paintbrush to dust down the various heatsinks and do it outside on a windy day. Saves me passing out from breathing too heavily. :p

24-07-2008, 08:17 AM	#14 (permalink)
Matso Blek 08 Ninja 250R Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Forrestfield Posts: 98	Thanks for the tips guys. I simply would not have thought about the static elctricity and getting shite in the fan bearings. Can I safely remove the heatsink and clean it away from the motherboard? I want avoid removing something that may affect the running of the computer if it is removed. Also a weird thing happened to my CD drive on the weekend. When the PC was switched on it would open and close automatically and I could not find the reason why. Should I be worried and should I replace the drive? Thanks heaps guys.

24-07-2008, 08:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
Dubs zooky 13hundy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: on tha blok - with jenny Posts: 6,210	Call these guys...They'll fix it Dubs __________________ "Dubs....He's bringin sexy back." With Dubs, the juice is DEFINATELY worth the squeeze.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

24-07-2008, 08:40 AM	#16 (permalink)
browca04 ?????? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Crawley Posts: 3,872	Are you handy with computers (As in building them)? Just pull it apart and hit it with the compressor. You''l be fine. As long as you don't cross the streams... __________________ "To survive today, you will need your anger. Anger will be your friend. Anger will be your lover. When you go on holiday, anger will water your petunias."

24-07-2008, 10:54 AM	#17 (permalink)
xanthian Canary Yellow CBR 250 RR Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mullaloo, Perth Posts: 211	I wouldn't take off the heatsink unless you're willing to replace the thermal paste. Just remove the fans from the heatsinks where possible (I don't think it's possible to do it on the new intel ones, from memory, without removing the heatsink).

24-07-2008, 12:18 PM	#18 (permalink)
Matso Blek 08 Ninja 250R Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Forrestfield Posts: 98	browca anything basic it i could work it out. but the tecko stuff i fail. although with almost anything I pick up quickly if people have the patience with my questions. I am toying with the idea of cleaning this one up for the kids and get some research done on building a multi media spec pc myself. kinda like teach me how to fish (etc....). We will see how genourous the tax man is this year.

24-07-2008, 12:54 PM	#19 (permalink)
xanthian Canary Yellow CBR 250 RR Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mullaloo, Perth Posts: 211	Myself, or almost any one of the other self-confessed nerds on these forums would be able to help you. Throw in some beers or in some cases your old components, and you can even watch while we do it for you. :p By "multimedia pc" did you mean games or dvds? Any graphics card will be able to play a dvd (on-board would not be recommended for blu-ray), but if you're talking about playing the latest games, you want to outlay more on the graphics card. If it's there to do things to videos caught on a camera, that's more cpu (and somewhat RAM) intensive than anything else. The word "multimedia" gets thrown around like "broadband"; causing people who actually know their shit to groan in pain. I have something of a beast right now that I bought & built last weekend some time. Cost me $1500 but it should be good for gaming for at least 3 years, if that's some sort of benchmark you want to go by.

24-07-2008, 01:27 PM	#20 (permalink)
Matso Blek 08 Ninja 250R Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Forrestfield Posts: 98	No gaming intended. I am looking at more the video/photo editing lines and storing multimedia (music, videos et al) may even move into sound recording software. Also the share trading and assorted spread sheets/documents. A question for the IT nerdz. Can you have more than one HDD in the PC unit (one to run software and the other for permanent storage and is it expandable? More questions will follow in a new thread especially if Kruddenator and his cronies are generous in donation to the "Matso Wealth creation then spend it fund". Thanks for the offer to build and may take up the offer if I stuff up or simply CBF doin' it my self.