How To Do Just About Everything
By eHow Computers Editor
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Computer fans pull a lot of dust inside the chassis. If undisturbed, the dust can interfere with ventilation, eventually causing parts to fail. If you have a service contract that covers maintenance, have your computer taken apart and professionally cleaned. Otherwise, follow these steps.
eHow Computers Editor
Comments
jimdris said
on 11/5/2007 Spraying compressed air too close to components will cause frost and/or condensation to form on them. Use short burst from further away to prevent this!
Jeff said
on 3/24/2007 cleaning- I use compressed air to clean mine, but do heed the warnings about holding the can upright. If you freeze some components, you'll likely be looking at replacing some parts. Cleaning is not extremely complicated, but you should be cautious and make sure no cables/wires come unplugged.
Anonymous said
on 1/30/2006 After you've cleaned your computer (or when purchasing a new one), put fabric softener sheets over your air intakes. Generally, these are not the fans, as those tend to blow outward; they're usually just grated holes in the casing. There's usually one in the rear and one in the front (you have to remove the front panel to access the front vent).
Anonymous said
on 1/9/2006 The tip about positive air pressure is only helpful when the intake fans are filtered (filter attachments are relatively cheap, and simply screw on to the fan).
If the intakes fans aren't filtered, all the dust and dirt you don't want is just being sucked in faster. Also, remember that the outtake fans should not be filtered, or else you will be trapping in the dust.
Last, you will never have more air going out than in, or your computer will become a vacuum chamber and implode (probably not a good thing). Your best bet would be to plan the airflow so you don't have two intake fans blowing against each other, by putting intake in front and outtake in the back (or vice versa).
Anonymous said
on 12/8/2005 I like to make sure my fan is really clean. Most of them are fairly easy to remove with either a clip or a precision screwdriver. If you need to remove a clip, pay close attention to how the clip goes on and off. Then, grab a dry, old toothbrush (a must in any computer cleaning kit) and happily brush the fan clean. Continue as above.