Device/Method to clean computer of dust and debris? Now with review!
Folks,
I've long used canned air to blow dust out of parts of my systems, sometimes with a vacuum cleaner to gobble up the results as they buzz around. But my local CompUSA has closed, ending my ability to get cheap canned air, and so I figured I ask how you take care of your systems. Our house is very dusty and it clogs and stops fans, clogs heat sinks and generally triggers my near OCD instinct to clean. Well, to tidy, anyway.
I probably can't get away from the canned air for general purpose dusting, but back in the days when I was an IBM tape monkey, we had small vacuum cleaners for cleaning hi-tech equipment like high speed chain printers and unsuspecting co-workers. Anything like that today, hopefully something that won't shift caps or gobble up asics?
Enquiring minds want to know!
“Why are we talking about this in the White House? History will not judge this kindly.” Atty Gen'l John Ashcroft, on secret NSC torture guideline discussions.
I would always recommend the vacuum rather than canned air just because I'm wary of the condensation that the cans can output though I've never seen anyone or anything affected by it.
I just use my shop vac and bring the PCs out to the garage/driveway to do the cleaning since the process usually means disconnecting everything anyhow.
Do you ever walk alone like a drifter in the dark?
There are dedicated computer vacuums stilll available. The main difference between those and a regular vacuum is that the computer vacuums are (or should be) carefully grounded to avoid static buildup, and often have specific attachments for vacuuming inside computer cases. We had one at my last job, but for the life of me I can't remember the brand.
Amazon's list
The canned air is fine as well, but tends to be expensive if you're cleaning a lot of machines.
Remember: this conversation is just between you and me ... and the NSA.
The problem with using a standard vacuum tends to be the buildup of static electricity that can on occasion cause damage to certain components inside the computer.
Not saying it's common or anything, it's just why I've always avoided using the vacuum on my PC. The condensation in the cans of compressed air tends to evaporate pretty much instantly and really isn't anything to worry about.
XBLive: Thin J
PSN: Thin_J
I don't imagine master craftsmen leaping away from completed projects and shouting "Done, motherf*ckers! - 1Dgaf
Prevention, wrap the intake fans in women's nylons.
I have to admit to using just a regular vacuum cleaner, with the hose attachment, to clean my case. Not the unsuspecting coworkers, though.
It seems to work well enough, and is not powerful enough to suck out the BIOS EEPROMs or jumpers...
I use a big can of compressed air: an air compressor with a desiccant filter.
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Web: Mantis on the Mountain
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My wife liked the man part monster I made. -Pharacon
What, I can't use men's nylons?
...what?
That's a good idea except when the nylon manages to get pulled into the fan blades. That would stop a fan dead. I guess I could put it on the outside, but that would be kind of ugly. I gotta think about this one. What would you do, cut a piece, stretch it and tape it in place?
I can actually get pre-cut foam filters, they work pretty well.
Aetius, thanks for the list.
“Why are we talking about this in the White House? History will not judge this kindly.” Atty Gen'l John Ashcroft, on secret NSC torture guideline discussions.
It is rather simple, the nylon is basically a sock, you put the sock around the fan, and then screw it back into place. No one will notice your cross dressing fans.
There are also cases with filters. Centurion makes one with layered foam filters.
*Legion* wrote:
Air Compressors rule for cleaning out dusty bits from inside computer cases.
Also filters on intake fans are a must in normal home environments. Double that if you have hardwood floors. Triple that is you also have cats. Know my pain.
Prederick wrote:
"When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross." - Sinclair Lewis.
Yup, I can empathize with the cat hair tumbleweeds.
Xbox Live: LiquidmantisGWJ | PSN: LiquidmantisGWJ
Web: Mantis on the Mountain
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My wife liked the man part monster I made. -Pharacon
Anyone tried using a leaf blower?
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Actually I have. I gave away my compressor to a friend when I moved from Austin and haven't gotten my garage workshop rebuilt yet. My shop vac has a detachable motor that converts to a leaf blower and that thing blasts the dust right out. The disadvantage is that it's more a sledgehammer approach than an archaeological pick finesse. With the air compressor you can dial down the pressure so that you aren't blasting jumpers and capacitors off of boards.
Xbox Live: LiquidmantisGWJ | PSN: LiquidmantisGWJ
Web: Mantis on the Mountain
--
My wife liked the man part monster I made. -Pharacon
I ended up ordering a set of 9 miniature attachments for my vacuum cleaner. I figured it was about $8 and if it works, I'm set. After that, I'll progress to more sophisticated bits if I need to.
We definitely have the hardwood floors and the long-haired pet. Luckily he does not shed much.
I'll let you know how it works.
“Why are we talking about this in the White House? History will not judge this kindly.” Atty Gen'l John Ashcroft, on secret NSC torture guideline discussions.
So, I perused Amazon's list as posted by Aetius, and at number 1, you'll find the 9-piece miniature vacuum attachment kit, for $7.97 plus shipping. I decided to purchase this, as it seemed to have the most potential price-performance.
The kit was quickly delivered from Cyberguys and came in it's own reuseable plastic bag. It contains an adapter for regular vacuum cleaners (to join to the end of a non-standard sized tube, I didn't need that); a large-to-small bore adapter, with a twistable vent to adjust suction and prevent sudden surges if you seal the end to a surface; a clear plastic flexible tube to provide length and movement; a pair of about 5-inch straight extenders to attach to the tube, one straight, one angled at the end; and two brushes, a small straight one and a wider one with a bent neck. Oh, and a small crevice tool. So you basically hook up the flexible tube, stick an extender in it and then use that or one of the attachments to get at places in the system case.
I recommend turning the suction control to allow the most airflow. Even at that setting, a full vacuum cleaner will not produce enough suction to damage any circuit board elements or the like, but there's plenty to pull plugs of dust out of filters and fans and cooling units.
The brush was great for flat and bumpy surfaces. It does a great job on the side window, top of the case, tops of pci-e boards and the like. Taking it away, I could then just poke into corners with the open end and pull dust out of corners and from on top of drives and the like.
At first, I had trouble with dust accumulating in the flexible tube. That was due to the suction vent being wide open, and tightening it and reversing the tube momentarily cleared it. After that, no blockages. It was good to put the nozzle next to the cpu cooler and hear the small chunk of dust bunnies leaping into the tube. Same thing at the entrance to the video cooler and in front of the fans.
For $8 plus shipping, it's really hard to beat this deal. And the parts are quality, relatively thick plastic similar to actual vacuum attachments. A great kit and worth the buy.
“Why are we talking about this in the White House? History will not judge this kindly.” Atty Gen'l John Ashcroft, on secret NSC torture guideline discussions.