Tip & How-To about Computers & Internet
Old (& sometimes new!) computers make annoying and disturbing ventilation sounds that the user can not take it anymore.
Most of the time, it's related to the dust that is 'collected' on the computer's internal components (static electricity and stuff). Cleaning out that dust will not only make your computer quieter, but also slightly better performing (as less dust means less heat, and less heat equals better performance).
I have seen some computers even not start up or barely sustaining a minute of power up before shutting down, because of much dust inside.
1. The whole operation will be done outdoors, as there will be much dust extracted.
2. This is what you will need:
- Domestic Air blower (cool air) or an compressed air duster compressed can;
- Clean piece of cloth;
- Your computer's case (of course).
3. This is what you should NOT use:
- Hair dryer or any hot air blower: the air blown should be cool;
- Paper tissue or some other fabric which leaves behind small particles.
Get your computer on the table, and open the case. Often, it's either a couple of screws or clamps away.
Let your computer rest upwards, vertically: the dust coming off wouldn't get back in easily.
If you're going to use a compressed air duster can, DON'T shake it before spraying: you will mix liquid with gas, and will ruin your computer. This is one of the reasons I prefer an air blower over the compressed cans (which also run out of pressure).
You might, at first, need to stay a little away from your computer, while blowing off the 'first coat' of dust. When no more dust is coming off, spray over the corners and hard-to-get areas, to clear what might remain there.
After doing that, you still have 2 important components to clean: the power supply and the processor. Both will hold an amazing amount of dust, so be careful not to choke :)!
Cleaning the power supply is straight forward: blow air through the vents, from both (or all) sides, until no dust seem to go off anymore. Don't worry if the internal fans start rotating with the air you're blowing: they won't get broken, but they will become clean.
As for the processor, if you're experienced enough, the best way to clean it is to take it apart. But DON'T do it if you don't know what you are doing!!!
The easy way to clean it is just blowing air on its heat sink and fan, until they're clean enough.
Should you choose to take it apart, take off the heat-sink/fan package. Leave the processor in its socket. Clean the heat sink with air blows and then with the cloth. Same thing with the fan. If you have thermal paste, you might as well clean the processor, but if not, don't bother taking it off. After they are clean, put back the heat-sink and the fan on top of the processor and lock them securely.
Close up the case of your computer, and you're done!
Your computer now should be more quiet than before, and as stated earlier, you might even notice a slight increase in its performance!
Posted by Paul-Marc on
Mar 22, 2011 | Facebook Social Network
Feb 01, 2011 | 2000 BMW 3 Series
Jan 13, 2011 | GE Refrigerators
277 people viewed this tip
Usually answered in minutes!