Talk:Cleaning your computer

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Posted by bben46 on 20:00, 25 October 2009


A question comes to mind, Sir. As far as heat goes do you think that it is better to keep the side panel off of the machine while it is in use to increase air access and heat dissipation (assuming no children or other pests get into it) or should should one leave the case side on and let the fans direct the air flow over the components?

On a laser mouse I find that dust and lint can clog the laser beam hole and cause odd cursor behavior so blowing it out on occasion seems to help with me.

We found a tidy set of Barbie sized (almost) computer vacuum attachments at a discount hardware store for around $10-$15 American designed to fit your vacuum hose and help in cleaning small areas inside the case. The brush bristles are poly, though.

Thank you for the article, Mr. Bben. I gave the Site Bot a well earned kudo for this truly grand missive!!

Lepus 18:01, 26 October 2009 (BST)


Leaving the side off is a debatable question. Some people swear by it while others swear at it. If you have a heat problem and you can safely leave it off, try it to see what happens. If it lowers your temperature, it's time to find more cooling. If it does not, put it back. In my opinion, having the side off defeats the purpose of any dust filters (not that many makers put actual working dust filters on their cases)

I have found mice in computers (and other electronic equipment) that were left open before. Don't make it too easy for the pests to get in. There is nothing like cleaning a week old dead mouse from a computer to ruin your lunch.

Prior to the original IBM 5151 (usually called the PC) every computer I worked with had a filtered air intake, usually the filter was easily removed for cleaning or changing. Very little dust got in. Then IBM found their little toy computer ran a little hot. so they reversed the fan in the power supply (the only one in there) causing it to suck in dust through every tiny crevice and opening in the case. With no possible way to filter it.

I have actually reversed the power supply fan in several computers that were in very dusty environments, and were not running warm. Then placing a good filter material over the fan. Note that this WILL increase the temperature inside the case, but it will reduce (but not eliminate) the dust that accumulates in the case and clogs USB ports, DVD players and floppy drive mechanisms.

bben46 00:43, 27 October 2009 (BST)