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i use canned air but people are telling me that's just a big scam. people are telling me to use a vacuum or an air compressor. would it be possible to use one of those to get dust out of my components and not damage anything?

i normally just use a vacuum cleaner lol

Canned air isn't a scam, it works but it do any wonders on your computer.

BlackFox898 wrote:i use canned air but people are telling me that's just a big scam. people are telling me to use a vacuum or an air compressor. would it be possible to use one of those to get dust out of my components and not damage anything?

lol wtf canned air? thats gotta be the most stupidest scam ever

just use a vacuum cleaner

Canned air is safer, just dont hold it too close or tip it over. A vacuum could rip some of the chips off your mobo/gpu or unplug stuff that needs to be plugged in.

The only reason you clean your comp is so that you dont get a nice rug of dust on top of your components. The dust will insulate and keep heat in and cause overheating or just reallllly loud fan noise.

If you must used a vacuum, hold it well above your comp and use to to suck up the dust as you air can it off.

Using a vacuum isnt exactly wise. They do build up static and some are rather strong and can break wires easily. Canned air is the best, some cost more than others but work the same. When i clean mine its like a art, i have a little brush i use for certain cracks, and a few other things.

cin wrote:i normally just use a vacuum cleaner lol

this.i do it too!

I use an air compressor at work, shits so cash it burns your eyes.

i once cleaned a comp with an air compresser blew the dust so far into the air it was crazy. comp was clean in seconds.

canned air is the best

I use lungpower

Soft brush, tissue, vacuum cleaner, finger with gloves. I just finished cleaning my tower.

wootpops wrote:i once cleaned a comp with an air compresser blew the dust so far into the air it was crazy. comp was clean in seconds.

same, used my dads in his garage without knowing how powerful it actually was. Should've realized that a 6 foot tall thing is going to have some massive power. Not a spec of dust left inside, but there was a dustcloud that I breathed in which wasn't very pleasant. at least it turned an inoperable computer (yes, dust can literally kill a pc) into one that worked.

Anywayyy.. canned air, I wouldn't use a vacuum cleaner because I can't picture it cleaning the tricky spots, better to blow the dust out then clean it with a cloth. air compresser on lowest setting if you have access to one

the air compressor in my opinion is the best choice. the only risk you have is messing up the fans (which can make some awesome sounds). the vacuum cleaner is good when your inside but you can suck up some loose parts. canned "air" is about the same as an air compressor, it's just a lot less power with a lower amount of use.

inky wrote:Soft brush, tissue, vacuum cleaner, finger with gloves. I just finished cleaning my tower.

We are talking about computers here jks

Fuck canned air. Someone gave me a can of pressurized purified bum fart to clean out my computers before and they barely did shit. Go pick up some dudes in front of home depot and pay them to blow the dust off with a straw.

Or use a blow dryer (on cool air mode).

I am a computer technician by trade, Vacuum cleaners are the worst because they do cause static which can and will kill your pc. Canned air has issues if you tip the can the chemical used to pressurize it comes out and can get moisture on the components which isn't a good thing.

We use an air compresser in my shop, but you still have to ground yourself to the case when touching the metal nozzle as it too can create static (especially if the air compressor has been used with a sand blaster nozzle or cabinet). Other issues with air compressors arise when the tank is not properly drained at regular intervals or a water separator is not installed inline on the unit. Water and oil from the compressor or air tools can be in the line if it is not filtered properly again causing moisture problems. And finally as mentioned the power of the compressor should be known before using it on the computer, and you should always clean it outdoors or in a properly ventilated area.

Items not recommended for computer cleaning:

Brushes - They cause static electricity and they "shed" leaving brush hairs that can be conductive.

Vacuums - Cause static and can rip things apart if powerful enough.

Canned Air - Can cause some moisture issues if the can is tilted or too far drained.

Fingers - Always need to be properly grounded when dealing with computer internals. Proper grounding is having a ground strap hooked to your wrist while working on the PC, in lieu of that you can ground yourself by holding the case with one hand while work in the PC with the other, or touching the case if you are standing on a non-conductive surface.

I will add a big "agree" to Talonos' post. Not many people in our tech dept use vacuum cleaners. Quicker and cheaper to use canned air, plus it's limited in how much pressure is applied.

canned air + vacuum. if you don't have a vacuum sucking the dust, it'll just resettle on ur component after u canned them. but don't stick the vacuum directly on top tho, its sucking power should be enough for u to hold it some distance away from your computer and still suck all the floating dust.

The computer shop I used to work for uses compressed air. It's perfectly fine.

The brushes ive never really had a problem with before, no static, no bristles falling off, you don't really clean it roughly. Might be worth mentioning that it doesn't touch any PCB. Good for cleaning out the tight spots in fans. With a light bristle you can do well.also helps some at the bottom of the SB and NB heatsink.

When I open my computer it's usually because it's either broken or I need to replace something. I have never cleaned my computer before.

woutR wrote:When I open my computer it's usually because it's either broken or I need to replace something. I have never cleaned my computer before.

If you ever have random restarts or crashes you know exactly where to look, the dust bunny army will have conquered your fans.

I use this. Whats the difference between compressed air and "canned" air?

CrimsonNuker wrote:I use this. Whats the difference between compressed air and "canned" air?

Theoritcally, nothing.
Market wise, about $5 probably.

lol.

CrimsonNuker wrote:I use this. Whats the difference between compressed air and "canned" air?

well compressed air is from a compresser and canned air is from a can.

Canned air is compressed, same shit...dust off is the most expensive i think.

All purpose leaf blower.

EvGa wrote:

woutR wrote:When I open my computer it's usually because it's either broken or I need to replace something. I have never cleaned my computer before.

If you ever have random restarts or crashes you know exactly where to look, the dust bunny army will have conquered your fans.

Yay for warranty.