I've had my desktop for about 4 years. It was built by a friend that I'm no longer in contact with. In fact, I don't even know HOW to contact him anymore.
In the last year, several of my fans have clogged. Now, normally, this wouldn't phase me. The problem is that some of the fans that I replaced have also become clogged.
Now, when I replaced the first fans, I also bought a can of air and blasted the whole thing (kicking up a lot of dust). Could this be the cause of everything becoming clogged again so quickly? Is this a symptom of a bigger problem? How much could I expect a computer store to charge me for a good physical cleaning? Any advice?
Thanks
Posted by BaoQingTian (Member # 8775) on :
It's not very ESD safe, but I stick the end of a vacuum hose into the bottom of the case while I'm blowing everything out. I'll also stick the hose against the fans and let it suck the dust off them. I wouldn't get too near any circuit boards with this method though.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
Buy filters for the negative side of all case fans.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
I'd suggest you analyze where your computer sits. I normally blow out my machine about once a year (it sits on my desktop away from much dirt/dust). If you store your tower on the floor or near a fan, for example, you should blow it out more frequently. Basically, the dirtier/dustier the area - the more dirt/dust is going to get into your computer. All your fans are blowing out, right (so you're not actually sucking in dust with them)?
Posted by Mathematician (Member # 9586) on :
Yeah, they're all blowing out. We just moved and now my computer is sitting on the floor next to a wall. Is this a bad place? Before, it was sitting on the ground but not near any walls. Is this a better approach?
Also, how much $$ am I looking for for filters?
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
The filters are really cheap. You'll have to clean them out or replace them more often than before, but they're cheaper than new case fans.
What difference does it make if the fan is blowing out? The air still has to come from somewhere and it will still bring in dust.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
I was just thinking that if he has multiple fans blowing in and it's sitting on the floor, you would be more actively pulling carpet lint and such into your computer.