Removing dust from computer

[wilson]

My computer turns off while I watch DVD's as it is overheating due to a built up off dust. Is it possible for me to remove the dust myself or do I have to take it to a professional?
thanks a lot

[Flaming_Arrow]

you can do it yourself

[pHysiX]

use a can of compressed air or simply a brush =] just be careful (no need to say).

o and i'd be cautious of using a vacuum cleaner.

[Edmund]

Use can buy a USB vacuum from Dicksmiths...

Dont use an ordinary vacuum cleaner... It will suck all the keys out

[shinny]

Vacuum cleaner tends to work fine for me as long as you keep it outside of the case to get the smaller dust out. If that doesn't work and you've got some stuff that's hard to get out (dust mixed with grease is particularly nasty), then yeh, either go with the cans of pressurised air which you can buy at PC stores, or physically scrape it out. However, since the likely cause of your problem (well it's what happened to me at least) is too much dust in the heat sink of the CPU, and that can't really be solved by a vacuum cleaner or even pressurised air from what I know, you'll need to scrape out the dust by taking out the heat sink, and that probably isn't something you should do yourself.

[excal]

Pressurised air can is good for getting dust out of those tiny nooks and crannies inside your computer. A vacuum cleaner can be used to clean bulk amounts of dust but just ensure you do not use the brushes provider - they can generate a static charge. Just use the nozzle and suck up what you can and use compressed air to do the rest.

Anything else leftover probably won't hurt the computer in terms of airflow.

[Mao]

is this a desktop or laptop?

If a desktop, it's most probably the fans, esp the one on top of the CPU and GPU (a black box on the motherboard, and the fan on the graphics card). If it is getting that bad it turns of, the build up is probably quite significant. You will need a mask (or breathe dust all you want), and small screw drivers to take the fans off to clean them. Make sure to be very careful when handling the circuit boards, esp the capacitors, if you are not gentle and knock them over, they do break.

If it is a laptop, basically the same thing. Most cases have screws that allow you to take most of the bottom off, you should unscrew the copper heatsink, there can be massive build-up behind the heat sink (where the 'radiator' of the laptop is). Last time I did it it wasn't dust, it was a film that I peeled off... =\

[dekoyl]

Be careful about the dust you breathe in when you're cleaning =]

"Toxic dust" found on computer processors and monitors contains chemicals linked to reproductive and neurological disorders, according to a new study by several environmental groups.

According to new research into chemical residue found in the dust collecting on computers and other electronics devices, the PC that you're using to read this story could pose a long-term threat to your health.

Yes it's from a while ago but I just remembered this when Mao mentioned the dust. This might not be entirely true but better be safe than sorry, I say.

[gfb]

Listing the options:

1) Compressed air cans (you can purchase them from a place like MSY). I think they are like $15.
2) Use a small paint brush and dust the air off gently
3) Then suck the dust with a vacuum cleaner (on very very low power).

Note : Remember to do all this AFTER removing all cables from the pc .

[excal]

I'd avoid the paint brush, as it can create a static charge.

There are special brushes on the market that don't generate a static charge exactly for this purpose I believe...can't point you in the right direction though.

[wilson]

thank you very much!

[excal]

Be careful about the dust you breathe in when you're cleaning =]

"Toxic dust" found on computer processors and monitors contains chemicals linked to reproductive and neurological disorders, according to a new study by several environmental groups.

According to new research into chemical residue found in the dust collecting on computers and other electronics devices, the PC that you're using to read this story could pose a long-term threat to your health.

Yes it's from a while ago but I just remembered this when Mao mentioned the dust. This might not be entirely true but better be safe than sorry, I say.

Very credible sources

Though, dust in itself is probably not good for your respiratory system as a rule...who knows what could be in it even in a non-computer setting.