Buying an air compressor to blow dust out of the computer?

[Bojangle12]

I was wondering if it was a good idea to use a small air compressor to blow air out of the computer instead of using those cans of compressed air. I'm tired of weird angles and worrying about the gases coming out of a liquid.

If it's a good idea, anyone know what psi to get it at? And what's a good buy?

Thanks.

 

[USAFRet]

A can of air is far better. The small compressors do not provide enough airflow to actually get stuff out.
Yes, they will eventually do high pressure, but not in the volume you need. Yes, I've tried it.

 

[i7Baby]

I have a big compressor at home in the garage anyway. There's more you can do than just blow out your PC. Spray painting, pump up tyres, etc

But if all you're doing is blowing out the PC once a year then stick with the cans.

 

[ThatVietGuy]

I've seen this recommended on other forums - http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301814989&sr=8-2

 

[i7Baby]

I think blowing works better.

 

[ThatVietGuy]

The manufacturer may have "Vacuum" in its name, but it definitely blows 😉

 

[DeathRabit]

I personally use paintbrush and my
lungs to remove dust from my PC.
Working better compared to this Air Cans

 

[USAFRet]

I've seen this recommended on other forums - http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301814989&sr=8-2

$58? Just....no.

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Meh, guy wants an air compressor. Who cares.

And when he realizes an air compressor isn't worth it, he'll stick with the canned air. Win-win for all!

 

[ronintexas]

I had a pretty good air compressor - similar to this one: http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=CvYX4DtuYVOPJBIqGpQO3iYGwCa2lgM0FpYWW4tYB1vfo4sQCCAYQAigIYMnW5YzkpPAToAH44JnlA8gBB6oEJE_Q79vEby-uDn2_izKJHz1VgtW99Mg8LggMfY3Z3MslNyCkX8AFLqAGJoAHjaLcM4gHAZAHAqgHpr4b4BKcm-W-0-bybA&sig=AOD64_1ZzNMU-nBb5L7NtzlmBJlvAqydcA&ctype=46&rct=j&q=&ved=0CK8BEKkl&adurl=http://local.sears.com/Craftsman-Gallon-Portable-Horizontal-Air-Compressor--PSI/p-00915364000P%3Fst%3D1137%26sid%3DIDx20141117x00001xlpla&cad=rja

I could only use it in the garage, so I had to take the computer apart, lug it into the garage, and blow it out. The compressor usually took 30-45 seconds to get enough air pressure (you have to buy a hose and a nozzle with a switch on it).

Several things you have to be concerned with: First, quite often the compressor had condensation inside the canister, which could spray droplets of water into your computer. I had a filter that attached to the compressor (it was a double cloth filter with a paper 3rd filter), which brings up the second issue - particles that can get in the canister (rust, dust, sand, etc) which the filter took care of. Lastly, you need to make sure that the hose is clear prior to blowing out your computer - as condensation can get into the hose, as well as dust, rust, sand, etc...).

Last - the compressor is $150 on sale ($200 normally). You can buy a lot of canned air for that price - if you are only buying it to clean your PC - this is quite the investment....

 

[ko888]

I use an 8 gallon, 125 psi compressor when I take my system outside to blow out the dust. It's never caused any problems.

Canned air is just too weak to do the proper job.

 

[Bojangle12]

Several things you have to be concerned with: First, quite often the compressor had condensation inside the canister, which could spray droplets of water into your computer. I had a filter that attached to the compressor (it was a double cloth filter with a paper 3rd filter), which brings up the second issue - particles that can get in the canister (rust, dust, sand, etc) which the filter took care of. Lastly, you need to make sure that the hose is clear prior to blowing out your computer - as condensation can get into the hose, as well as dust, rust, sand, etc...).

Couldnt you just blow air out for 10-20 seconds to clear out the condensation and particles?

 

[ronintexas]

You would think it would get all of it out in a short period of time....but that isn't always the case. It doesn't retain a lot of moisture, you won't fill up a bucket....LOL. But if you get a few specs of rust, it can create a short, and moisture of any kind isn't good in electronic components. You can minimize the possibility of problems by keeping the tank empty (allowing all air to escape after each use), but there is still the possibility....

 

[Louise Porkolt]

at work I also opted for a small 1 to 3 gallons portable compressor.
but my colleague IT-guy bought 5 cans of compressed air instead.
As once a year each PC needs to be cleaned out we used the cans combined with the vacuum cleaner so we make less flying dust in the offices !

a small portable vacuum cleaner for 30euro's with different spare parts for different surfaces (keyboard brush, small tube, larger mouth for vacuuming the dust blown from the cans).

dustercans don't last long that's why I always take all 5 of them, after 15 sec the cans freeze and no air comes out anymore. take the second can and a third if necessary but if you clean out 10PC's on a day then a portable compressor is not a luxury item !

hope this helps.
Cheers, Louise.