Cleaning dust from a PC

[Alexandre Souza]

Hey, guys.
I hv an AirCooler *Hyper Tx3 EVO* which was rly hard to install on the mobo.
Its time for some cleaning now, not only the AirCooler but all the other components.
How safe would it be to use a compressed air spray to clean inside the CPU?
I hear a lot of people saying its safe, but i wanted to ask the PROs here.
I'm particularly worried bout the dust in VGA (Saphire R7 250) and the AirCooler (which is vertical).
The thing about the aircooler is that I could use the compressed air into the fan but the dust would spread all over the Chassis, so would that be a good idea? Im worried bout the compressed air damaging any component, is there a chance for that to happen?
All my components are kinda new, so maybe they're resistent enough, but i wanted to ask here.
Pls, if u hv any video to show me i'd gladly thank you, guys, but my doubt is rly about the compressed air being used right on my boards and stuff....is it safe?
Thx all!

 

[Ragnarous]

Well, if you spray from a distance, its safe enough.. I personally use a 2000 watt hair dryer, set it to cold mode and blow on the components closely, make sure you dont speed the fans by blowing air on them.. after that, if any dust stays at any component i use a PLASTIC not metal make up brush (it's my gf's) and clean the stuck dust with that!

 

[Aspiring techie]

It's safe to use canned air if you do it right. First, never hold the can upside down. That will make so it sprays liquid. Hold the can 6-8 inches from the computer parts and commence spraying. You can use your fingers to remove dust bunnies from the chassie

 

[Vlad Rose]

I used canned air almost all the time when I clean my computer, it works fine if you follow what Aspiring Techie says. Otherwise, you can use an air compressor, just don't use too much air pressure.
For the other areas, I bought some micro fiber cloth from Harbor Freight and just wiped down the PC that way. If you have tight corners, you can get a soft bristle toothbrush to clear them out.
The hardest thing I ever had to clean on a PC was a Zalman 9700 CPU cooler due to the 'razor' fins. For that, I found out from reading online that you can use a straw on the fins. It worked like a charm.

 

[ahnilated]

The only reason you wouldn't want to use an air compressor is if you are in a humid environment. This will cause the compressor to blow out droplets of water and those can cause problems. If you are in a humid environment then you just need a moisture collector inline so it catches the water droplets.

 

[Alexandre Souza]

so sad I can only pick ONE answer as a solution.
Thx, guys, i feel safe enough to go ahead and start the war against dust.
Thx a lot, was not rly wanting to take out my Aircooler from my mobo since it still has thermal paste for a loooong time.
Thx all!