Cleaning PC w/a air compressor

[Guest]

I just checked inside my rig and it was quite dusty, especially around my intake fans. Having fully opened it, I realized I was out of air compressor and I wasn't able to go out and buy some, so I just used my lungs and blew away the thick layers that surrounded the fans and some areas of my gpu. Now it looks a lot better.

Then it occurred to me that maybe that wasn't the best idea. I heard that using vacuum cleaners builds up static. I didn't use one, but does manually blowing air into the system using your lungs cause issues?

Thanks

 

[fkr]

you will be fine.

could you add enough moisture to short something out, if it work after blowing it it is fine.

even a vacuum safe really. i dont use one but if you take the extra precaution of discharging any static by touching your case then components then all will be fine

unplug the power supply while doing any cleaning

 

[ProtoAMP]

I just checked inside my rig and it was quite dusty, especially around my intake fans. Having fully opened it, I realized I was out of air compressor and I wasn't able to go out and buy some, so I just used my lungs and blew away the thick layers that surrounded the fans and some areas of my gpu. Now it looks a lot better.

Then it occurred to me that maybe that wasn't the best idea. I heard that using vacuum cleaners builds up static. I didn't use one, but does manually blowing air into the system using your lungs cause issues?

Thanks

It can cause static, but I would just be careful. Personally, I clean my computer by taking the main parts apart, Ie. CPU Fan (not head sink), GPU...and going outside and using an air compressor. Vacuum cleaners can build up static but I've used one before with a plastic tip and grounded it properly, and haven't had any problems. I wouldn't worry about it, just make sure you dont really do it again, rather wait and buy compressed air, than ruining your expensive PC. Also, doing it somewhere with good ventilation, so the dust can't really do anything is also a good idea

 

[sizzling]

Although fkr suggested unplugging the PSU I wouldn't. All the time your PSU is plugged in the system is properly grounded, if there was a static charge its far more likely to disperse safely.