[SOLVED] Custom Computer Cleaning - Air Duster Question

[EsmaFingerpin]

Well I have a custom built computer that I didn't build myself and it seems like I have to buy these ever month - https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Emzone-Air-Duster-284g-10Oz-2-pack/PRD7IYKTZ6LZE2T

Is there something else I can buy for a custom built computer such as below that would be cheap maybe under $100 range? above $100 range is possible too but would have to save up for it.

Also does blowing any kind of moisture into a computer will eventually make it a nonfunctioning unit from an Air Duster of the link above ??

Custom Built Tower - Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit | CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core Processor | Drive: Intel 660p NVMe PCIe M.2 512GB | Memory: Corsair DDR4 3200 2x8GB | Graphics Card: Sapphire Nitro + Radeon RX 580 Series 8 GB | Power Supply: Thermaltake 80 Plus Smart 700W | Total Computer Fans - 5 | 2 Front Intake Fans, 1 Side Intake Fan, 1 Back Exhaust fan, 1 Upper Exhaust fan

Upgraded CPU, Memory, and PSU on April.2nd,2021

 

[Newtonius]

The duster should not cause any longterm damage by just using it normally as instructed, just don't press the nozzle directly onto the circuit board and keep it there spraying for a long duration, just blow away dust like you would with a fan.

As for what else you can buy, well nothing else seems to be required, so it's just mainly whatever peripherals you want that would add personality or convenience to your setup (i.e headset holder, good mouse, nice set of headphones, etc). OR if you were planning to do a lot of gaming on this computer, a big capacity secondary hard drive would help you store more games.

 

[EsmaFingerpin]

@Newtonius - this was said on another forum: "You understand blowing any kind of moisture into a computer will eventually make it a nonfunctioning unit"

So what was said on another forum is incorrect?

I plan to buy a 1TB SSD like this one when I have the money - https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX00115699

 

[MeanMachine41]

Hi EsmaFingerpin


Why on earth do you have to buy them every month. ?
I only clean for dust every 12 months using compressed air in a canister such as what you are using.
Sure some environments are more dusty than others but to be spending anywhere near $100 is ridiculous.
i'm not going to recommend a vacuum cleaner as they generate static and that can destroy components. I have a duster with Anti static features however they are expensive and even then i'm careful.

Here is my model: https://www.pccasegear.com/products/36730/metrovac-datavac-esd-safe-electric-duster-ed-500esd

Just observe your case interior for pockets of dust that can build up. Try to blow dust away from your case and not just move it on to build up somewhere else. Use Isopropyl Alcohol to wipe surfaces like fan blades etc.
Only Use the air duster with the PC switched off at the PSU and allow the system to stand for 15mins when finished.

 

[EsmaFingerpin]

@MeanMachine41 Even with the amount of fans in the computer if I open it once a week I always see dust on the Faceplate of my graphics card.

I always turn off my computer and turn the main power switch off at the back and try my best to make sure no liquid sprays inside it

It has only has happened a few times and when it does I keep it off for 30mins otherwise I turn it back on after taking the microfiber cloth to a few things inside like faceplate of gpu, top of psu, where hard drive and cd rom would be but there's not one since its a NVME.

I use this with the Air Duster to get dust the Air Duster might of missed Note has been washed since picture -

https://imgur.com/a/SPTFy6P

View: https://imgur.com/a/SPTFy6P#xfQFCzO


And this is the amount of dust on Friday after cleaning it on a Wednesday the same week you have to zoom in on the pictures to see it -

https://imgur.com/a/dWgRN1C

View: https://imgur.com/a/dWgRN1C#tCcksFy

I remember cleaning my old computer every 6 months with the one I had in 2011 until 2016 that was built by Computer Avenue (computer store) as there would be a build up of dust in my computer that often but it was a bigger tower then this one so it would sit on the floor too.

I have never used Isopropyl Alcohol though to clean the fan blades I use the microfiber cloth the best I can and not damage them that way either I have only had to replace the back GPU fan twice but there quick connect fan's but paid $60.00 ($30.00 each time) since I don't trust myself doing that or replacing anything in the computer itself.

 

[MeanMachine41]

I only use microfibre cloths for the exterior but I suppose as long as the cloth is anti static and not dampened as they usually are then OK. Never use any damp cloth on the interior.
I revised my previous post btw to show the duster i have.

 

[EsmaFingerpin]

@MeanMachine41 It was the one included with this I only use the screen cleaner spray for my Phone and TV with a different microfiber cloth and the one I use is always dry when I use it- https://www.thesource.ca/en-ca/tvs-...es/other/vital-screen-cleaner-kit/p/108079095

The Vac you listed I would have to save up for so what about ones like these below -

First one $80.00 - https://www.amazon.ca/isYoung-Condi...ung+cordless+air+duster&qid=1620192794&sr=8-5

2nd one $95.00 - https://www.amazon.ca/Computer-Keyb...MAT+Cordless+Air+Duster&qid=1620192849&sr=8-6

One like the 2nd one $81.00 - https://www.amazon.ca/OPOLAR-Cordle...MAT+Cordless+Air+Duster&qid=1620192849&sr=8-5

Here's something like you posted for $75.00 - https://www.amazon.ca/XPOWER-Airrow...DataVac&qid=1620195797&sr=8-9#customerReviews

 

[MeanMachine41]

Looks like typical microfiber cloth.
The first duster has no anti static feature so I don't recommend.
The second is the same so not recommended.
The third is the same no anti static feature so I don't recommend.


Static electricity can discharge from your body so the machine and a wrist strap are important.

 

[EsmaFingerpin]

@MeanMachine41 Yes it is and another forum it said it was okay -

https://imgur.com/a/dcbwH1a

View: https://imgur.com/a/dcbwH1a


Here's the link to the forum - https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/rx-580-8-gb-fan-question.3698692/#post-22287103

Okay well the one of yours I could find is $120.00 of this since I'm Canadian I would need a Canadian website - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B008ORVV36...colid=5OW5XS2TG1AI&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Edit sorry wrong one above

Here's the correct one for $141.00 - https://www.amazon.ca/Metro-Datavac-Safe-Electric-Duster/dp/B00U01YVYK

I have never used a wrist strap and I've had computers since 2005 but they were liquid cooling system in them and honestly nothing ever has happened to any of them.

I never used an air compressor or air duster till 2011 of my old tower and nothing happened with that one my ex sold it when I moved to the USA for awhile and he has it currently but 1 of the fans won't spin regardless cause how bad he let the dust get on it even a computer shop couldn't get it working again.

The only one I've ever had issues with is the one I currently have but that was before the upgrades and seems it was hardware issues since it has been resolved .

 

[EsmaFingerpin]

@MeanMachine41 How come I've seen computer shops not even use the wrist strap that you mention? I been to at least 3 computer shops even big names one like CDC Computers, Memory Express, etc and they have never once used the wrist strap that I have seen.

One called "Nothing But Tech" who's listed as #2 best computer repair shop where I live see for yourself - https://www.bestinwinnipeg.com/best-computer-repairs-winnipeg/

And who's had his own computer store since 2013 even blew out mine in 2 seconds without it the wrist strap using the $120.00 one I listed but I did see the $140.00 there too but he didn't use it for mine.

 

[MeanMachine41]

To be honest I don't always use a wrist strap myself anymore. I have an antistatic table and lino floor so I don't build up static. Some are prone to static and have carpet floors which is worst scenario.
It only takes one zap and you can damage an expensive piece of hardware so when building, I advocate to wear the strap.

 

[EsmaFingerpin]

@MeanMachine41 I have a metal table myself here If you zoom in on the first picture you will see it

https://imgur.com/a/N2LnLKM

View: http://imgur.com/a/N2LnLKM


The computer shop I mentioned of Nothing But Tech has completely hardwood floors like I have there is no carpet anywhere in this house

 

[MeanMachine41]

Well as far as I can tell your not interested in building a PC yourself so you don't have to be as careful. Wooden floors are great where static is concerned. Metal tables are a definite NO NO where PCBs are concerned.
If there's nothing more I can do for you then I'll sign out.😀

 

[EsmaFingerpin]

@MeanMachine41 No I don't trust myself touching very much inside my computer I know enough to diagnose a few simple issues myself or google them

Then I know enough of how clean the inside of my tower of the GPU faceplate and fans, CPU blowing the air duster there and cleaning the fan, Cleaning all other fans, and using the air duster in short bursts everywhere that I use it.

I mostly only use the Microfiber cloth on the faceplate, all fans but gently, where CD/Hard drive tray is but both empty since its a NVME, top of PSU and bottom of my case that's about it.