It is important to keep the inside of your computer clean. If dust and other debris like spider webs, pet hair, cigarette ash, etc. build up inside then your computer may fail prematurely. Dust forms an insulating blanket that prevents heat from being dissipated. The heat generated by the various components, including the Central Processing Unit (CPU), a significant source of heat, will build up and raise the temperature inside the box. The CPU fan and the power supply fan will not be able to do their job effectively. When components overheat the operating stability of the computer can be affected and components may fail.
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Dirty PC |
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Dirty PC |
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Overheated Pentium CPU |
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Tar-covered CPU cooler fan and memory chip in PC of cigarette smoker |
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To illustrate how dirty the inside of a computer can get here are some pictures taken of the inside of a client's PC. The PC was located in a home with pets and near a gravel pit. The system was very dirty inside. You should not let your computers get this dirty.
Compounding the dirt problem of this PC, the CPU fan had failed too. The label of the CPU under the fan was scorched. Look at the photo, especially around the area of the words "void if". The white label was browned by the heat. You should not let your computers overheat.
Data Power offers to local clients a computer cleaning service. We will open the box and with our "Data Vac" vacuum cleaner built especially for this kind of job, vacuum out the loose dust and dirt, then use the unit to blow air to dislodge the accumulated buildup, and then vacuum the system again. If your computer is used in a dirty environment like a shop, near dusty roads, driveways or gravel pits, close to lots of hairy pets, etc. you should consider getting the system checked at least once a year. In our experience of servicing computers over the years, we find the computer with normal use in an average home or office has enough dust accumulation to warrant a good cleaning once every two years.
A Note of Caution: Our "Data Vac" is special vacuum cleaner designed for use around delicate electronic equipment. As domestic vacuum cleaners are not designed for this use and may generate powerful static charges that can destroy your computer's components, you are discouraged from using such vacuum cleaners inside your computers.
TIP: We suggest that you regularly check that the power supply fan is functioning properly. Simply hold your hand over the fan grille at the back of the computer box. You should feel a flow of air. If you do not feel the air flow have your computer checked as soon as possible.
TIP: If your computer starts making odd noises have it checked right away. In addition to failing drives it could be a fan malfunctioning. If the noise subsequently stops it could mean the unit has failed completely so get it checked - do not assume the problem has been magically fixed. That is precisely what happened with the PC featured in the photos. The CPU fan's bearings got noisy but the problem was not investigated. Then the fan failed and was quiet.
This page was last edited February 10, 2009
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