Heatsink cleaning question

FujiwaraTakumi · Oct 24, 2007

Would using a semi-old toothbrush to clean the dust from in between the fins be a bad idea? The bristles are small enough to get in between. I'm just concerned whether it'll create some sort of static build up.

DRDNA · Oct 24, 2007

FujiwaraTakumi said:
Would using a semi-old toothbrush to clean the dust from in between the fins be a bad idea? The bristles are small enough to get in between. I'm just concerned whether it'll create some sort of static build up.

That should be fine...but I like compressed caned air which is made for the such :toast:

Namslas90 · Oct 24, 2007

Even a fresh clean paintbrush works well.

:toast:

DRDNA · Oct 24, 2007

Namslas90 said:
Even a fresh clean paintbrush works well.

which would be better than a tooth brush(i would think)

Random Murderer · Oct 24, 2007

DRDNA said:
which would be better than a tooth brush(i would think)

whatever has long enough bristles. as long as it gets the dust out, you should be fine.

Kreij · Oct 24, 2007

Actually you can generate static using a brush. That it why you should never vacuum out your computer using the brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner.

Canned air or an air compressor is the safest. If you are using an air compressor, make sure it is does not spit droplets of oil out of the hose (some self oiling ones will do that). To be safe, put an in-line filter on your air compressor hose (anywhere between the compressor and the nozzle is fine). Anyone who uses their air compressor to remove sawdust from woodworking projects knows the pain that blowing oil onto just sanded wood will cause.

Morgoth · Oct 24, 2007

i used my vacuum cleaner for that

J-Man · Oct 24, 2007

I just heavily blow the dust off my heatsink or just use a cloth and wipe the dust off.

curt · Oct 24, 2007

hey

yeah just any brush basikly i used a blush brush for mobo cleaning up to stuff as hard as hair brushes to get hard crap off heat sinks

some like my slk-900u need a pipe cleaner to get betwean the fins

Sasqui · Oct 24, 2007

I wouldn't worry about static, I swear that's old school but there still a mild risk if the humidity is low - the main risk is the bios chip, and HDDs (usually the only thing in your case that would be hurt by static). The best is a "can" of air to get all the crevices... I've used a leaf blower

on an old Dell that ran 24/7. Wow that was nasty, but it worked really well and I did that outside! Also used brushes, cloth.

Also used an air compressor. It's the best for cleaning fans - by far, second only to canned air.

panchoman · Oct 24, 2007

its a great idea, i give my computer a little brush down every 2-4 weeks. keeps everything nice and cool and what not you know.

Kreij · Oct 24, 2007

Sasqui said:
I wouldn't worry about static, I swear that's old school

Since static electricity has been around since the dawn of time, I guess we can call it "old school".

but there still a mild risk if the humidity is low - the main risk is the bios chip, and HDDs (usually the only thing in your case that would be hurt by static).

Don't forget RAM. RAM is very static sensitive.

The best is a "can" of air to get all the crevices... I've used a leaf blower on an old Dell that ran 24/7. Wow that was nasty, but it worked really well and I did that outside! Also used brushes, cloth.

Never thought of that, but a leaf blower should work quite well for getting dust out.
If you have time to let it dry out, you could probably use a pressure washer.
(Note, I am not advising this.

) I am tempted to use a PW on my keyboard. It's a dirty mess.

Also used an air compressor. It's the best for cleaning fans - by far, second only to canned air.

Be careful when cleaning fans with an air compressor. I unleased the full fury of the 100 psi line here at work on a poor little CPU fan and it spun at about 4 million RPM for about 3 seconds and then vaporized. I now stick something (like a screwdriver) in between the fan blades to keep them from turning when using high pressure air.

Tatty_Two · Oct 24, 2007

Namslas90 said:
Even a fresh clean paintbrush works well.

Thats what I use! gets everywhere

If things are really bad I just get the vacum cleaner in there, sucks all the sh*t out and quick.

Sasqui · Oct 24, 2007

Kreij said:
Don't forget RAM. RAM is very static sensitive.

Ahh yes, the SPD chip that can be flashed... good point.

I've done all sorts of nasty static type things to my puters with no harm, perhaps someday I'll get burned. I would NOT recommend a pressure washer. However, I have washed a video card in my dishwasher and it worked fine. Damn sparkly too!

Yes, I too have used a vaccuum

EnglishLion · Oct 24, 2007

Kreij said:
I am tempted to use a PW on my keyboard. It's a dirty mess.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/125773/1-keyboard-in-the-dishwasher.html

Just put your keyboard in the dishwasher - assuming it's NOT a wireless one or a fancy one with LCD screen. :eek:

Kreij · Oct 24, 2007

I would NOT recommend a pressure washer.

I just ordered a new keyboard, so the old MS natural elite is getting the PW treatment when the new one arrives.
If it does not survive the 3600 psi onslaught, pictures will be forthcoming.

Sasqui · Oct 25, 2007

Kreij said:
If it does not survive the 3600 psi onslaught, pictures will be forthcoming.

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Heatsink cleaning question

FujiwaraTakumi

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