Computer cleaning procedure?

ryan brown

ryan brown

lOwEr CaSe Member
I've done a bit of searching the net, but keep getting mixed results.

My Powermac G5 has been running warmer than I like it these last couple weeks, and I'm pretty sure it's time for a good cleaning (my house is dusty, and my dog sheds a lot).

I found a decent tutorial on how someone took apart their G5 and cleaned it, but then in the responses, another person that tried the same tutorial funked up his computer and said to NOT use that tutorial.

Anyone have any advice here? I'm not very technically savy when it comes to taking electronics apart and putting them back together, so I really don't want to do any more than I need to.

I'm positive I need to be able to get to the back fans, though, as everything in plain sight stays relatively clean (with some help from me).

Maybe someone can recommend another forum to post this? should I try the apple forums?
 
Shut it off, unplug it and blow some canned air through it carefully. As long as hairs don't get into contacts or clog up fans it's no biggie.

Noah
 
Yeah, but what about getting to the back fans? will the air can be powerful enough to get to all that?

Thanks.
 
Shut it off

Leave it plugged in (to a grounded outlet)!

Open the cover. Do not touch any interior components without a ground strap.

Use a vac that will both suck and blow. While using this, NEVER let any part of the vacuum or your body touch any part of the computer other than the metal case. Air flowing through a hose can generate more than enough static electricity to toast any component. It's a good idea to keep one hand on the grounded case at all times to drain any static buildup.

Resist the urge to use the airflow to spin the fans. In fact, use a zip tie, pen or something small , block the blades from rotating. Using air to spin the fan(s) will overspeed the bearings and they'll die within a short period.

Once you think you've sucked it clean, reverse the airflow and blow it out. Do not let the wife watch, you may want to do this outside or hold your breath. You will not believe the dust. Be sure to do the power supply and processor heat sink throughly from both directions - don't spin the fans.

Your computer's biggest enemies are dust, power surges and static electricity. With internal wires hundreds of times smaller than a human hair, 100 volts of static can do them in. Handling a styrofoam coffee cup can generate 5000 volts,
it takes over 8000 volts before you can begin to feel it.

Be sure to unblock the fan blades before putting the cover back on.

As usual, should you or any member of your team be caught or killed, the secretary will deny all knowledge of your actions. Good Luck!
 
I usually shut the computer off then unplug the power from the tower. Open it up and wipe up the dust with a clean towel. I pull the fans out (the ones you can pull out) and clean them. One time I used a vaccum to suck up the dust.)
 
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