Can vacuuming a computer to clean the vents damage it?

[clear glass]

I was thinking of getting a mini-vacuum but wondered if it could do more harm than good.

 

[corei5]

Use a vacuum that doesn't have high power or use a cold hair-dryer instead. I used cold hair-dryer to blow/clean my computer then pain brush to get rid off the derbies. Then use a non-alcohol / non-static liquid solution cleaner to wipe the base part of your computer case and fans.
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[malch]

I was thinking of getting a mini-vacuum but wondered if it could do more harm than good.

Provided you use reasonable care the risk of damage is far less than the risk of damage due to the crud that accumulates if you don't clean out the computer from time to time.

Just be sensible about it.

 

[charleyd]

I have been vacuuming my computers with a Oreck handheld vacuum cleaner for years. I vacuum the PC out about once a month. I don't like using air or a blower. It tends to blow the dust into the power supply and other areas you can't easily get to. You can vacuum the air filters and fans themselves. Of course, do all of this with the power supply switch turned off. Haven't had a melt down yet.

 

[Alchin]

Blowing not a good idea here. The dust get over other stuff and in your lung.

Use your regular canister and a cheap paint brush. Brush is to lift the dirt while the vacuum suck it up. Just don't get too carried away. A little dust really don't cause a problem.

HTH.

 

[Sean Nelson]

I use a small plug-in vacuum to clean the intake filters on my PC once a month. I've been doing it for two years now and no problems whatsoever.

I really love the fact that my Antec P183 case has these intake filters - they work great. I doubt I'll ever buy a case without intake filters again.

 

[Rofflesaurrr]

I've always taken computers outside in front of my garage and cleaned them out with compressed air at 95 PSI. As long as you know what you're doing, and use an air line drier/oil seperator, it's safe. Looks like new after!

Vacuum takes way too long ^ -

 

[busch]

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[Eugene Powers]

http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW
But I bought it on sale.

It has filter on the bottom. Saves a lot of time over vacuuming because it blows dust out very efficiently. It will also blow dust out of PSU and between the drives. Vacuum will not do that. It has other uses around the house too.

I would also suggest you do not use brush because you might get electric charge on it.

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Eugene

I use a non OEM battery in my $20,000 car so why not in my $2,000 camera.

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The only time a smaller sensor with the same pixel count is superior to a larger sensor (aka higher pixel density) is when you are focal-length limited.

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[BobSC]

I was thinking of getting a mini-vacuum but wondered if it could do more harm than good.

The vents are designed for air flow, so it seems impossible for a little bit of vacuum to do any harm.

I usually blow compressed air through my power supply and other fan areas and vacuum the front vents and bottom of the case.

 

[malch]

I've always taken computers outside in front of my garage and cleaned them out with compressed air at 95 PSI. As long as you know what you're doing, and use an air line drier/oil seperator, it's safe. Looks like new after!

Vacuum takes way too long ^ -

I've taken (generally older) machines outside onto my driveway and blown them out with a shop vac. It works well and is definitely fast!

It just takes a bit of common sense -- don't hit circuit boards and the like with a direct blast at close range.

 

[digitalshooter]

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Thanks,

Digitalshooter

 

[digitalshooter]

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Thanks,

Digitalshooter

 

[Eugene Powers]

Why does cord bother you? It is very long.

If it was battery operated it might not have enough power. There is pretty thick filter at the bottom. And the air is slightly warm too.
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Eugene

I use a non OEM battery in my $20,000 car so why not in my $2,000 camera.

Quote by Bob Sheldon

The only time a smaller sensor with the same pixel count is superior to a larger sensor (aka higher pixel density) is when you are focal-length limited.

Quote by Lee Jay