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General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: Upon Infinity on March 17, 2016, 12:31:45 AM

Title: Suffocating PCs
Post by: Upon Infinity on March 17, 2016, 12:31:45 AM
So, recently, I've been having a bit of a problem with my PC, really noisy/loud fan issues.  Typically, it would crank up during times of processor stress like renders and having too many programs open, which always seemed normal to me. It has done so that way for years.  Lately, in fact, ever since I updated to Windows 10, the problem has worsened.  Now, I just figured that Win 10 ran "hot", as in, it's a more complicated OS, and has more going on in the background than Win 7 does, so it makes sense that the problem would worsen.

So I got it into my head to try maybe clearing some dust away from the intakes, which is my standard procedure for trying to help the fan blow better, though do not reduce the fan noise noticeably.  Apparently, it has been a few months since I last got to them and they were a little more clogged than usual (I also have a cat that sheds) See before and after pics.  Then I decided to step it up a bit this time;  Unhooked the entire machine, opened it up, and just attacked the entire thing with a vacuum, focusing mostly on the 3 fans; 2 in the back, and the 1 sitting on the processor.  Then I hooked it back up and listened.  Not a peep.  Problem solved.  The thing runs like brand new (nearly 5 years old).  Then I loaded up my most complicated render and ran it full bore for a straight hour.  Nothing.  Whisper quiet.

This is the lesson: Do not suffocate your PC.  It seriously impedes your computer's ability to function.

WARNING!:  A lot of people used canned air instead of a vacuum.  Be careful if you use a vacuum, as I have witnessed some people fry out their motherboards with a static charge from using a vacuum.  To protect against this, I got a cardboard roll and used that as a vacuum head (paper doesn't conduct electricity).  Seemed to do the trick.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: AP on March 17, 2016, 04:35:10 AM
I can not caution enough as to keeping a clean computer. I always have an air can with me and even go so far as using a compressor with an air hose attachment for the darker, more sticky heavy dust. Of course, open up what you safely can and clean it all out. Careful of static so best to have an anti-static bracelet so you can be well grounded. Heat, moisture and poorly made parts can be real computer killers.
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: archonforest on March 17, 2016, 05:41:00 AM
I do clean it every months. Using a compressor to blow the dust out. I think this is the most effective as vacuum cannot go everywhere but air yes.
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: Upon Infinity on March 17, 2016, 06:28:38 AM
Quote from: archonforest on March 17, 2016, 05:41:00 AM
I do clean it every months. Using a compressor to blow the dust out. I think this is the most effective as vacuum cannot go everywhere but air yes.

Yeah, I gotta get one of those compressors one day.  Just blows me away at the difference.  I used to dread rendering because of how loud the fan was.  Now, I can't even hear it.  Expect some animations in the future, 'cause now I can run it all the time.
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: archonforest on March 17, 2016, 07:20:29 AM
Quote from: Upon Infinity on March 17, 2016, 06:28:38 AM
Quote from: archonforest on March 17, 2016, 05:41:00 AM
I do clean it every months. Using a compressor to blow the dust out. I think this is the most effective as vacuum cannot go everywhere but air yes.

Yeah, I gotta get one of those compressors one day.  Just blows me away at the difference.  I used to dread rendering because of how loud the fan was.  Now, I can't even hear it.  Expect some animations in the future, 'cause now I can run it all the time.

Yeah cleaning is very important. I used to be called by friends time to time that they have all sort of mysterious PC problems that nobody can solve. Well I always start with a full cleaning and then when I turn on the PC...hmmm nothing wrong.... just because of this some guys looking at me like I am the big guru of the computers or something.  :D
I always tell them that the only magic I did is care!
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: AP on March 17, 2016, 07:24:17 AM
Something like a 1 or 2 gallon workshop air compressor would work just fine for electronics and other appliances that have motors, fans and vents along with a decent air trigger gun.
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: AP on March 17, 2016, 09:10:02 AM
Quote from: archonforest on March 17, 2016, 07:20:29 AM
Quote from: Upon Infinity on March 17, 2016, 06:28:38 AM
Quote from: archonforest on March 17, 2016, 05:41:00 AM
I do clean it every months. Using a compressor to blow the dust out. I think this is the most effective as vacuum cannot go everywhere but air yes.

Yeah, I gotta get one of those compressors one day.  Just blows me away at the difference.  I used to dread rendering because of how loud the fan was.  Now, I can't even hear it.  Expect some animations in the future, 'cause now I can run it all the time.

Yeah cleaning is very important. I used to be called by friends time to time that they have all sort of mysterious PC problems that nobody can solve. Well I always start with a full cleaning and then when I turn on the PC...hmmm nothing wrong.... just because of this some guys looking at me like I am the big guru of the computers or something.  :D
I always tell them that the only magic I did is care!

I hear stories of all sorts of filth inside peoples computer towers. There are at times, very bad cases of negligence. Not just dust but hairs, very bad.
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: otakar on March 17, 2016, 04:31:22 PM
I got lots of dust, so I need to open up the case and blow/vacuum the stuff out periodically. However, the heatsink is getting gunked up under the fan. Hard to access. How do you guys clean that?
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: archonforest on March 17, 2016, 05:19:24 PM
Compressor.
The compressed air just takes out everything fast and can go into the smallest cracks and literally everywhere while the vacuum not. Just do not blow it with very high pressure.
Friend of mine did it and killed the fan. (You can spin up the fan up to the level it just not designed. Hehe he liked the whistling sound....the fan did not.)
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: AP on March 17, 2016, 06:33:57 PM
Yes, best to keep the compressor at a good distance for one and keep the psi on the lower side.
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: Dune on March 18, 2016, 10:28:36 AM
With compressors you have to be careful as well, some of them have some oil applied in parts, that may blow out with the air. At least, that's what I was warned about when aquiring a compressor to do watercolor airbrush artwork. But I do use it (without trouble, as it's a special compressor for airbrush work), and the room is filled with a fine haze of dust, but the machine is clean  ;)
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: bobbystahr on March 18, 2016, 09:34:58 PM
Quote from: Dune on March 18, 2016, 10:28:36 AM
With compressors you have to be careful as well, some of them have some oil applied in parts, that may blow out with the air. At least, that's what I was warned about when aquiring a compressor to do watercolor airbrush artwork. But I do use it (without trouble, as it's a special compressor for airbrush work), and the room is filled with a fine haze of dust, but the machine is clean  ;)

also a danger of plain old tiny water droplets which are killers. that's why the canned air is better, it's dry.
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: AP on March 19, 2016, 12:47:22 AM
I have used various brands of compressors over the years. I never ran into an oil issue but it is more of a possibility of condensation which can build up in the tank over time. It is always best to vent it all out including the tank which has a twisty port on there bottoms. Also, it is best to let off air before using the trigger before blowing anything out. Air cans are nice but sometimes they are just not strong enough under certain circumstances. However, it is still best to stick with air cans overall.
Title: Re: Suffocating PCs
Post by: Ethrieltd on March 20, 2017, 07:39:26 PM
Quote from: AP on March 17, 2016, 09:10:02 AM
I hear stories of all sorts of filth inside peoples computer towers. There are at times, very bad cases of negligence. Not just dust but hairs, very bad.

I fixed a computer for a friend of my brother's. It was screwed up tight, nothing out of place. Inside were 3 Space Raiders (crisps), 3 FULL Space Raiders. At least 8 times larger than the smallest hole in the case. It still confuses me how his kids achieved quantum teleportation to get them in there.