Best way to clean inside the box.

Xero said:
I assume you meant that using it to suck the dust up is viable, never tested it but in theory it should cause the same static buildup
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hmm didn't think of that. Good catch Xero.

I think the nozzle on a compressed air can will charge too though, so either way its probably best to keep a bit of distance to the components.
 
As many have already noted - a can of compressed air is safest.

A compressor has the limited risk of particles getting through and getting jetted onto a sensitive component, permanently damaging it.
A vacuum cleaner (i think someone pointed it out) causes static, that could possibly get discharged on sensitive components frying them instantly.

As for where to get cans of compressed air, I believe Waltons sells them in 6-packs for like R50.
Most any office supplies store, or hardware store should have them in stock. I've also seen them in Game and Dion, but that was some time ago...
 
@phool

Your local hardware shop should be able to sell you compressed air. You can use something like Arctic Silver ArtiClean and Thermal Surface Cleaner to remove old thermal paste. This can be purchased from online stores.
 
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Grimspoon said:
Compressed air is best.

Normally I just take mine outside, open it up and give it a good blow.

I also take my GFX card out and blow the dust outta the fan.
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I do the same, take off all the panels that open and give it a blow works effectively cause the air doesn't get cycled inside the tower and shoot in your face, that for a general clean anyway.

For those who want to be anal about it the compressed air route is then follwed on the heat sinks, a compressor is best cause you can control the air out put.
 
I've used the compressed air before as well, works a charm, great for cleaning in-between your keyboard as well.

If you do decide to use a powerful blower be sure not to point it directly at your fans because you could damage them by blowing them faster than their max rated rpm causing damage to the motor or ball bearings, etc.
 
Brush and vacuum. Compressed air is expensive and doesn't last long.
And in case anybody wants to say what about the static, what you need to watch out for it static discharged from yourself and not static build-up. Even so all I do is keep from dragging my feet and haven't 'zapped' anything yet and don't know of anybody who has.

phool said:
Where is the best place to get compressed air? Also anyone have recommendations for removing old thermal paste from CPUs?
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Cotton wool and spirits. Natural substances generate less static and tissue will disintegrate from the rubbing and particles can get in some places.
 
i use our dust blower, strong enough to get the dust loose but not damage the components :)
 
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