Cleaning your PC
Why is it nessasery to clean the PC?
It's nessasey to keep your pc as dust free as possible. The reasion for this is because the dust gets sucked in by the cooling fans and after time clogs up the fans, the cooling fins on the heatsink and the filters. (if fitted)
What would happen if i didn't keep my PC clean?
After a while your PC would start to overheat, this would be due to ether the fans slowing down, due to the friction of the dust or it could be cased by the cooling fins getting clogged which would in turn restrict the air flow over the processor. This could then result in the processor being cooked, and in return replaced.
What do i need to do?
This is a very easy problem to overcome. If your case has filters fitted in front of the intake fans, you would normal find that these just pop out, (refere to your cases instruction manual for removing the filters) you can then ether use a hoover or if need be wash the filters, let them dry befor fitting back in the case.
The best way to clean the heatsink is to ether use a can of compressed air, (just use short bursts for best results) or remove the heatsink and fan unit and use a hoover with the brush attachment fitted.
To clean the fans you can ether use a can of compressed air or a duster to wipe the blades of the fans. If you use the compressed air make sure you don't oint it directly at the Motherboard or any cards you have fitted. hold the can at some distance from the case to blow the dust of the Motherboard and cards, then use the hoover to clean the bottom of the cases when the dust has settled.
How aften should i clean my PC
Persionally i find that cleaning the filters and fans every 3 - 4 weeks, and the heatsing every six - eight weeks is surfficiant.
This depends on how much dust is in the air, you will proberbly find that you need to clean the machine more in the summer months.
Once a year i also recommend removing all your cards and drives, to give the unit a though clean.
If you don't feel comfatable with this you can always take you PC to a PC specalist such as our selfs, for a yearly check where the PC will also get cleaned and a health check.
PLEASE REMEMBER IF AT ANY TIME YOU REMOVE THE SIDE PANELS TO YOUR CASE, SWITCH OFF AND REMOVE THE POWER LEAD. YOU ALSO NEED TO BE WEARING AN ANTI-STATIC WRIST BAND SO AS TO NOT DAMAGE YOUR PC
The following video should give you an idea.