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It seems like everyone has a computer these days. They're a
great tool for productivity and entertainment. Some people leave their desktops
on for days. There's no problem with this, but there can be over time if you
aren't careful.
Like many of other people, my desktop computer sits on the
floor of my room. Inside any desktop, there are fans to keep different parts at
ideal operating temperatures. Over time, these fans get quite dirty. Eventually,
dust, hair and other fibers start to affect their performance. Fortunately,
there's a simple fix that takes only about twenty minutes to complete and cost
about five dollars. For starters, you'll need to get a can or two of condensed
air.
I recommend that whenever you work on a computer, you do so
in a non-carpeted area because static electricity can damage components while you're
working in the case. Also, for about five dollars, static bands are available
that assist in static safety. For this procedure, I recommend working in a
garage or outdoors - somewhere you won't mind dust getting everywhere.
First, unplug the computer. Once the computer is unplugged,
hold the power button for about five seconds so that all other power in the
case is discharged. Now unscrew the sidewall of your computer so that you can
easily access the components inside the case. With the case open, you're able
to see most of the fans inside. The most important fan to maintain is the CPU (central
processing unit) fan; but to do this, it must be unplugged from the motherboard
and removed from the case.
Follow the wire from the fan to the motherboard and unplug
it. Then detach the fan from the motherboard. Processor fans are all different,
so the clipping-style varies. Once the fan is removed, spray it with the can of
condensed air, removing months of dust accumulation. Then reattach the fan the
same way you removed it.
There are some others fans you'll want to clean, too. Power
supplies have large fans built into the bottom of them. Give it a spray with
the condensed air. Hard-drive bays may also have a fan or two. Give them a
spray. If you see a fan in your case, chances are its filthy with dust and
fibers, so clean them off.
Once you finish spraying all the fans with the condensed
air, look at the bottom of the case. Chances are there's a lot of dust on the
bottom that collected while cleaning the other fans. So make sure you get that
out of there, too. Before you screw the side back on the case, make sure that anything
you unplugged is plugged back in and that anything you detached is reconnected.
Screw the side back on and you're done.
I recommend that you clean out your case every four months
if you are a heavy user, and every eight months if you aren't. If your computer
sits on carpet at home, place a piece of wood under it just so it's off the
carpet and further from those fibers. These simple steps for upkeep will keep
your desktop running at the proper temperature, and put less stress on the fans
themselves. Keep your computer happy. Save yourself a headache.
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