Learning how to properly clean a gaming PC is essential for keeping it in top shape and running smoothly. One of the biggest mistakes gamers make is to neglect the maintenance their hardware requires, leading to unnecessary damage, increased risk of hardware failure, and lost gaming time. Here we will show you how to clean your gaming PC with the right techniques to reduce the wear on your components over time.
When cleaning your gaming PC, it is important to start with unplugging the power cord from the wall socket and the system. This is important for safety reasons as electricity is involved and the system may be turned on. Dismount the PC case and place it on a clean, flat surface. Preparations also include obtaining the proper tools and materials such as compressed air to blow dust out, a cloth towel to absorb dust, and isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and grease.
Now, the main focus of cleaning a gaming PC is to remove dust and dirt from ventilation points, fans, and other tucked away corners. The upper portion of the ventilation points should be blown clear with the compressed air and the lower portion should be wiped with a cloth. Fans can accumulate a lot of dust and it is recommended that they be cleaned and lubricated. To lubricate, use the isopropyl alcohol in a can and spray it onto the grinding parts of the fan.
Continue the cleaning procedure by moving to the slot covers and ports, removing them one by one. After all the ports and slot covers have been removed, adjust the nozzle of the compressed air to the appropriate setting and blow out the ports with the compressed air. After this step, use the cloth towel to clean the surface of the PC case. It is recommended to not use harsh solvents or soapy water as they may damage the surface of the device.
Finally, clean all of the components on the inside of your PC case. Components such as the motherboard and processor are delicate, so it is important to clean them carefully. Use a soft brush and lightly brush the components until no more dust is present. Then, open the power supply and locate all of the screws and clips, removing them to expose the fan and filter. To service the fan, use the cloth towel and isopropyl alcohol to clean the blades. Then, use the compressed air to blow out the dust from the filter of the power supply and from the main power supply itself.
Restoring And Cleaning The Parts
After all of the parts of the gaming PC have been cleaned, it is important to reinstall any parts that were removed. Start by reassembling the slot covers with screws if necessary and then reconnect the cables to the PC. Finally, plug the power cord back into the wall socket and the gaming PC. It is also key to leave the case open while turned on, to check that the air is cooling down all of the components properly.
Now, we must restore all of the parts that were removed from the gaming PC. To do so, use a soft brush and make sure that no dust accumulates between the components. After this step, use the compressed air to blow any dust that may have collected within the slots. Finally, replace all the screws and secure the PC case.
Cleaning Heat Sinks And Fans
Heat sinks and fans help to protect vital components within the PC and should be cleaned regularly. First, use the soft brush and isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust or dirt from both parts. After this step, check the fans to see if they have accumulated any dust and clean accordingly. Once finished, replace the fans with a fresh one and reinstall them back into the PC case.
Finally, using the compressed air spray can, spray the heat sink fins to clear any dust and debris. Once finished, make sure to reconnect the fan to its power source and turn on your gaming PC. This will help ensure that the components are receiving the proper amount of air circulation and cooling.
Replacing The Fans
If the fan is noisy or a bit worn, it is best to replace it with a new one. To do so, turn off the power and unplug the power cord from the power socket and the gaming PC. Next, remove any screws that are holding the fan in place, carefully detach the fan, and discard it. Now, to mount the new fan, use the screws and the provided guide to align it to the proper position.
It is important to align the fan correctly as improper alignment or incorrect installation can cause it to not receive the right amount of air circulation and cooling. After this step, connect the power cord to the power socket and the fan and then turn on the PC. Once finished, use the soft brush and isopropyl alcohol on the fan blades to clear any dust or debris.
Additional Tips For Keeping Your Pc Cool
Cleaning your gaming PC is the best practice method for keeping it cool and running smoothly. However, here are a few additional tips for keeping your gaming PC cool. Firstly, make sure to apply thermal paste between the processor and the heatsink to create a secure connection and reduce the risk of overheating. Secondly, clean the vents and internal fans regularly to keep the air flow running smoothly and reduce the risk of overheating.
Thirdly, check that the fans are powered correctly. All of the fans in the PC should be plugged into a fan header, and check that the power supply is running correctly. Lastly, it is important to check the temperature of the gaming PC. Overheating can have serious consequences, so it is important to install temperature monitoring software and check the temperatures of the components regularly.
Checking The Power Supply
The last step in properly maintaining and cleaning a gaming PC is to check the power supply. To start, ensure that the cables and wires are connected properly and that all screws are secured. After this step, check to make sure that all of the cables are properly fitted. This is important as loose cords can lead to sudden power outages and may damage some of the hardware.
To complete this step, plug the power cord back into the socket and the gaming PC. Then, use a multimeter to check that the power supply is providing a steady voltage. If the multimeter is showing any discrepancies from the designated voltage, it is best to buy a new power supply. This can help avoid potential hardware damage and will keep your gaming PC running in top condition.
