Cleaning the inside of your gaming PC is crucial to keeping your system running in peak condition. As regular dust builds up over time, it can clog air vents, slow down cooling fans, and attract dust mites. So, cleaning your PC regularly will ensure optimal performance and extend its life. Here’s how to clean the inside of a gaming PC:
First, make sure you unplug your PC before you begin. You don’t want any electric accidents happening while you’re cleaning your system. Then, invest in either compressed air in a can or an electric vacuum cleaner specifically designed for electronics. Both are useful for cleaning the dust out of your PC.
Once you’ve acquired the equipment you need, you’ll need to get to work. Unscrew the side panel from your PC using a Phillips-head screwdriver and keep the screws in a safe place; you’ll need them when it’s time to reassemble. Then use either the compressed air or electric vacuum cleaner to carefully clean out the interior of your PC, including the fan blades and air vents.
Be sure to be gentle when handling the components inside your PC. If you use too much compressed air you can blow wires out of place, or damage pins on components. Likewise, the electric vacuum has a powerful suction that can damage components. This can be especially tricky on modern gaming PCs with smaller components and multiple fans.
Once everything is clean, check the fan blades and other components to make sure they are still operational and are connected to the motherboard. If you find any faulty components, replace them before reassembling the case. You may also want to check your power supply unit (PSU) to see if it needs to be cleaned.
Once everything is clean and operational, you can put it back together. Replace the motherboard first, then the PSU, then the fans, and, finally, the side panel. Declutter any unnecessary wires, and then you’re good to go. As for the compressed air, it’s best to use it on a quarterly basis to keep your gaming PC clean and operational, and to ensure its longevity.
Maintaining A Clean System
One of the best ways to ensure that the inside of your gaming PC stays clean is to use dust filters. Dust filters are either fitted with your PC case or go on intake fans. They serve to block out most dust introductions and keep your gaming PC clean and safe. Furthermore, dust filters can be quickly and easily removed and cleaned, meaning you don’t have to open your system to clean the fans and other components.
It’s also wise to keep the outside of your gaming PC clean as well. Dust, grime, and other debris can easily enter the system and reduce airflow. Wipe down the outside of your gaming PC using a clean, dry cloth and never spray liquids directly onto your PC. Notably, you should avoid using water as it can cause damage to the electrical components inside and cause problems for your gaming PC down the line.
Taking Safety Precautions
It’s important to take certain safety precautions while cleaning the inside of your gaming PC. Make sure you wear an antistatic wristband while cleaning or simply keep one hand in contact with your PC’s metal frame while cleaning. This will ensure no static electricity can damage any of the components inside your gaming PC.
You should also be aware of the relevant thermal compound which is used when servicing a gaming PC. There are numerous types of thermal paste, each with their own properties, so it’s important to ensure the correct paste is being used. Using the wrong thermal paste may lead to overheating and cause serious damage to your system.
Final Checks
You’ll want to make a few final checks when you’ve finished cleaning the inside of your gaming PC. Start by pressing the reset button on the motherboard and then power it up. Start Windows and make sure everything is running properly. Once everything is checked out you can be sure that your gaming PC is clean and up and running.
Finally, if you’re finding that your gaming PC is still running slowly or is having other unexplained issues, it might be worth getting a professional technician to take a look at it. They can pinpoint a whole range of problems and can clean and service your gaming PC to get it back up and running to the best of its abilities.
Alternatives To Cleaning
It’s not always necessary to clean the inside of your gaming PC every few months, depending on the location and usage of your system. However, if you continue to find your gaming PC running slower than usual, it might be an indication that cleaning is necessary. If you’re not comfortable opening your gaming PC, there are some alternatives you can use to clear out the dust.
A local computer repair store may offer to clean your gaming PC for you. Rather than attempting to clean it yourself, taking it to a reputable repair business will ensure the job is done correctly and you won’t run the risk of doing any damage. There may also be a price to pay for the clean, but at least you’ll have the peace of mind that your PC is in the safe hands of an expert.
Another alternative is to invest in a gaming PC with self-cleaning features or a closed loop water cooling solution. These systems make everything easy as the air intake of your gaming PC is far less than the traditional open-air cooling system. Also, a closed loop cooling system requires almost no maintenance other than periodic topping up of coolant.
Conclusion
Keeping your gaming PC clean and free of dust is crucial to ensuring optimal performance. It’s best to clean the inside of your gaming PC at least once every three months, or even more often if your PC is in a dusty environment. Invest in a suitable dusting tool like a compressed air can or an electric vacuum cleaner, unplug your PC and make sure to ground yourself. Use caution not to damage any components and, once the dust is cleared out and you’re happy with the results, be sure to close it up and reassemble it.
