Cleaning the inside of your gaming PC is a crucial task that should not be neglected. Taking time to care for your PC will help it to last longer and run more efficiently. It’s important to remember that no matter how much time you spend on cleaning, you should never open the case while your PC is powered on. Doing so will misalign the RAM boards, cause a power surge, or even void the warranty. Here are some tips to get you started on cleaning the inside of your gaming PC:
Gather the Proper Supplies
To get started cleaning your gaming PC, you’ll need a few supplies. To start, you’ll need canned compressed air, a soft-bristled brush, some microfiber cloths, and a vacuum cleaner. Additionally, if you want to apply thermal paste to the processor, you’ll need a needle-nosed pliers along with isopropyl alcohol and thermal paste. Once you have all the supplies, you can begin the cleaning process.
Unplug Power Cord and Other Accessories
To begin the cleaning process, unplug the power cord and all other cables and devices attached to the PC. If necessary, remove any cable management covers so that you can easily access all the components. Once all cords and accessories have been disconnected, you can remove the computer’s case.
Clean Out Dust and Debris
Now that you’ve opened up the computer, use the canned compressed air and soft-bristled brush to thoroughly clean out any dust and debris. Take your time here and make sure your reach all of the fans and dust off any other components. Once you’ve completed this step, wipe down the components with the microfiber cloths.
Vacuum Out Dust and Debris
Next, you’ll want to use the vacuum cleaner to suck out any dust and debris that may have gathered around the components. This should not be done while the computer is powered on, so be sure to unplug it before starting. Once you have completed this task, you can use the compressed air once more to blow away and dust and debris that may have been left behind.
Clean CPU and Fan
If you want to apply thermal paste to the processor, use the needle-nosed pliers to remove the fan from the processor. Next, use isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to clean off the processor and fan. This will help to ensure proper heat transfer between the processor and heat sink so that your computer runs efficiently.
Apply Thermal Paste and Reinstall the Fan
Once the processor and fan have been cleaned, you can apply a thin layer of thermal paste. Once the thermal paste has been applied, you can reinstall the fan and case to finish the job.
Tips for Cleaning Computer Peripherals
In addition to cleaning the inside of the computer, you should also take time to clean the peripherals such as the keyboard and mouse. use the same techniques as before to clean the peripherals. Make sure to use the compressed air to blow out in between the keys, and wipe down the mouse with a microfiber cloth.
Tips for Cleaning PC Components
When cleaning PC components such as RAM, graphics cards, and hard drives, make sure to handle them with care. Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently remove any dust and debris. Additionally, you should never remove the components from their sockets unless absolutely necessary, as doing so can misalign them and cause damage.
Tips for Cleaning Monitor and Other Accessories
Finally, you should also clean any other accessories such as the monitor, headset, and speakers. To clean these items, use compressed air and a microfiber cloth to lift off any dust and debris. Additionally, be sure to use a monitor-safe cleaning spray to thoroughly disinfect the monitor surface. Also, avoid getting water or other liquids on any of the electronic components, as this can lead to damage.
Preventative Measures
To prevent the accumulation of dust and debris within your gaming PC, regular cleaning is essential. Take the time to do an internal cleaning of your computer on a regular basis to ensure that it is running smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, it may be beneficial to purchase dust filters for the PC case and other components to make cleaning easier and faster in the future.
Cleaning Habits to Follow
As you clean your gaming PC, make sure to adopt a few cleaning habits to help keep it in tip-top condition. Make sure to use compressed air to blow out the dust frequently, and take care to avoid jolting or jarring the components. Additionally, try to keep any liquids away from the computer, and make sure to always power it down before unplugging any cables or devices.
Check Hardware Temperatures
After cleaning your gaming PC, make sure to check the temperatures of the components. This is especially important if you have applied thermal paste. If any of the temperatures are too high, you may need to reapply the thermal paste or check the installation of the cooling components.
