How often do you blow?

[pitz]

...your computer out, with compressed air (what did you think i was asking, perverts?)?

Just did it to one of my laptops this evening (Dell Latitude D830) after using it for 2 years pretty much all the time. Voila, all my video problems and slowness problems gone away!

Any similar experiences? Anyone ever damaged electronics in their equipment by using compressed air? I used one of those air compressors that has a tank attached, and an air sprayer gun. Is there a good reason why I should have sprung for the compressed fluorocarbon canned 'air' instead?

[Zero1]

Because I have an Antec 900, I need to do it around once a month if not twice cuz of the damn dust buildup.

My laptop doesn't get to much buildup from dust even when I used it a lot for school.

[cadave]

I've never blown.... out my computer with compressed air and I have an Antec P-183

And I'll admit... you really know how to sell threads with your titles pitz! lol

[euphoria24]

blow? blow with hair dryer?

[Desolatax]

So glad I went with the Antec 300 over the 900. Removable front dust screen is awesome. Havent had to blow out the case yet, just pop off the front, grab the vacuum and suck the dust off.
Wouldn't mind getting the 1200, but its so freakin' expensive.

[Jucius Maximus]

I do it quarterly, but IMO it should be done monthly because of the amounts of dust at my place. (I'm a little lazy in not wanting to unplug everything and then plug it back in again. Also, the computer is turned on most of the time.)

It is possible to damage the computer using compressed air. For example, I have read that if you get a fan spinning backwards really fast, it is possible for that fan to be damaged (depending on the type of motor it uses.)

Also, if you accidentally tilt the compressed air can, you can get liquid CO2 coming out onto your electronics. Not good!

[attonbitusira]

I used to do my t42 laptop weekly because we had a nice compressor at work. I have since sold the laptop and found a new employer. I take apart my Aluminus home workstation and clean it out about once per month.

[chinese zzz]

blow? blow with hair dryer?

A+ idea !! :idea::D

I blow once a year..

My ATI video card has No fan.. 4X AGP !!:eek:

[elton5354]

i blow mine twice a month..it's a hassle really..4 filters to clean :twisted:

[jasperException]

"Well sometime if I have to... I... I don't really like it tho... "

- Russell Peters

[flyz]

I have a LL V1200 and the thing is a dust magnet. It's practically an open case with all those holes....
I clean it once a month.

[bubble.tea]

...your computer out, with compressed air (what did you think i was asking, perverts?)?...

Clearly you felt compelled to defend yourself, so if anything you're the pervert.

Also, this thread sucks balls with out a poll.

you fail.

[carmaster]

About once every 2-3 months.

[CodecX81]

...your computer out, with compressed air (what did you think i was asking, perverts?)?

Just did it to one of my laptops this evening (Dell Latitude D830) after using it for 2 years pretty much all the time. Voila, all my video problems and slowness problems gone away!

Any similar experiences? Anyone ever damaged electronics in their equipment by using compressed air? I used one of those air compressors that has a tank attached, and an air sprayer gun. Is there a good reason why I should have sprung for the compressed fluorocarbon canned 'air' instead?

Best investment anyone caring about computer maintenance can make, is a little oil-less 1+ gallon air compressor with a decent (aftermarket) air nozzle. A gallon of compressed air is enough to blow out every spec of dust out of a pc, from every angle possible, and you don't risk giving out a shot of frozen air with it. I've never damaged PC equipment, but I've seen shots of frozen air crack plastic and metal (Ever wanna "fix" a forgotten combo lock? use some of that stuff and a hammer lol)

My wife's Inspiron 6400 (2006) was revving a lot when she was playing games, I shot the fans with a tank full of compressed air, now the fan hardly ever comes on. It ran so quiet I had to open it up and make sure that I did not break the fan! lol

At work, I splurged and got one of these:
Link (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/1/CompressorsAirTools/Compressors/PRD~0587936P/Mastercraft%2B2-Gallon%2BAir%2BCompressor%2Bwith%2BAccessories.jsp )

It scanned in @ $50, so not sure if it was on sale or something.. But considering the cost of canned air, this pays for itself in 10 cleanings at the regular price.

I use it on all the old PCs (HP DC5000s mainly) since they are so old, but we're not mass-upgrading til we get out of the economic slump.

[akademiks]

Whenever the HDD temps go above 33 degrees and i know it's time to clean the case out.

[mike24]

I use a big tank of compressed air. My hose needs a pressure reducer to prevent the electronic components from being blown off the motherboard.

[SillySusie]

Also have an Antec PC case with front washable filter as well... rince it out every two weeks, not a trace of dust or hair inside the PC. With other PC cases it was a pain vacuuming the insides. Never going to have another PC without an air filter.

[dealcatcher]

...your computer out, with compressed air (what did you think i was asking, perverts?)?

Just did it to one of my laptops this evening (Dell Latitude D830) after using it for 2 years pretty much all the time. Voila, all my video problems and slowness problems gone away!

Any similar experiences? Anyone ever damaged electronics in their equipment by using compressed air? I used one of those air compressors that has a tank attached, and an air sprayer gun. Is there a good reason why I should have sprung for the compressed fluorocarbon canned 'air' instead?

which job do you mean to blow?

[ndrew029]

Thanks for reminding me to clean up the case, boys. Popped off the front cover and gave the dust filter a good sucking. I have the Cooler Master Centurion 5.

But I had trouble fitting the case back on over the DVD drive, so I was cursing you all at that point.

[FCurimao]

I hardly blow out my computer. Not like I would care for a 4 yr old P4.. :D

[Blackmajik]

Not often enough. Maybe once to twice a year?

[aalui]

well i blow it with my leaf blower, its awesome

[jasperException]

A warning to ppl using compressed air tank to clean and blow the dust from their computer. Air coming out of a compressed air tank may contain moisture and will short-circuit motherboard and electronic components. Best to leave the computer case opened to dry several hours before plugging it to use.

[ShadowVlican]

i suck ;)

[olympic]

I have a Thermaltake Armor which has filters on the front and side panel. I vacuum those out whenever I have the vacuum going in the same room, every week or 2. Inside I use a compressor maybe 3 times a year.

[mulambo187]

A warning to ppl using compressed air tank to clean and blow the dust from their computer. Air coming out of a compressed air tank may contain moisture and will short-circuit motherboard and electronic components. Best to leave the computer case opened to dry several hours before plugging it to use.

a few minutes should be sufficient, dont tilt the can when spraying

[angekfire]

I don't clean mine anywhere near enough. Maybe 1-2 times a year, if at all.

[number8888]

I just need to clear out the dust filters on my Antec P182, though I am not doing it often enough (on average once a month).

I "blow" when I have to open it up to do something, which is every few months.

[Frankie3s]

In the old days people would just return their computers to Costco and get another one. :razz:

[cmge]

not enough... only when i really feel like it or when im bored or when im putting new parts in

[robster77]

Every Sunday after church.

[saltyvinegar]

I've never seen a system damaged from blowing with compressed-air. I usually clean out my systems every 6 months.