Some Summer Suggestions

[-pops-]

Now that the weather is warming up again (for some of us) it may be time to have a spring clean inside you computer cases to make sure that the fans/heatsinks/CPUs and so on are not covered in a year's (or more) gunge.

No matter how clean your house, muck and detritus almost magically find their way into computer cases. If you have furry pets, this is made all that much worse.

The reason I'm saying this now is that this morning, the machine I do all my DVDs on and which works very hard at times suddenly decided to shut down one me. Some of you may remember I had this last year and then it wasn't due to muck but to the high ambient. I cured it then by bunging in an additional fan.

Anyway, I lugged the machine from the floor, de-cased it and saw the fans and heatsink absolutely bunged up with black gunge and dog hairs (we have a retriever dog).

I've spent most of today with my computer vacuum cleaner, Q-tips and J-cloths cleaning all the muck away.

I wouldn't say it is bright and as new inside but it certainly runs more quietly (an essential from my point of view) and much cooler.

So, folks, get those cleaning cloths and implements out to ensure a trouble free summer - especially if you have a machine that has periods of working very hard (games, DVD processing etc.)

[dadyassa]

Good thinking pops, I do mine quite regular with all the dust that flies about Spain from the million or so building sites around us :)

It really is surprising what gets in there, no gecko`s yet though :D

[-pops-]

It really is surprising what gets in there, no gecko`s yet though :D

When I worked in the South of France these things got in everywhere - including a photocopier and a dot matrix printer.

[andsome]

I'll give this some serious thought, but to date I have NEVER even loosened a screw on any computer case. Any tips?

[-pops-]

1. Switch the machine OFF via the switch on the PSU and at the mains socket BUT leave it plugged into the mains. This will ensure that case is earthed.

2. Do all the tinkering about with one hand only and keep the other hand in contact with bare metal parts of the case. This will ensure you are at the same electrical potential as all components. If you must use two hands keep some part of you in contact with the case.

3. If you use a brush to clean the dust, don't use one with nylon bristles or with any metal fittings. Best thing I've found are old fashioned real bristle and wood handle pastry brushes.

4. The gunge is often oily and sticky. Don't use any solvents to clean it off, just rub with cotton buds or similar. For large areas, an old cotton cloth is suitable.

5. Don't overdo it. You are not polishing the ship's brassware, you are cleaning off excess gunge and muck.

6. Don't poke around any areas without knowing what they are. Some of the components are quite delicate and can break off easily. You are OK with fans and heatsinks - these are tough.

7. Don't open the PSU (the box where the mains goes in). You can't do anything in there and the capacitors can retain quite a hefty charge for some time after switching off.

8. While you've got the box open, ensure that all connectors are fully pushed home. With the constant vibration from fans and other moving parts, connectors are able to work themselves loose.

I'm sure others will come up with points as well but, it is quite easy and safe as long as you take care.

[D4\/!d]

That's good pops - many thanks :)

[andsome]

Thanks, I'll give it some thought for a bad weather day.