Computer query - should I pull it off and hoover?

[swee'pea99]

While fitting a new (which is to say old) PCI wifi card, in the hopes that it will stop this computer constantly dropping its connection, I noticed that what I think is the heatsink over the cpu - the thing under this fan - seems to be fair clogged with dust. I mean, it's not completely clogged or anything, but quite a bit.

Would I be right in thinking it would be pretty easy to undo those four crosshead screws in the corners, move it to one side, and hoover out the innards? And would it be worth doing, or would I be wasting time/setting myself up for grief with no good reason?

 

[nicholas]

I usually just hoover it out dont move owt hoover is strong enough on its own dont go mad though

 

[fossyant]

Yup, undo screws and either dust it out with a fine brush or go careful with the Hoover. Whilst at it give all the fans a clean and check vents.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I keep a soft long bristle makeup brush for those wee jobs

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

I keep a soft long bristle makeup brush for those wee jobs

This, definitely. You shouldn't need to put a vacuum cleaner near it. Take it apart by all means, and gently brush all the bits to get the dust off. Don't waste your time with those cans of compressed air neither!

 

[swee'pea99]

Thanks. So, worth doing seems to be a consensus?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Always worth doing, just don't attack it with a hoover

 

[Lanzecki]

Undo the 4 screws the fan will come away from the Heatsink. Then attack it with the hoover once the PC's unplugged. Ignore the wimps above. Real men don't even turn it off (not a smart idea). Don't forget any vents you can find as well and the power supply. A small paint brush will help (a clean one)

Don't attempt to remove the acutal heatsink. There lies madness and a need for new thermal paste.


As the the wifi card, can't you use a Network cable to the router? Much better then Wifi.

 

[Archie_tect]

Isn't there supposed to be some advice about earthing yourself at this point?? ...or is that an urban myth?

 

[Octet]

I would avoid a vacuum, they create too much static electricity.

As others have said, remove it carefully (grounding yourself and your work station if possible) and then use either a compressed air can or a soft bristled paint brush and carefully wipe away the dirt.

When you actually remove it, give it a slight twist to carefully break the seal between the hardened thermal paste and the contacts. If you just pull it sharply, you run the risk of ripping all the pins out the CPU which obviously isn't a good thing.

When you come to put it back, remove all thermal paste from the contacts and make sure you reapply a pea sized drop.

 

[Davidc]

Advantage - CPU runs cooler, extending life and reducing energy consumption.

I've never had the nerve to use a powerful vacuum cleaner - just a soft brush.

 

[Dan B]

I'd use a hoover. In fact, I did. a couple of days ago. I didn't unscrew the fan, i just sucked the fluff out through the blades
Generally I turn the computer off using the 'hard' switch on the PSU but leave it plugged in so the case is still grounded. Never killed one with static yet

 

[swee'pea99]

Thanks all. I don't suppose this heat business could have anything to do with the way the wifi keeps dropping its connection (then coming back)? (Oh, and no, I can't use a cable...the router's in the attic, I'm on the ground floor.)

 

[Roadrider48]

Compressed air in a can! That's what I've used on many occasions.

 

[Risex4]

I just chuck mine in the bath.

Unplugged, naturally.