PC fan filters worth it? And misc case talk

[Ziggy]

Thanks for the tips. I guess a routine scrub down is the simplest and best thing to do. So... toothbrushes apparently? That's what I've been trying to figure out the few times I've cleaned the inside, what kind of utensils and whatever would be good for cleaning out the dust. Stuff that can maybe pickup and remove the dust, not just brush it around.

I guess use a toothbrush for fan blades. As far as everything else, use compressed air or a duster can. Best way, IMO.

[TSTR]

If it gets real nasty, a vacuum with a brush tool is handy.

[Ziggy]

Supposedly you shouldn't use vacuums because they create static electricity. I remember a thread semi-recently where people were talking about it, a lot of people said they've always used vacuums and never damaged anything.

[fastbilly1]

I imagine, a vacuum with a long tube, like a shopvac, should not be an issue. The static would be near the motor, not the intake.

[Hobie-wan]

I guess use a toothbrush for fan blades. As far as everything else, use compressed air or a duster can. Best way, IMO.

A thin paintbrush works well for fans and heatsinks. The cheapos that that come with kiddie painting/watercolor kits are actually good for this sort of thing. I'd imagine a pack of similar ones could be found at a dollar store.

[CRTGAMER]

I wouldnt bother with any unless they were super easy to take out and clean, which you'll have to do a lot. I just prefer a fairly fine metal grill over all fans like my Antec 900 case provides.

Important thing to remember is that dust will collect on it fast, and the more dust it catches the more it will restrict the air flow. So if you're gonna use filters, the trick is remembering to clean them OFTEN other wise you end up with a worse situation then dust inside your case.

I can see where the filter is handy if easily pulled to keep the insides clean. Another work around instead of the filter is using "knob" screws so the cover can pulled without a screwdriver fishing in the back. I use just one screw at the top back corner for an easy panel removal; its not like I have to keep a water tight seal. Many tower units have a side panel that can be slid off once the back screws are removed.

The more restricted the air is as it passes through grills and filters, the more noise it will make too. It's all a balancing act.

A good point, could also wear out the fan motor quicker.

Supposedly you shouldn't use vacuums because they create static electricity. I remember a thread semi-recently where people were talking about it, a lot of people said they've always used vacuums and never damaged anything.

I imagine, a vacuum with a long tube, like a shopvac, should not be an issue. The static would be near the motor, not the intake.

Some vacuums have a blow outlet that can have a hose attached. Add a pool mattress nozzle for "air compressor" shots. This will have better results at knocking out the dust along with artist brushes mentioned. Cheaper then buying cans of air in the long run.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I imagine, a vacuum with a long tube, like a shopvac, should not be an issue. The static would be near the motor, not the intake.

Generally yes. However, even in vacuums with shorter tubes it's usually not a problem. Much like anti-static pads and bracelets... I've never used them outside of a training capacity and I've never had a problem. Ya know, it only takes one time though to ruin something though.

[Exhuminator]

Am I weird for using dryer sheets over exposed case vents?

I would not do this. Those dryer sheets have scented oils in them. The oils will disperse into the inside of your computer case, inoculating its internal components with an attractant residue. This means errant dust is more likely to stick to stuff and accumulate over time.

Instead I recommend this or this. Not expensive, and reusable practically forever.

I guess use a toothbrush for fan blades.

I use Q-tips swabbed in Windex Multisurface (Vinegar) Cleaner. That way the dust I'm wiping off things sticks to the Q-tips, instead of merely dislodging and falling onto other parts of the computer.

[Ziggy]

I guess use a toothbrush for fan blades.

I use Q-tips swabbed in Windex Multisurface (Vinegar) Cleaner. That way the dust I'm wiping off things sticks to the Q-tips, instead of merely dislodging and falling onto other parts of the computer.

I'm too lazy to do any of that. I just bring the tower out to the garage and turn on the air compressor. I use a small blower nozzle like this one to blow out the inside of the case. I can usually clear the dust out of all the grills, heatsinks, and fan blades easily. It's also the only way to clean the dust out the inside of a PSU without having to open it.

[Ziggy]

Important thing to remember is that dust will collect on it fast, and the more dust it catches the more it will restrict the air flow. So if you're gonna use filters, the trick is remembering to clean them OFTEN other wise you end up with a worse situation then dust inside your case.

I can see where the filter is handy if easily pulled to keep the insides clean. Another work around instead of the filter is using "knob" screws so the cover can pulled without a screwdriver fishing in the back. I use just one screw at the top back corner for an easy panel removal; its not like I have to keep a water tight seal. Many tower units have a side panel that can be slid off once the back screws are removed.

They're called thumb screws. I guess you could purchase them if your case just has normal philipsheads for the side panel, but any decent case will come with thumb screws.