Dust Bunnies

  Computer slowing down? Is your system hot? Are you getting a thermal warning upon a restart of your system? The answer could be quite simple, and the fix easily so. A big issue that many people rarely consider when dealing with their own system is the dust build-up that occurs within the system.
  Keep in mind that while the computer is blowing air in the system to keep it cool it's also picking up dust that is floating around and pulling that into the system as well. So what can you do to ensure that system doesn't get overrun with those nasty little dust bunnies?
  1. Think about where you are putting your system. Stored in the corner, out of the way, and on the floor will only increases the chances of dust buildup inside your system. Keep this in mind when trying to find a home for your system.
  2. Vacuum, just don't "feather dust." When you dust your house you are doing a great job of removing that dust from it's current place. However, when that dust gets in the air and begins to settle, you will see a lot of that dust begin to settle (on the floor) and thus pulled into your system by the system fans. Finding ways to minimize that dust getting into the air, such as vacuuming or using a damp paper towel/cloth when dusting will help in this process.
  3. Minimize the dust in your house. Seems like something impossible? Check this website out to learn how to "dedust your house." House Dust
  4. This is by far the most important step of all: clean your computer. Don't be afraid to open the side of your computer and then take a bottle of compressed air to blow the fans out. A vacuum will work well to put on the other side of the fan you are blowing out in order to collect the dust that you are blowing out of your system.
  Sometimes, a simple can of air won't help (especially for those systems who has never had a dust cleaning). Using a few Q-Tips (they aren't just for ears anymore!) to knock of some of that caked on dust can do wonders for your system. Just keep in mind that you don't want that dust to fall back into your system. Continue using that vacuum to gather up the dust. If you feel comfortable in doing so, remove the entire part from the system and then clean it independently of the system (such as a fan on the side, usually require you removing two screws and replacing those screws when inserting it back in). Just be careful when choosing which pieces to clean (such as a Power Supply) and if you have ANY questions about this, or anything else technical, feel free to drop us a line a x86computing@gmail.com

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