Personal Computers are similar to cars in many ways. You can upgrade parts, change the exterior, and put cool lights on them, among other things. Just like cars, though, they must be maintained. There are some simple things you can do to keep them running as close to new as possible throughout the years. Although there will eventually be a time to buy a brand new computer, its always nice to know what can be done to keep your current one running as long as possible without having too many issues. I am here to help you learn what you can do to keep your PC running as smooth as possible.
Remember that doing this puts yourself at the risk of electric shock(low risk), losing information(medium risk), or breaking your computer(medium risk). If you do not feel comfortable doing these things, either have someone you trust that is technically savvy do it for you, or take it to a professional business. It is similar to changing the oil: relatively easy, but if something is done wrong it can result in problems. Once again: Do this at your own risk.
These maintenance procedures are for non-Apple made computers. If you have a maintenance plan with the company or store you purchased you PC from, utilize it. You paid for the service, after all.
Hardware Maintenance
1. Your computer tower has many fans inside to help keep it cool. Keeping a tower cool is a very important part of it running healthy. Just like a car, it can overheat, which can cause it to crash, and sometimes cause more problems that will cause you lose information, or cost money by requiring parts replacement. A few of the places that usually have fans are:
a. Power Supplyb. CPU
c. Graphics card(if there is one)
d. Vents
Having these fans in a computer tower creates a consistent airflow throughout the PC in order to keep it as cool as possible. Unfortunately, this also means that dust can build up very easily within the tower due to the air being pulled from outside the tower.
Dust will stick to every inch of space inside the tower. Landing on the important pieces of hardware that the fans are meant to keep cool, which can cause them to overheat. Dust can also cause static electricity, which is extremely harmful to a computer. If even a small jolt of electricity touches the wrong part of a computer, it can render your PC useless. Then you will have a nice, expensive, and large paperweight. Let us start with tools:
The first tool you should have to keep dust from building up is a spray can of air. You can find them at any computer electronics store, and they usually cost between $4-$6. One can will usually last you through two cleanings, possibly less if the cleanings are spread apart between longer time frames.
The next tool you will need is an anti-static strap. These can be found at most computer electronics stores. Pricing varies, but they are not expensive and you will only need to purchase one.
The third tool you will need you most likely already have: a screwdriver. Most computer towers need a small phillips screwdriver. You can actually find inexpensive computer repair kits that have the usual tools, including anti-static straps and screwdrivers, among other things, all in one shot. So if you plan on using it ofter, buying one of these would be helpful. I personally like it because it is in a case that is easier to find that just a strap or screwdriver.
The cleaning process:
The first thing you will need to do is shut down your computer. After your computer has completely shut off, locate the back panel to which all those cables are connected to. The first cable you should unplug is the power cable. This ensure that there is absolutely no power going in to your PC. After unplugging the power, you may unplug the other cables in any order you choose. There is no need to remember which place everything is attached to, because each cable can only fit into its specified slot. If it is a USB, the PC will be able to tell what device it is connected to on its own.
After unplugging all of the cables, take the tower to a well ventilated area such as a back patio or an open garage. Make sure to keep your tools with you when going so you don’t have to go back and forth.
Once you are there, put on the anti-static wrist strap. While looking at the back of your tower, look for a set of screws that line one side, each tower differs on sides, but you can usually tell that it is holding the side panel. NOTE: Some manufacturers make the panel easily removable by some type of locking mechanism that requires squeezing or something similar; check for that before attempting to unscrew a panel. They are usually in an obvious spot like on the top of the tower towards the front or rear. With that said, unscrew(or use the lock release) the screws and save them. You can then remove the panel and put it to the side.
Now you have access to the inside of the computer. Take the clip end of the anti-static strap and connect it to the frame of the computer. Be sure that it is connected to a part that is metal, and that it is not connected to a part of the electronics within; usually the edge where the panel was removed from is best.
Now you may get your can of air ready. Make sure to read the directions on the can, as improperly using a can of compressed air can actually damage your computer, or even your skin. The main things to remember about the can of air: Do NOT turn it upside down, this freezes the air coming out; DO spray in short bursts about two seconds each, as the can gets very cold to the touch. Also, if the can you purchased came with a “hose,” utilize it for those hard to reach places by gently bending it.
Although the whole tower should be sprayed, there are certain parts that are primary to the process. These parts should be sprayed before any other parts in case you run out of air. By chance you bought two cans of air, you should be safe. Furthermore, don’t throw the cans away afterwards. After the cans warm back up, their pressure returns.
The first part to be sprayed is the CPU heat sink and fan connected to it. You can tell what this part is by the large copper or silver colored piece of metal with slats all through it, which is connected to the largest board in your tower, called the “motherboard.” The piece of metal also has a beforehand mentioned fan connected to it. Dust easily gets within the slats and the fan causing the fan to not work as well as it could. Make sure to utilize the “hose” connected to the can to get between each of the slats.
The next part you should make sure to spray are any and all fans within the tower. As each tower has a different number of fans depending on the parts, make sure to look thoroughly to get every one. If any of the fans face the outside of the tower, it is best to spray for the inside to the outside as to not create more work for yourself. There is one fan that is within the power supply that you will have to spray for the outside in as well as the inside out in order to ensure it is clean. This fan will be visible from the outside of the tower by looking at the back; from there you should be able to match placement on the inside in order to spray in the opposite direction as well.
After you have sprayed the primary parts mentioned above, you may move on to the rest of the tower. Make sure to spray any parts that are connected to the motherboard, as well as the general case. You may want to tip the case so the dust falls out , or possibly keep a vacuum nearby so you can catch the dust as you spray it around. Just make sure not to touch any parts with the vacuum parts as you may damage them by bending or breaking a part.
Now that all the cleaning has been done, remove the anti-static clip from the tower, replace the side panel, replace the screws and tighten. No need to tighten too much, as you will need to do this again.
There are a few things that will shorten the amount of time between cleanings for your tower. First, it depends on where you live. If you live in a dry, dusty environment, your tower will collect quite a bit of that dust. Second, pets that have hair. If you have pets, you already know that their hair and fur get everywhere. This will not exclude a computer tower. Third, the amount of time your computer is powered on. The longer a computer is on, the more dust gets inside as fans push and pull air through. The electricity within the computer tower then attracts that dust making it stick to the various parts inside.
