Games Are Performing Poorly After Cleaning My PC with Compressed Air, Help!

It’s possible that you blew dust into a part of your PC that it shouldn’t be in, or you might have spun one of the fans too fast in the wrong direction, which could potentially break it. Check to see if all your fans are functioning properly and look for any odd noises or changes in their speed after the cleaning.

You might have to check the GPU and ensure it's seated correctly. Sometimes while cleaning, you can accidentally disconnect cables or move things around. Verify that all the connections are firm and that the GPU isn't running off the integrated graphics instead. Also, monitor the temperatures while gaming with a tool like HWInfo64 to see if anything looks out of the ordinary.

Make sure to visually inspect the graphics card after you’ve cleaned. Look for any missing components or debris in the PCIe slot. Reseat the card, leaving the case open, and watch for the fans spinning while you run your games. If there are signs of damage, it's best to consult a professional.

Checking the event viewer can also help identify any specific errors happening post-cleaning. Verify your NVIDIA control panel settings and your power settings to ensure everything is optimal. Also, don't forget to check the GPU's temperatures during use.

Have you checked if your display cable is connected to the GPU? Sometimes, it’s easy to accidentally plug it into the motherboard I/O, which would cause all game performance to drop. Also, be cautious with the propellant from the can; using it incorrectly can damage components.