Hey everyone! I'm planning to dust out my PC tomorrow and had a method in mind. I was thinking of turning off my PC, flipping the PSU switch off, unplugging all the cables, and then taking the whole thing out to my garage. My plan was to use my Datavac ESD to blow out the dust while ensuring that none of the fans spin, to avoid damaging my rig which is quite pricey (with a 5090 and 9950X3D build). However, I've come across different opinions about whether I should keep it plugged in to ground it or not, which has left me a bit confused. I definitely don't want to make a mistake and end up damaging my setup. What do you all recommend? Should I stick to my original plan or make some changes? Thanks!
4 Answers
I clean my PCs every few months. I shut everything down and unplug it first, then take it outside. I recommend using a gentle brush, a handheld vacuum for suction, and an air duster for blowing out dust. Make sure to touch the ground before you start, and hold the fan blades while you blow them out. It’s a thorough approach!
Honestly, just grab an electric blower and a brush to help move the dust around. Then blow it all out. Seriously, it's that simple! Don't stress over it too much!
Exactly, that's the vibe I got! Just got confused with people saying to keep it plugged in.
People suggest keeping it plugged in because they think it helps prevent issues with the fans. When the fans spin and you're blowing air around, you could feed back an electric current to the motherboard, which isn't good if you're not careful. So, it's better to hold the fans still while cleaning. The plug might help, but honestly, just holding the fans is a solid practice, plugged in or not.
It's generally safer to keep your PC unplugged when you open it up. Just make sure you're on a static-free surface and touch the metal case before you handle any components to discharge any static electricity. Using compressed air to blow out dust is a go-to method. If you're using an air compressor, keep it at low PSI to avoid damage.
I see! But why do people say to keep it plugged in for grounding? That seems tricky if I'm blowing it out outside, right?
Yeah, I plan to use my ESD Datavac too.
Thanks for the tips! I’m a bit worried about taking my PC outside now since some folks mentioned it could attract bugs or that it's not a good idea. Is that true?