Clean the inside of your computer...

[Broni]

We surely often recommend cleaning the inside of the computer case to solve various problems.
I have to admit to being one of the helpers, who may get lazy about that important part of computer maintenance.
When I bought this Vista desktop year, and a half ago, the temperatures were pretty constant at about 19C-20C (while idle with maybe couple of windows open).
Then, pretty much recently those temps started to rise, and recently they were floating from upper 20s to even low 40s.
Finally, I opened the case today, and obviously there was a lot of dust inside.
Honestly, I was surprised how bad it was. I have a carpet, but the computer case is elevated couple of feet, so I really didn't expect that much.
Mostly fans, and around them.
Video card fan wasn't that bad, since it's pretty much open, but the CPU fan was really bad, and since it works in a box sitting on CPU heatsink, the heatsink was packed with dirt.
I cleaned everything well, and....as of now, with Firefox, and Thunderbird windows open, the temperature is listed as 14C-15C!
On average, 20 degrees cooler!
I'm pretty sure, my CPU feels pretty happy.

Spring cleaning time, people 

[pantherman]

As a non expert I will support that! Took the case of my pc and it was a jungle of dirt in there! All cleaned now, but if I left it much longer I think I would have needed a machete! Must make it a monthly job now. 

[Computer Hope Admin]

For those who stumble across this thread and are looking for help or information on cleaning their computer it can be found on the below link.

http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm

[Broni]

Very nice link
One suggestion....

   

*  User who does not smoke and has no pets - Clean the computer every five months.
    * User who does not smoke and has pets - Clean the computer every four months.
    * User who smokes but has no pets - Clean the computer every three months.
    * User who smokes and has pets - Clean the computer every two months.
    * Business with clean office environment - Clean the computers every five months.
    * Business with clean office environment; however, multiple users use each computer - Clean the computer every three months.
    * Business that is a factory environment or allows smoking - Clean the computer every two months.
    * School computers with young adult users - Clean the computer every three months.
    * School computers with pre-teen users - Clean the computer every month. In some cases, this may need to be weekly or daily.

I'd include carpet factor...

[harry 48]

how do you know what the temperature is , i have only cleaned it twice in 4 years , harry

[Broni]

To check the temps:
- Speedfan - http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php
- Everest - http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

[Glitch]

I found a very good blog on this topic.  I thought it should be mentioned, especially within this thread.

For a good read:  http://www.mariovaldez.net/webapps/blog/2006/07/16/the-dust-free-computer/

[Broni]

Good read

[patio]

                           

[Broni]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hse9wOZg-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlxXahwHRhc

[harry 48]

i might try they way patio has shown on his post

thanks broni  ,    temp 1 = 39c
                           temp 2 = 38c
                           hdo      = 33c
                           temp 1 = 24c

all blue arrows are pointing down , harry

[Computer Hope Admin]

... I'd include carpet factor...

I've updated the cleaning page with a new fancy table that helps calculate how often you should clean your computer. Because really there were a lot of different factors that were missing from the original list. Enjoy.  

[nalee]

To add to all this info, and I'm sure its in the many manuals and what not posted, but make sure the inside is set up correctly and free of clutter meaning if you have added anything or if power supply cables are blocking the air flow thru the machine that could be a factor in time also, and make sure everything is seated correctly.  Thats my two cents 

[soybean]

I cleaned everything well, and....as of now, with Firefox, and Thunderbird windows open, the temperature is listed as 14C-15C!

Those temps really make no sense.  They equate to 57.2F to 59F.  Do you keep your computer in a walk-in freezer, or use an A/C system to keep room temps down around 50F?  If not, then those temps just make no sense.   

[harry 48]

soybean what about my temps just above your post , harry 48