Brush the dust from your computer

[tinjaw]

Just a little tip.

For years I have been cleaning my computer components with a simple bore bristle shaving brush. The bristles are stiff enough to get the sticky dirt while not endangering the small parts. It is also static free.

[attachthumb=#]

[tomos]

wonder what the bristles are
guess it's important that they're natural -  (not so "staticy")
I've never used shaving brushes - I know the more expensive ones are badger hair but after that ...
must look see whats on offer here

[Lashiec]

So, it's safe to use it with the components located near sensible parts, that is, coolers?

[tinjaw]

So, it's safe to use it with the components located near sensible parts, that is, coolers?

Sorry Lashiec, but I think something got lost in the translation. Did you mean sensitive and fans or were you talking about water blocks?

[Lashiec]

Yes, I think sensitive is more appropriated in this context, and well, they're actually called coolers, but I suppose you can call them fans. I'm talking about those cooling off GPUs and CPUs, not case fans.

[tinjaw]

Well, they are called fans if they are fans. You mean something like a passive heat spreader? Either way, yes, it is safe.

[Lashiec]

Yes, something like this, fan + heat spreader, all-in-one. If it's safe, better for me, it's a finer method than using canned air (and spreading dust everywhere )

[tinjaw]

Don't worry, the dust still goes flying! 

[app103]

Long before I ever used them to clean computer parts, I have used 1/2" wide (and smaller), long bristle badger or black sable paintbrushes, purchased specifically as cleaning/dusting tools at the local artist supply shop.

They get all the dust out without any risk of scratching....safe for even the most delicate parts. (safest, most effective way to clean very intricate fine Italian porcelain sculptures, too)

The long handle and bristles makes it easy to get into places that you can't fit your hand. And the natural bristles are static free, as tinjaw mentioned.

Over time, they will save you a ton of money too, as they will give you more cleanings than the same price in compressed air. (I am a very frugal person)

Just make sure you buy it specifically for this purpose and not use one that may have been used for paint or other substances. (this is very important!)

Oh...and stay away from soft fluffy cosmetic brushes, even if they are natural hair. They do attract static and their hairs will break easily and get caught in things.

[f0dder]

Compressed air is a lot more fun, though

[mouser]

Warning:
do not blow compressed air into your computer while it is on.
especially not into your power supply.

turn it off first and wait a few minutes after before you turn it back on.

i have personally fried a power supply in front of my eyes by turning it on right after i sprayed compressed air cannister into it.

[tinjaw]

I would be willing to bet that they cause of the problem was that the cold air from the compressed air met the hot air of the power supply any you had instant rain shower in your PSU.