Household vacuums & computer innards

Is this ok to do or an absolute desk pounding NO NO~! Would appreciate comments. I have my AMD open and on it's side for some cleaning and 2nd HDD installation. I took the fan off the heatsink and it's really in need of some heavy duty cleaning (the fan and the sink). I've read that household vacuums create static elec. but I'd really like to gently vacuum some of the trash out of the heatsink(I have two big long haired dogs). Everything from the vac nozzle to the vac is plastic. ??

 

Boy, it's gonna pretty tough to fit the vacuum inside your case!
On a more serious note, the end of your nozzle is most likely plastic. I doubt bringing that near your HSF is going to cause much of a ESD problem. I think the greater danger would be to hit some part with the nozzle and break it.

I think you're going a little overkill here. I usually remove the entire heatsink and blow it out with compressed air. It's probably safer and the compressed air will do an excellent job of cleaning.

Gary

 

Chiles4 - Thanks for your input. I figured with all plastic it would be safe. As to overkill, I have used compressed air before with unsatisfactory results but had never removed the fan from the heatsink (did this time, tho) so with a combo of the vac, compressed air, and even a wooden toothpick to get some of the really stubborn trash I got the job done. The heatsink is the type with vertical tubes with many sharp ribs (to increase the area) and they just won't let go of some stuff without Heroic means.

 

Plastic or not, it makes no difference. I do a bit of woodworking as a hobby. The wood shop has a vacuum system built into the floor to which all the power tools are connected. The entire vacuum system is built out of 4 inch PVC pipe. When we first built it we were told to run a ground wire through each of the pipes to eliminate the possibility of static electricity building up in the pipes and maybe starting a fire. Well, we thought that was a bunch of bunk and didn't do it. I'm no electrician but I can tell you without a doubt that static electricity will build up inside the pipe and it will jump from the pipe to you. When we first started using it, shocks were an every day occurrence. For example, if I'd use the planer and get to close to the vacuum pipe that was connected to it, I'd end up jumping far enough that I could have competed in the standing broad jump at the olympics. The pipe I got the shock from was plastic and I see no reason why the same thing can't happen with a vacuum cleaner. More than likely you'd be ok but if it were me I'd use compressed air and blow it out.

There is a ground wire in the vacuum pipes now.

 

I have used a 1/2" soft, long bristle "paint" type brush for years. Gently cleaning the heat sinks' ribs or the fan's blades while also using a vacuum cleaner or blower to remove the dirt. (Common sense approach should dictate one, not to use a large "Industrial" type unit.)

 

All replies are muchly appreciated and food for thought. I have done the do and all seems well as the processor is running about 10 to 12 deg. F. cooler now, even under full load. We (the computer and me) escaped the bullet and all is well. I thank you all for the advice. Even one thing learned in a day is a day well spent.

 

Plastic is a very good source for static buildup. Ever drag a comb through your hair for a min. or so then lift it slowly and watch your hair rise with it? They even have warnings on gas pumps now not to fill cans that are sitting on a plastic bedliner. As irdreed suggested, a brush to loosen, then compressed air to get the components clean. Following up with quickly vacumming the bottom of the case while keeping the nozzle in contact with the case shouldn't be a problem. And I would have the machine plugged in while vacuuming, to be sure it is grounded.

 

Looks like a general concensus.

I saw a recommendation to vacuum the computer when I was new to computing and did so on my (200mzh) "pride and joy ". Luckly no damage was done, but now the thought of dry air racing down a plastic tube chills my bones.

I take the case outside the house, remove the fan(s), brush down, then use compressed air to remove the dust. (Also wipe the bristles of the brush on a bare metallic surface before brushing).

Matt

 

I've been vacuuming my computers since I had my IBM XT and never had a static issue.. Always keep one hand on the computer case while you're vacuuming with the other, and chances are you won't have a static problem...

I use compressed air when i have the chance as well, as it does a better job of getting into the tiny spots that you simply can't get a vacuum into. However, sometimes I just don't have a can laying around, so a vacuum will do

If you REALLY want to get boards clean, an old friend showed me a good trick: Get an old baby brush and brush the boards free of dust. Take the normal static precautions.. AND BE SURE to get an old-fashioned "Horse Hair" baby brush with a wooden handle.. DO NOT USE the new baby brushes that have vinyl bristles and plastic handles, as this will CERTAINLY create static...