Resolved Having hard time finding motherboard details

We have a Packard Bell PC that needs an overhaul,thick with dust never cleaned.
We would like to give it a complete clean to the extent of removing components including motherboard.
Need motherboard spec and details to ensure correct re- install.
Details we have so far on PC as follows.
Packard Bell.Model type UTOW-FRA
MS WHOL no FRA 1052951
S/N 049700920404
PID 0407009
P/N PB 34225201
MIM
iMEDIA 1328?1
Hope there is enough detail to find motherboard spec etc,
Spanner.

 

Cleaned tons of them and never really dismanteled any of them. Just blew them out and used a Q-Tip to hold the fans and usually just rubbed them with the Q-Tip to remove what would not blow off. Never had a problem and I have cleaned some nasty ones.

 

In fact, you should avoid taking them apart (other than opening up the case) as doing so risks damage from ESD and mishandling.

I take the PCs outside and blast with compressed air (holding the fans stationary with wood Popsicle sticks to avoid over spinning and destroying bearings). Cans of compressed dusting cans will work, but an air compressor is much better. Just toggle it back to 80-90PSI and make sure you ALWAYS - as in EVERY SINGLE TIME - use a inline moisture and particulate filter to prevent spewing some really nasty, vile, rusty water all over your components.

 

Thanks, I like the idea of not taking it apart, so will clean the muck out as described with brush and compressed air. (I have a compressed air kit for airbrushing). However I will have to take the CPU fan and heat sink from the CPU as it is completly gunged up.
What is the process to get a MoBo spec ?, the one I refered to is probably over 6 years old and the info I got from Packard Bell refered to MoBo's 4 years and under.
Spanner

 

If there is anything I urge you DON'T take about, it is the CPU's heat sink fan assembly! Try blasting it out first and I am sure it will come clean.

Understand, if you remove the heatsink, you then MUST thoroughly clean both mating surfaces and properly apply a fresh new layer of TIM (thermal interface material). You cannot reuse old TIM! And disassembling the heatsink is where ESD damage is most likely to occur.

Unless that computer has been around a bunch of cats and smoking users, use the compressor and don't remove the heatsink.

 

Thank you Mr Bill, I have built Hi Fi units so have been aware of the paste for some time, in this instant the TIM paste between the heat sink and the CPU had already dried out. I unclipped the CPU fan and the gunge on the Ally heatsink had blocked the airways thru the heatsink.
I am concerned that the CPU may have overheated, no way of trying this out yet because the PSU has failed, due to clogged fan. Waiting new one.
Sorry Peter C, not sure what your question refers to ?
Spanner.

 

Update to all re, cleaning dirty PC. I did most of the cleaning as suggested with compressed air (model paint spray kit) and various brushes, together with the wifes vac cleaner, I did remove the CPU as I said I had, and the TIM paste was flacking off, carefully (very) removed old past and cleaned up, applied new paste and refitted CPU, fan etc (Wearing gloves and earth strap). managed to find MOBO details from board once I had cleaned it up in situ.
Pleased that the CPU had not burn out, after some driver problems solved by going to SIW, and PC working ok, in fact this is the one in question.
FYI,Mr Bill, the PC owner has 6 cats, 4 dogs, 2 horses and 3 goats, OH! and a goldfish. also smokes a pipe. so how did you know?
Thanks everyone for your help found it to be an interesting exercise, well worth the time.
Will mark this Resolved and thanks again.
Spanner

 

Because I've been there - well, I have not had to worry much about horse, goat, or fish hair - but smoking owners with cats are the worst. Cat hair is very oily and therefore sticky, and attractive to dust. And of course, the tars in tobacco are sticky too.

I am glad you got it sorted out and thanks for the followup