Open Menu
AllLocalCommunitiesAbout
lotide
AllLocalCommunitiesAbout
Login

Is compressed air the best way to clean my pc that I consider dusting once every 2 years?

⁨59⁩ ⁨likes⁩

Submitted ⁨⁨15⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world⁩ to ⁨nostupidquestions@lemmy.world⁩

source

Comments

Sort:hotnewtop
  • SupraMario@lemmy.world ⁨7⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    Buy a small 3 gallon air compressor from like harbor freight or your equivalent, add in a moisture capture and then go to town. Those hand held ones are fine but you can do a lot more with an air compressor than you can with the hand held ones.

    source
  • TehBamski@lemmy.world ⁨10⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    I personally own a DataVac Electric Duster (with attachments) that I got on sale for just under $100. It might seem like a lot to pay, but I did the math and figured via forums that people tend to dust their computers 2-4 times a year. I’ve had mine for over 7 years now and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to die anytime soon. And why would it? I’ve used it about 20 times. It should have a life of 180 - 300 uses, but that’s just a hunch. It’s also powerful enough to be used around the shop or workbench for other things besides dusting your electronics. Just use a bit of caution while using. I tend to gently hold my fan blades while I focus the duster on them. It does well, and I then just use several q-tips to carefully wipe the blades clean of any lingering dust.

    Here’s a breakdown of the cost. $100 / used 2 times a year / for 10 years = $5 a year.

    I got curious about what compressed air in a can is now days and it seems to be about $4.50 - 5.25 per can online, and this was in a bulk buy of 6-12 cans, with each can being 10-12oz. While a can could be saved after using what you need, it has a chance of leaking compressed air from the can while it’s in storage. Not an issue with an electric duster. You don’t have to reorder cans if you just get an electric duster. And another selling point that was important for me, it’s a heck of a lot better on the environment to just get an electric duster for your PC than it is to have a pack of cans shipped to you, use and toss the spent can. And because it’s a compressed item, even after being spent, it’s harder to find anyone willing to recycle them.

    Moving onto an electric duster was one of the best things I’ve done to help take care of my electronics. Especially my PC.

    source
    • Thassodar@sh.itjust.works ⁨4⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

      +1 to this, I bought one 6 or 7 years ago and have never regretted it. I’ve even (shamefully) used it to blow light leaves off my porch.

      source
  • hperrin@lemmy.ca ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    Yeah. It won’t damage it with static electricity or physical contact. Unless you’re using some really powerful air pressure.

    source
  • A_norny_mousse@feddit.org ⁨14⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    I sometimes use a regular vacuum cleaner (anteater nozzle), and canned air for the tricky bits.

    source
  • salacious_coaster@infosec.pub ⁨14⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    Giottos Rocket Air Blaster. It’s a little reusable squeezy deal. Takes a little extra effort to use, but you’ll never have to buy canned air again.

    source
  • NaibofTabr@infosec.pub ⁨11⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    Assuming this is a desktop PC, prevention is much better. Get a case with dust filters (preferably removable) on the intake fans or just add some to your existing case. I would call this essential if you have pets.

    source
  • thermal_shock@lemmy.world ⁨14⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    I use a combo of air and a small car detail brush to loosen anything stuck. Then blow it all out.

    source