How can I clean my CPU?

PB · Post by PB » Tue Nov 28, 2006 6:28 am

Here's a pic of my CPU:

It's very dusty and needs cleaning, but I can't figure out how to remove the fan
off the top so I can vaccum it.

I've unclipped both sides (the white handles)
but all that does is make the whole CPU unit loose, but I can't lift it off the
motherboard. Does anyone recognize this type of enclosure and can advise
me on what to do? Thanks.

Rescator · Post by **Rescator** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 6:35 am

I would recommend compressed air on a can. (available at any computer and electronics store)

Make sure the PC has been turned of for a while before doing this, the air can be very cold and if the cpu or motherboard and power etc is warm you could actually break the poor things.

Make sure your face is somewhere behind the can unless you want to breathe dust, then blast the sucker. (but not too close, the air can be extremely cold, keep the air tube/jet tube a good 10cm away or similar.
You should be able to get rid of almost all the dust, including that in between the cooling fins of the sink.

PB · Post by PB » Tue Nov 28, 2006 6:38 am

Okay, it looks like I may have to do that (was hoping to avoid spending money).
But no matter what I've tried, the whole casing doesn't want to come off.
I don't even know why there's clips on there if they don't do anything.

Rescator · Post by **Rescator** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 8:08 am

The clips I assume is either for a different type of cooler, or they are there to make sure the whole thing really sits tight.

The fan however is usually fastened to the heatsink using small screws, it depends on the maker of the fan and heatsink really. You may or may not be able to remove the fan.

The cpu itself is stuck to the heatsink with a paste or glue, I would not recommend loosening anything as it could loosen the contact the cpu has with the heatsink which could result in failure to cool properly.
In that case you need to clean the cpu and heatsink and apply new paste or glue and re-seat the whole thing.

The compressed air cans do not cost that much, and they are usually pretty big so you will not only be able to clean your cpu sink/fan,
but all the fans in the PC as well as cd-drom, mainboard and the entire case, and still have plenty left until next time you need to do it several months from now. The can should last enough for 2-4 cleanings of the entire pc (including keyboard

And I'd recommend blowing the pc clean 2-4 times per year, depending on the amount of dust in the room and that the PC collects.

Not only is the dust a fire hazard. (ever looked inside somebody's TV set? Eeek!) But too much dust prevents the heatsink from dissipating heat properly. (the dust acts as a insulator i.e. keeping the heat)
Not to mention the dust can cause fans to malfunction.

netmaestro · Post by **netmaestro** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 8:37 am

The white handles loosen the whole assembly, enough that you can unhook a set of plastic feet anchored to the motherboard at the bottom. If you look carefully, you'll find them. Sometimes the fan is screwed to the heatsink and sometimes not, but I'd recommend getting the whole heatsink/fan assembly off and do a proper job. It usually has some gook between the heatsink and processor, but it's just thermal grease and it won't stick. If you can get a packet of that from a computer store to add a bit more when you put it back it's a good idea. Don't force anything, but you don't need to be afraid of it either. You really have to try pretty hard to break anything in there.

JCV · Post by **JCV** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:46 pm

I dont see any image

Maybe I can help. I assemble computers.