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Compressed air is good but there are a few things to consider.
Be aware that if you are using a tool shop compressor it may be too powerful and can tear components from the pcb.
Do it outside and wear a dust mask or stand down wind and try not to breath the dust.
Don't allow the fans to spin on the compressed air, you may reverse the charge and short components.
I never thought about the fan spinning issue, is it still a problem if I'm just using a can of compressed air?
The fan spinning and causing a short out is a myth. It's been tested and doesn't generate enough electricity.
Any chance you've got a source for that test?
Yes, but all you need to do is stop the fan from spinning by holding it in place. This will be better for cleaning anyway.
I allows thought it isn't allowed to spin into the "wrong" direction, so I always put a pencil in it to stop it from moving. No idea if it's a myth.
I wouldn't worry too much about shorting as there should be diodes all over the mobo to prevent current from feeding where it shouldn't but you could overdrive the fan and wear it out faster. A can of duster can do this too so just hold one of the blades and blow around it as you move your hand to cover the whole thing.
As every electric motor is also a generator, yes. Just put something between the blades before you blow it out.
Those cans suck ass, at least for my experience. As the content cools of through expansion, you have about 20secs of charge before you have to wait for the can to get warm again :-/ but results may vary
I'm a big.... proponent... of handheld rechargeable air blowers after getting one from Wolfbox.
I always felt like I was risking frostbite with the cans.
I tried one once, it was weak and useless.
I got a plugin one instead of battery-powered. If I'm dusting a computer I'm going to be near a power outlet anyway so it seemed pointless to make it wireless. It's was both cheap and quite powerful, I use it for blasting dust out from under furniture and other such handy tasks as well.
I have a similar plug in blower that works great. Can't believe I never thought of using it to clean under furniture, thanks!
The cans work fine but you're only supposed to use it in short bursts not holding down the nozzle and going to town. I typically but a multipack and alternate between two if I need to use them for an extended period. Also keep in mind that the straw really limits the blowing force so use it only when you need to.
Thats something i didnt try, thanks for the input. But since i got myself a proper air compressor, i dont use these cans anymore
If your compressor doesn't have a dehumidifier you risk blasting a bit of water, too, and with the pressure/velocity it can reach places that won't dry out quickly.
But the dust and hair feels so good deep down in my lungs.
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.
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.
+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.
Yeah. It won’t damage it with static electricity or physical contact. Unless you’re using some really powerful air pressure.
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.
I sometimes use a regular vacuum cleaner (anteater nozzle), and canned air for the tricky bits.
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.
I use a combo of air and a soft car detail brush to loosen anything stuck. Then blow it all out.
