Computer problems

[Fins-n-feathers]

We have a pretty dusty house due to two labs layin around, and every once in a while we get the blue screen of death or the computer just shuts down by itself. We vacuum it out and it works fine. Is it just due to the dust and hair? Are we supposed to be vaccuming it out more often? Or both?

Another thing is that the fan is ALWAYS going, and it kind of loud, so it gets annoying. When we vaccum it out it isn't that bad until couple days later when the fan is always on again. Is this due to the dust, too? It is a quad, does that have something to do with it?

Thanks

[Nick Kuhn]

If there's no warranty sticker preventing it open up the case and use a can of air (or blow through a straw) to blast out any and all dust, particularly between the fins of heatsinks. I do this occasionally and my CPU runs 20c (36f) cooler.

[Surface Tension]

Keep and eye your CPU and case temps.

I open up the case and blow it out every couple months. On the power supply I use vacuum and air as it is enclosed. Before you start turn off the power supply and keep the case and yourself grounded. Compressed air and vacuum cleaners create static. While your in there it is a good idea to re-seat the cables and hardware/devices.

[Fins-n-feathers]

We blow it out with a blow-drier when we vaccum it-that seems to help.

[spearchucker]

Laptop or desktop? You need to take them apart and clean more than just the vents. The heatsinks will be clogged up. Turn the power off remove fans, etc. Clean with compressed air and vacuum.

[Jack Stasney]

Sounds like you are over heating. On most new computers the fan might be able to be heard, but it really shouldn't be too bad. As far as the dust goes yes this could cause a problem. In general it sounds like it's just making an already existing issue worse. I'd blow everthing out including the power suppply fan (this is important as a lot of dust can get in there), and use the canned air to blow it so you don't blow something up. If the issue persists then 1. You might have a fan that is going bad, or 2. you may need to install an additional fan to help with cooling.

[upnorth]

If you have dogs and dust, get the tower up off the floor. Most PCs have an air intake in the front down by the floor and it will naturally just pull all that junk in there. Fur is the worst as it will literally build up a mat in front of the intact and restrict the air flow.

Pull it apart and clean it all out and get it up off the floor a bit. If need be build a small box and set it on there.

[BobT]

When you clean out the interior, how important is it to be concerned about static charge? Aren't these components static sensitive and what steps should one take to protect against this problem?

[upnorth]

Turn the power off, leave the machine plugged in and touch the case(needs to be a metal part of the case), that will discharged any static electricity you have in you. If you don't move around too much you are fine, any time you move around just touch the case again and it will discharge again. Or you can just keep on hand on the case.

[Nick Kuhn]

When you clean out the interior, how important is it to be concerned about static charge? Aren't these components static sensitive and what steps should one take to protect against this problem?

Most people over-do the whole static sensitive thing. In order to sell them they do have to pass some sort of ESD (electro-static discharge) exposure testing. As long as you touch something metal before hand to get rid of any massive shocks you might have built up, the components will be just fine.

[BobT]

Part of what I was thinking is that moving air can generate some rather strong static charges too so when blowing air on the boards I suspect you might create a potential. I suppose that any metal parts that are grounded should be okay but non-metal objects is another story.

[Fins-n-feathers]

Just want to say thanks for all the feedback you guys it has really helped!

[upnorth]

Good to hear it worked out well.