How can I wipe dust off my computer's video/sound card?

[kurt_fire]

My computer's nVidia 6600 GT video card has a thick layer of dust on it. Also, I just installed an AV-710 and I don't want it to get as dusty as my 6600 GT in the future. Usually every month I open my PC, vacumn the areas possible, but never touch the actual motherboard + things attached. How can I clean off my video card, sound card, and motherboard without causing any harm?

 

[fewtch]

I'd take the whole case outdoors and use a can of compressed air. If you do this, make sure to blow out dust from the PCI and memory slots afterward.

 

[kurt_fire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fewtch I'd take the whole case outdoors and use a can of compressed air. If you do this, make sure to blow out dust from the PCI and memory slots afterward.

Yeah, I should have mentioned I've tried canned air. It blows off a tad of the loose stuff on top, but the thicker layer it can't move. Any more suggestions?

 

[brian183]

Alcohol swabs will do it. They're great because the liquid evaporates and disinfects real quick. I'd use a can of air and spray wherever you wiped the alcohol swab on just to be safe before you turn it on again.

 

[saturnine]

I use Kensington Surface Guardian wipes, which can be found at your local Staples store. They are anti-static, and work very well

 

[MrSlacker]

I honestly just take apart my PC and vacuum it. never had a single problem. canned air should get ALL dirt out, not just the loose one, try and spray closer to the card.

 

[evil-zen]

You can try using a paintbrush or toothbrush to scrape that thick layer off followed by the compressed air.

 

[adhoc]

over where i live, the high ambient humidity (>80%) renders static electricity a non-issue, so i use a paintbrush to remove the most stubborn dust bunnies. ymmv.

 

[Leto Atreides II]

Vaccuming your computer is a great way to destroy it via static discharge.

As for dust, it's already been covered in this thread.

 

[C38368]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSlacker I honestly just take apart my PC and vacuum it. never had a single problem. canned air should get ALL dirt out, not just the loose one, try and spray closer to the card.

QFE.

I know a couple people who swear by inverted vacuuming, too. If you have a vacuum that you can run in reverse, that is. I suspect, though, that it wouldn't do all that much to dislodge the superfine crap that gets in there (especially in heatsink fins).

Also, if your computer is sitting on the floor... elevate it! That cuts down on dust buildup immensely, particularly if you live in a dust-prone area (or just don't sweep/vaccum!).