🚀 go-pugleaf

"pg" <penang@catholic.org> wrote in message 
news:deff1e3d-0687-44d7-8355-cf41aaf134a9@c18g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
> One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
> is very dusty.
>
> So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
> fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.
>
> In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
> heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
> dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.
>
> The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
> of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
> can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.
>
> This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
> between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
>
> I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
>
> If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....
>
> So, to the hardware gurus here ---
>
> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
> without breaking anything?
>
> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>
> Please advise.
>
> Thank you !!


I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same 
compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the 
can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.
-- 
Jan Alter
bearpuf@verizon.net

On Apr 28, 12:05 pm, pg <pen...@catholic.org> wrote:
> One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
> is very dusty.
>
> So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
> fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.
>
> In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
> heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
> dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.
>
> The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
> of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
> can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.
>
> This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
> between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
>
> I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
>
> If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....
>
> So, to the hardware gurus here ---
>
> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
> without breaking anything?
>
> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>
> Please advise.
>
> Thank you !!

If the heatsink / fan is so mucked up with grime, I would consider
locating a "replacement" heatsink / fan assembly.  A quick search on a
known parts web site (www.startech.com) comes up with 4 new heatsink /
fan kits:

http://www.startech.com/product/itemlist.aspx?product_desc=fan+775&search.x=0&search.y=0

And some models might have better performance than your original.

"smlunatick" <yveslec@gmail.com> wrote...

> If the heatsink / fan is so mucked up with grime, I would consider 
> locating a "replacement" heatsink / fan assembly.  A quick search on a 
> known parts web site (www.startech.com) comes up with 4 new heatsink / fan 
> kits:

I agree.  Since you already have the old heat sink off the CPU, most of the 
hard work is done.

Some require removing the motherboard to fix a mounting plate on the 
underside, but there are several that do not require MoBo removal:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835119092

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150056

"Jan Alter" <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote in message 
news:gt6oj2$1l82$1@adenine.netfront.net...
>
>
>
> "pg" <penang@catholic.org> wrote in message 
> news:deff1e3d-0687-44d7-8355-cf41aaf134a9@c18g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
>> One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
>> is very dusty.
>>
>> So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
>> fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.
>>
>> In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
>> heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
>> dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.
>>
>> The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
>> of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
>> can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.
>>
>> This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
>> between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
>>
>> I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
>>
>> If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....
>>
>> So, to the hardware gurus here ---
>>
>> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
>> without breaking anything?
>>
>> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
>> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>>
>> Please advise.
>>
>> Thank you !!
>
>
> I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same 
> compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the 
> can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.

When the warm/hot weather arrives (now), I usually find my processor fan 
periodically switching to overdrive.  In the past, I used a straightened 
paper clip to 'pick' out the lint between the fins.  I just did my check; no 
lint, but probed the fins anyway, then started up the computer (with case 
cover and duct removed and blew out whatever was inside.  Seems to be 
running cooler now with no overdrive.

Relating to the OPs post, I once read somewhere that blowing compressed air 
into a computer would place a static charge on the innards.  I do wear a 
wrist strap while cleaning the fins, but wonder about using compressed air.

What do you think, Jan?

HankG 

>
> Relating to the OPs post, I once read somewhere that blowing compressed 
> air into a computer would place a static charge on the innards.  I do wear 
> a wrist strap while cleaning the fins, but wonder about using compressed 
> air.
>
> What do you think, Jan?
>
> HankG
>

I've heard that said to using a vacuum cleaner,being that a motor is running 
and building a charge, but not of the compressed air. I've not had any 
problems using the CA method. I supposed one could go ground themselves 
first before attempting the work if that were a potential issue.
-- 
Jan Alter
bearpuf@verizon.net

Jan Alter wrote:
> "pg" <penang@catholic.org> wrote in message 
> news:deff1e3d-0687-44d7-8355-cf41aaf134a9@c18g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
>> One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
>> is very dusty.
>>
>> So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
>> fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.
>>
>> In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
>> heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
>> dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.
>>
>> The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
>> of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
>> can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.
>>
>> This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
>> between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
>>
>> I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
>>
>> If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....
>>
>> So, to the hardware gurus here ---
>>
>> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
>> without breaking anything?
>>
>> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
>> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>>
>> Please advise.
>>
>> Thank you !!
> 
> 
> I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same 
> compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the 
> can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.

Canned air and an antistatic brush, repeat as necessary.

Ari

-- 
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply
Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow transplant. Please 
volunteer to be a marrow donor and literally save someone's life:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

 "Jan Alter" <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote:

>I've heard that said to using a vacuum cleaner,being that a motor is running 
>and building a charge, but not of the compressed air.

It's not the motor, it's the air blowing past the parts that causes a
static charge to build up - just keep it plugged in (wall plug) it
will discharge itself if a problem.

Never heard of CA causing a static charge, but it would be the same
principle as a vacuum and wearing a static strap isn't going to have
any affect at all.
-- 

http://whybenormal.today.com/files/2009/04/no-matter-what.jpg

 spodosaurus <spodosaurus@_yahoo_.com> wrote:

>> I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same 
>> compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the 
>> can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.

>Canned air and an antistatic brush, repeat as necessary.

Sounds like I have the same setup (heatsink/fan) and that's how I do
it. Canned air and one of those brushes that come with hair cutting
kits.

My fan is connected - heck still in the computer, I just push the
brush thru the fan and into the heat sink move it around, then spray
with air, repeat.



-- 

http://whybenormal.today.com/files/2009/04/no-matter-what.jpg

In article <gt6oj2$1l82$1@adenine.netfront.net>, "Jan Alter" <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>
>
>"pg" <penang@catholic.org> wrote in message 
>news:deff1e3d-0687-44d7-8355-cf41aaf134a9@c18g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
>> One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
>> is very dusty.
>>
>> So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
>> fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.
>>
>> In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
>> heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
>> dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.
>>
>> The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
>> of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
>> can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.
>>
>> This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
>> between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
>>
>> I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
>>
>> If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....
>>
>> So, to the hardware gurus here ---
>>
>> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
>> without breaking anything?
>>
>> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
>> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>>
>> Please advise.
>>
>> Thank you !!
>
>
>I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same 
>compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the 
>can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.

Rather than a low pressure can of compressed air, invest in an air compressor 
like the ones they sell at Harbor Freight Tools.   FOr around $100-$150, you 
can get the job done with ease.



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40400

On Apr 28, 3:01 pm, "JR Weiss" <j...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
> "smlunatick" <yves...@gmail.com> wrote...
> > If the heatsink / fan is so mucked up with grime, I would consider
> > locating a "replacement" heatsink / fan assembly.  A quick search on a
> > known parts web site (www.startech.com) comes up with 4 new heatsink / fan
> > kits:
>
> I agree.  Since you already have the old heat sink off the CPU, most of the
> hard work is done.
>
> Some require removing the motherboard to fix a mounting plate on the
> underside, but there are several that do not require MoBo removal:
>
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
>
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835119092
>
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150056

Especially that the fan has a place where we can not access with most
brushes.  The fan "spinner" is extremely "fragile" and most brushes
are not easily pushed through the sight gap.

"GMAN" <winniethe@pooh.com> wrote in message 
news:qgHJl.218322$UR4.8526@en-nntp-09.dc1.easynews.com...
> In article <gt6oj2$1l82$1@adenine.netfront.net>, "Jan Alter" 
> <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>><snip>
>>>
>>I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same
>>compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the
>>can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.
>
> Rather than a low pressure can of compressed air, invest in an air 
> compressor
> like the ones they sell at Harbor Freight Tools.   FOr around $100-$150, 
> you
> can get the job done with ease.
>
>
>
120psi can do all kinds of damage to a computers innards and the air from a 
compressor can contain moisture as well as oil and other traces of crap
Stick to the canned air 

>>> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
>>> without breaking anything?
>>>
>>> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
>>> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>>>
>>> Please advise.
>>>
>>> Thank you !!
>>
>>
>>I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same
>>compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the
>>can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.
>
> Rather than a low pressure can of compressed air, invest in an air 
> compressor
> like the ones they sell at Harbor Freight Tools.   FOr around $100-$150, 
> you
> can get the job done with ease.
>
>
>
> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40400


$129 !!        LOL .


 For the amount of cleaning I do I'll stick with the $10 can of CA.
-- 
Jan Alter
bearpuf@verizon.net

In article <75p4odF19covjU1@mid.individual.net>, "olfart" <olfart65@excite.com> wrote:
>
>"GMAN" <winniethe@pooh.com> wrote in message 
>news:qgHJl.218322$UR4.8526@en-nntp-09.dc1.easynews.com...
>> In article <gt6oj2$1l82$1@adenine.netfront.net>, "Jan Alter" 
>> <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>><snip>
>>>>
>>>I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same
>>>compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the
>>>can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.
>>
>> Rather than a low pressure can of compressed air, invest in an air 
>> compressor
>> like the ones they sell at Harbor Freight Tools.   FOr around $100-$150, 
>> you
>> can get the job done with ease.
>>
>>
>>
>120psi can do all kinds of damage to a computers innards and the air from a 
>compressor can contain moisture as well as oil and other traces of crap
>Stick to the canned air 
>
>
Oh my god, you "DO" realize that you can adjust these from 0 psi all the way 
to 120 psi???? I never leave my compressor on the highest setting, just enough 
for the grinder, or sprayer, or tool i am using at the time!!!!!!!

And anyone with more than shit for brains uses an oil/air filter on their 
lines!!!!!!!!

In article <gt7mnp$75c$1@adenine.netfront.net>, "Jan Alter" <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>
>>>> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
>>>> without breaking anything?
>>>>
>>>> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
>>>> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>>>>
>>>> Please advise.
>>>>
>>>> Thank you !!
>>>
>>>
>>>I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same
>>>compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the
>>>can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.
>>
>> Rather than a low pressure can of compressed air, invest in an air 
>> compressor
>> like the ones they sell at Harbor Freight Tools.   FOr around $100-$150, 
>> you
>> can get the job done with ease.
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40400
>
>
>$129 !!        LOL .
>
>
> For the amount of cleaning I do I'll stick with the $10 can of CA.

FIne, but you can get smaller compressors. I just listed a do all type that 
could be used for cleaning crap like PC's all the way up to running tools in 
their warehouse.

You can get smaller ones for $50  


So quit LOL at others posts before you step back and look at the big picture 
for the OP. They said it was in a warehouse, i assumed it would be handy for 
other uses too.



BTW, that $10 can of air is a ripoff.

"GMAN" <winniethe@pooh.com> wrote in message 
news:xoJJl.187199$Za7.3318@en-nntp-08.dc1.easynews.com...
> In article <gt7mnp$75c$1@adenine.netfront.net>, "Jan Alter" 
> <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>>> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
>>>>> without breaking anything?
>>>>>
>>>>> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
>>>>> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>>>>>
>>>>> Please advise.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you !!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>I use a can of compressed air. To get the fins of the HSF I use the same
>>>>compressed air with the straw attached to the nozzle that comes with the
>>>>can. Seems to get rid of even the most reluctant schmutz.
>>>
>>> Rather than a low pressure can of compressed air, invest in an air
>>> compressor
>>> like the ones they sell at Harbor Freight Tools.   FOr around $100-$150,
>>> you
>>> can get the job done with ease.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40400
>>
>>
>>$129 !!        LOL .
>>
>>
>> For the amount of cleaning I do I'll stick with the $10 can of CA.
>
> FIne, but you can get smaller compressors. I just listed a do all type 
> that
> could be used for cleaning crap like PC's all the way up to running tools 
> in
> their warehouse.
>
> You can get smaller ones for $50
>
>
> So quit LOL at others posts before you step back and look at the big 
> picture
> for the OP. They said it was in a warehouse, i assumed it would be handy 
> for
> other uses too.
>
>
>
> BTW, that $10 can of air is a ripoff.


Take it easy. I was laughing to the point that you might be suggesting that 
I would be better off with using an air compressor for my needs.  As for the 
OP I have no idea if he would have need to use an air compressor where he 
uses the computer.  For my purposes and perhaps the OP the $10 can of CA may 
be perfect. The way I would assume one attempts to answer a question here is 
to give a cost efficient short term response that is correct. If the OP 
gives more info then maybe the air compressor might be a consideration as 
well.


-- 
Jan Alter
bearpuf@verizon.net

On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:26:58 -0400, "Jan Alter"
<bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote:

>
>>
>> Relating to the OPs post, I once read somewhere that blowing compressed 
>> air into a computer would place a static charge on the innards.  I do wear 
>> a wrist strap while cleaning the fins, but wonder about using compressed 
>> air.
>>
>> What do you think, Jan?
>>
>> HankG
>>
>
>I've heard that said to using a vacuum cleaner,being that a motor is running 
>and building a charge, but not of the compressed air. I've not had any 
>problems using the CA method. I supposed one could go ground themselves 
>first before attempting the work if that were a potential issue.

A static charge is caused by anything blowing or sucking, it
is the motion of the dust particles that creates the charge.
However, this is a low-magnitude charge per particle, not so
bad as walking across a carpeted room and zapping a memory
module or bios chip from being the charge carrier yourself.
So it isn't 100% safe but what really is?  Possibly taking
entire heatsink out to clean it, "if" that is accessible and
the person doing it has experience or reasonable dexterity
and tools, but that is a lot more work, usually not worth
the trouble.

On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:05:53 -0700 (PDT), pg
<penang@catholic.org> wrote:

>One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
>is very dusty.
>
>So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
>fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.

What is the grime comprised of exactly?  If it is just a lot
of dust, it can be blown out or use a small paint brush.  If
it is gunk like grease from a kitchen, tobacco smoke, or
other gunk like industrial residue then you may need a
liquid cleaner for best results (having first removed the
fan, and possibly heatsink too depending on how bad they
are).


>
>In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
>heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
>dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.

You make it sound really bad.  If there is that much dust
you may have an environmental problem, that much gunk and
dust in the air is bad for the users as well as the computer
so I would suggest a room air cleaner, more frequent
vacuuming or sweeping, and if this isn't enough then also a
case air filter or even a different case if the one used
cannot accomodate filters.  

Many filters designed for screwing onto a fan can be put
over fan grills in a case even if there is no fan, you
simply need to use the right sized bolts and nuts (and
washers if needed) instead of coarse threaded fan screws.
Beyond fan-specific filters even a piece of foam or a
slide-in panel for a wall air conditioner filter, or a piece
of panyhose, whatever, can be taped or screwed onto air
intake areas.  

Just keep in mind that to whatever extent the filter is
effective it will reduce airflow some, and even more if not
cleaned out on a timely basis but that may be better than
having to clean dust off everything inside the system.

>The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
>of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
>can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.

I'm not quite clear on what you mean, what make and model of
heatsink is it?  Typically you either take the screws out or
there are pressure clips you retract away from the edge of
the 'sink that they latch onto.


>This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
>between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
>
>I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
>
>If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....

If all else fails, take some good pictures and post on an
image hosting site then link to them here.


>
>So, to the hardware gurus here ---
>
>1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
>without breaking anything?
>
>2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
>grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>
>Please advise.
>
>Thank you !!

There are many ways to clean it out.  One thing you do not
want to do is get any liquid cleaner all over the
motherboard so leave the heatsink outside the system if
liquid is used.  Contact cleaner or petroleum solvents
should not be sprayed onto the fan because they might get
into the bearing and foul the lubricant.  With types that
dry residue free and if the bearing is all-sleeve instead of
ball bearing you could, if it came to it, relube the bearing
when finished but it's easier to just avoid the  situation.

If you do it carefully you can even brush hot detergent
solution onto the dirty areas then rinse it off, shake out
excess water, then let it dry for a day before reinstalling
it.  The key is to work quickly and not overapply the
solution or over-rinse because you want to minimize if not
eliminate either liquid getting into the bearing though it
is worst with a ball bearing.  Some might theorize that this
will damage the fan but as of yet I have never damaged one
doing this and have had cases where some really bad caking
of concrete dust had to be removed (I had already replaced
the fans in those systems but out of curiosity wanted to see
if the fans were salvageable, which they were but due to how
fine and abrasive the dust was I also had to pull the whole
blade assembly out and flush the bearing then relube it too.

Point being, many things are possible if you are mindful of
the effects of your cleaning method.  Most often the dust I
encounter only needs a paintbrush to remove it, and it's
cheaper than the ridiculous price of canned air.  

Either way, if a heatsink can be assembled it can be
disassembled, look it over some more and see where the play
is in the fan mounting to decide what to do next, just don't
pull on the fan blade or center hub so as to avoid
potentially cracking the blades or damaging the bearing,
apply all force to the frame instead and take out any screws
that could be holding it down.

On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:44:52 GMT, winniethe@pooh.com (GMAN)
wrote:


>Rather than a low pressure can of compressed air, invest in an air compressor 
>like the ones they sell at Harbor Freight Tools.   FOr around $100-$150, you 
>can get the job done with ease.
>
>
>
>http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40400

If you need an air compressor for other tasks or just like
to collect tools, then maybe it's a good option but would be
ridiculous overkill for cleaning out computer fans, and it
would take longer to go get the compressor and move it to
the computer (or vice-versa) than having a can of compressed
air or a paintbrush in the drawer or shelf nearby so it can
be used in a few seconds.

On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:10:04 GMT, winniethe@pooh.com (GMAN)
wrote:


>FIne, but you can get smaller compressors. I just listed a do all type that 
>could be used for cleaning crap like PC's all the way up to running tools in 
>their warehouse.
>
>You can get smaller ones for $50  

Small junky compressors are not a good investment.  If this
is a personal expense, if he's going to be carrying a
compressor to job 'sites it is too bulky to start planning
on every tool being more than needed.  If it's a business
expense then the business would be better served by a longer
service life compressor with higher capacity.

>So quit LOL at others posts before you step back and look at the big picture 
>for the OP. They said it was in a warehouse, i assumed it would be handy for 
>other uses too.
>
>
>
>BTW, that $10 can of air is a ripoff.

True, but if it's a business expense that's not much, and if
the company uses a compressor enough to justify the purchase
then if he is using it for computer fans some other employee
may be idle waiting for it's return which could cost more
than $10 in lost productivity, plus a business buying in
volume can get canned air for about $4 a can, plus simply
having the least system downtime possible by having the can
of air there instead of having to get the compressor and
drag it system to system can again mean less interruption to
work, far more than the few dozens of cents it costs to use
canned air to clean out a fan.

On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:15:25 -0700 (PDT), smlunatick
<yveslec@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Apr 28, 3:01�pm, "JR Weiss" <j...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>> "smlunatick" <yves...@gmail.com> wrote...
>> > If the heatsink / fan is so mucked up with grime, I would consider
>> > locating a "replacement" heatsink / fan assembly. �A quick search on a
>> > known parts web site (www.startech.com) comes up with 4 new heatsink / fan
>> > kits:
>>
>> I agree. �Since you already have the old heat sink off the CPU, most of the
>> hard work is done.
>>
>> Some require removing the motherboard to fix a mounting plate on the
>> underside, but there are several that do not require MoBo removal:
>>
>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
>>
>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835119092
>>
>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150056
>
>Especially that the fan has a place where we can not access with most
>brushes.  The fan "spinner" is extremely "fragile" and most brushes
>are not easily pushed through the sight gap.

It is very rare to find a fan that can't be cleaned out with
the smallest size artists brushes.  It is possible you might
only get 90% of the dust out instead of 99%, but it doesn't
have to be clean enough to eat off of.

In article <mr4fv49i3gh5gms6qlpjp8ohp22rh40emh@4ax.com>, spam@spam.com wrote:
>On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:44:52 GMT, winniethe@pooh.com (GMAN)
>wrote:
>
>
>>Rather than a low pressure can of compressed air, invest in an air compressor 
>>like the ones they sell at Harbor Freight Tools.   FOr around $100-$150, you 
>>can get the job done with ease.
>>
>>
>>
>>http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40400
>
>If you need an air compressor for other tasks or just like
>to collect tools, then maybe it's a good option but would be
>ridiculous overkill for cleaning out computer fans, and it
>would take longer to go get the compressor and move it to
>the computer (or vice-versa) than having a can of compressed
>air or a paintbrush in the drawer or shelf nearby so it can
>be used in a few seconds.
Its not rediculous when if like me, you work on over 20 PC's a month for 
people. Just one month of work using a case of cans of air would cost more 
than the compressor and wouldnt do half as good of a job as the small air 
compressor i use.

In article <pj5fv4lu395u93i48j1m4lco35uacegq8p@4ax.com>, spam@spam.com wrote:
>On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:15:25 -0700 (PDT), smlunatick
><yveslec@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>On Apr 28, 3:01�pm, "JR Weiss" <j...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>>> "smlunatick" <yves...@gmail.com> wrote...
>>> > If the heatsink / fan is so mucked up with grime, I would consider
>>> > locating a "replacement" heatsink / fan assembly. �A quick search on a
>>> > known parts web site (www.startech.com) comes up with 4 new heatsink / fan
>>> > kits:
>>>
>>> I agree. �Since you already have the old heat sink off the CPU, most of the
>>> hard work is done.
>>>
>>> Some require removing the motherboard to fix a mounting plate on the
>>> underside, but there are several that do not require MoBo removal:
>>>
>>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
>>>
>>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835119092
>>>
>>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150056
>>
>>Especially that the fan has a place where we can not access with most
>>brushes.  The fan "spinner" is extremely "fragile" and most brushes
>>are not easily pushed through the sight gap.
>
>It is very rare to find a fan that can't be cleaned out with
>the smallest size artists brushes.  It is possible you might
>only get 90% of the dust out instead of 99%, but it doesn't
>have to be clean enough to eat off of.
So tell me, where does the dust go once you paint brush it into the power 
supply etc????

"pg" <penang@catholic.org> wrote in message 
news:deff1e3d-0687-44d7-8355-cf41aaf134a9@c18g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
> One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
> is very dusty.
>
> So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
> fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.
>
> In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
> heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
> dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.
>
> The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
> of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
> can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.
>
> This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
> between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
>
> I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
>
> If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....
>
> So, to the hardware gurus here ---
>
> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
> without breaking anything?
>
> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>
> Please advise.
>
> Thank you !!



P9 No need to remove the HS/Fan,  I've used an air compressor for many years 
to do this job.

Tricks to note are.
1 Use a plastic 'stick' to stop fans rotating. Spinning them up beyond their 
normal speed often causes the bearing to start chattering  at next switch on 
(dry phosphor bronze bushes)
2 Heaviest dust is usually in the CPU Fan and Power Supply, do them first 
and predislodge with a long bristled brush. I use a basting brush from my 
local $2 shop.
3 Fan location: Power supply, CPU, Sometimes Graphics card, sometimes front 
& back of case and sometimes motherboard chipsets.
4 Do it outside, you don't know what the dust contains.
5 Watch for labels blowing off, check them in case they need to be re 
attached (model numbers etc)

The hardest ones to get clean are those close to kitchens or other 
envronments with  a lot of  fat or oils in the air, but the air pressure 
should be enough to clear them.

Printers can be cleared with air to, just watch for small flappy bits of 
plastic.

After blowing out wipe with soft rag to mop up surface dust.

Lube CD/DVD trays and printer sliding parts afterwards with Silicon spray to 
improve workability.

Best
Paul. 

pg wrote:

> One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
> is very dusty.
> 
> So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
> fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.
> 
> In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
> heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
> dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.
> 
> The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
> of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
> can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.
> 
> This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
> between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
> 
> I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
> 
> If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....
> 
> So, to the hardware gurus here ---
> 
> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
> without breaking anything?
> 
> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
> 
> Please advise.
> 
> Thank you !!

I clean my cpu fan with a basting brush works wonders. It's strong enough
to push in between the fines but not strong enough to do any damage.

"GMAN" wrote:
> "olfart" wrote:
>>120psi can do all kinds of damage to a computers innards and the air from 
>>a
>>compressor can contain moisture as well as oil and other traces of crap
>>Stick to the canned air
>>
>>
> Oh my god, you "DO" realize that you can adjust these from 0 psi all the 
> way
> to 120 psi???? I never leave my compressor on the highest setting, just 
> enough
> for the grinder, or sprayer, or tool i am using at the time!!!!!!!

I've been using my old Coast to Coast air compressor to clean out computers 
here for 15 years now.  It has a regulator, but the output is on 120PSI, and 
have *never* had any problems with it on the hundreds of boxes that have 
passed through here.

Jon 

On Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:12:50 GMT, winniethe@pooh.com (GMAN)
wrote:


>>If you need an air compressor for other tasks or just like
>>to collect tools, then maybe it's a good option but would be
>>ridiculous overkill for cleaning out computer fans, and it
>>would take longer to go get the compressor and move it to
>>the computer (or vice-versa) than having a can of compressed
>>air or a paintbrush in the drawer or shelf nearby so it can
>>be used in a few seconds.
>Its not rediculous when if like me, you work on over 20 PC's a month for 
>people. Just one month of work using a case of cans of air would cost more 
>than the compressor and wouldnt do half as good of a job as the small air 
>compressor i use.


A single can of compressed air will clean out 20 heatsinks.
Whatever works for you is fine in one situation but
compressed air exists because there is more than one
situation.

On Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:13:52 GMT, winniethe@pooh.com (GMAN)
wrote:

>In article <pj5fv4lu395u93i48j1m4lco35uacegq8p@4ax.com>, spam@spam.com wrote:
>>On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:15:25 -0700 (PDT), smlunatick
>><yveslec@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>>On Apr 28, 3:01�pm, "JR Weiss" <j...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>>>> "smlunatick" <yves...@gmail.com> wrote...
>>>> > If the heatsink / fan is so mucked up with grime, I would consider
>>>> > locating a "replacement" heatsink / fan assembly. �A quick search on a
>>>> > known parts web site (www.startech.com) comes up with 4 new heatsink / fan
>>>> > kits:
>>>>
>>>> I agree. �Since you already have the old heat sink off the CPU, most of the
>>>> hard work is done.
>>>>
>>>> Some require removing the motherboard to fix a mounting plate on the
>>>> underside, but there are several that do not require MoBo removal:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
>>>>
>>>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835119092
>>>>
>>>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150056
>>>
>>>Especially that the fan has a place where we can not access with most
>>>brushes.  The fan "spinner" is extremely "fragile" and most brushes
>>>are not easily pushed through the sight gap.
>>
>>It is very rare to find a fan that can't be cleaned out with
>>the smallest size artists brushes.  It is possible you might
>>only get 90% of the dust out instead of 99%, but it doesn't
>>have to be clean enough to eat off of.
>So tell me, where does the dust go once you paint brush it into the power 
>supply etc????

Once the dust is loose, the fan on the PSU will exhaust it
out.  Any dust made loose from the heatsink will just fall
out.  I admit in extremely dusty systems I have taken a PC
outside and used a leaf blower on it, but I would not advise
someone to buy a leaf blower just to clean out PCs.

On 2009-04-28, Pennywise@DerryMaine.Gov <Pennywise@DerryMaine.Gov> wrote:
>  "Jan Alter" <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>>I've heard that said to using a vacuum cleaner,being that a motor is running 
>>and building a charge, but not of the compressed air.
>
> It's not the motor, it's the air blowing past the parts that causes a
> static charge to build up - just keep it plugged in (wall plug) it
> will discharge itself if a problem.
>
> Never heard of CA causing a static charge, but it would be the same
> principle as a vacuum and wearing a static strap isn't going to have
> any affect at all.

I'd be more worried about a rotating fan generating back emf into
the motherboard....

"pg" <penang@catholic.org> wrote in message 
news:deff1e3d-0687-44d7-8355-cf41aaf134a9@c18g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
> One of the company PC is located in the warehouse area, and that place
> is very dusty.
>
> So dusty that a lot of grime have built up in the heatsink + cooling
> fan, and the CPU temperature is rising as a result.
>
> In the process of cleaning the PC, I disassembled the cooling fan +
> heatsink assembly from the CPU, trying my best to clean away all the
> dust and grime stuck on the heatsink and the cooling fan.
>
> The cooling fan / heatsink assembly is joint together by 4 washer type
> of stoppers (located almost at the half way down the 4 screws) and I
> can't find a way to separate the fan from the heatsink.
>
> This resulted in the THICK LAYER of grime and dust that are stuck in
> between the fan and the heatsink to be totally inaccessible.
>
> I tried my best to clean them out but couldn't.
>
> If only I can separate the fan OUT from the heatsink assembly ....
>
> So, to the hardware gurus here ---
>
> 1. Is there a way to take out the fan from the fan/heatsink assembly,
> without breaking anything?
>
> 2. If the answer to #1 is NO, then, is there a way to clean out the
> grimes that stuck in between the fan and the heatsink?
>
> Please advise.
>
> Thank you !!




You'll notice a "slot" in the top of each "leg" where the heatsink attaches 
to the motherboard.
Using a flat-bladed screwdriver rotate each leg 90 degrees counterclockwise.
This will release the heatsink from the motherboard, facilitating removal.

After you clean all the gunk from the heatsink and the surrounding area on 
the motherboard,
rotate the heatsink retainers 90 degrees clockwise by hand.

Position the heatsink on the CPU aligning the legs with the holes in the 
motherboard.
Firmly depress each leg until it "clicks" into place.
Be certain to reattach the heatsink fan power wire.

Good luck. 


--
Posted via NewsDemon.com - Premium Uncensored Newsgroup Service
	     ------->>>>>>http://www.NewsDemon.com<<<<<<------
Unlimited Access, Anonymous Accounts, Uncensored Broadband Access