Cleaning out components etc

[Elites]

So i built my pc about 2 years ago. So it's pretty much accumulated a shitload of dust inside and I dont wanna experience any artifacts etc on my 8800gt and might have to reapply thermal paste on the CPU. However I've had a bad experience of whenever taking out components to clean them and putting them back in I end up having problems with the PC and it becomes worst off. Is there really any safe methods to clean everything inside without taking them out?

[Wintermute]

I just open the case and blast everything with compressed air making sure to use that wee tube to get in the fiddly bits. Worst is usually the CPU cooler but you can clear it out relatively well without having to remove it.

May want to un-mount the Video Card and clean it seperately every now and then to make sure you blast all the shit out since the cooler/funnel can get a bit clogged.

[izembo]

standard electronics stuff, dont go wearing socks dragging your feet on the carpet, touch something metal to diffuse any static charge you have before handling any parts inside, etc

[viperlasson]

Put your tower on a table or something and have your way with it with a can of air. Use rubbing alcohol when cleaning off the old thermal paste and twist and pull the old heatsink off the cpu, dont just pull, you might yank it out of the socket (happened to me before).

[Kryssan]

Just go buy an antistatic strap. They're cheap, and effective. I'd also tell you in the future when you buy computer parts to keep the ESD packaging that comes with them - that way when you remove components for cleaning you can place them on the packaging to be really sure the won't experience any issues.

[Pikarya]

http://i39.tinypic.com/15znubs.jpg

+

70% Iso & lint free q-tips for the rest.

[Kohan]

As a note, whenever you're using compressed air, don't just hold the trigger down. Use it in short bursts. Anything else wastes the air and decreases the output pressure.

[Kryssan]

Actually, as a general note, when using compressed air cans for cleaning, this is one item you should not use without reading and fully understanding the directions. Unless of course you like breaking shit, but I'm assuming from the OP that's what you want to avoid.



PS: I'm completely not bitter about idiots that play around with compressed air. Nope, not at all.