Dust buildup can trap heat and lead to instability problems and even cause premature hardware failures. As a general rule, we recommend dusting out the system every 3 to 6 months. If you find that there’s not much dust buildup present after the first 3 months, try checking again in four months, etc. Extremely dusty environments may require performing dust removal maintenance more frequently.
A can of compressed air should be used for the dust removal process. You can find these at most department or electronics stores.
Vacuums & air compressors should not be used inside your system, as either can cause harmful side effects and potentially damage hardware. It is generally safe to use a vacuum at any external vents of magnetic filters.
When cleaning, start by directing air from the inside of the chassis and out through any vents. Then, direct air in through the vents and inside the system. Repeat several times until no further dust is expelled.
Cleaning the system can expel a surprisingly large amount of dust and has the potential to be a messy process. Temporarily moving the system to an appropriate work space is advised.
Shut down Windows and power off your system.
Remove the left-hand side panel of the chassis.
Thoroughly blow out the liquid cooler’s fan and radiator.
Thoroughly blow out the video card(s)
Thoroughly blow out the power supply.
Remove any remaining dust within the chassis.
Shut down Windows and power off your system.
Remove the cover of the chassis.
Thoroughly blow out the liquid cooler’s fan and radiator.
Thoroughly blow out the video card(s)
Thoroughly blow out the power supply.
Remove any remaining dust within the chassis.
Shut down Windows and power off your system.
Remove the left-hand side panel of the chassis. The side panel fans will be attached via their power wires to the motherboard. Note where these connect before unplugging them, in order to reattach them properly after cleaning. Alternatively, the side panel can be placed on top of the chassis temporarily, if the fan power wires have enough slack available to do so.
Thoroughly blow out the liquid cooler’s fan and radiator.
Thoroughly blow out the video card(s)
Thoroughly blow out the power supply.
Remove any remaining dust within the chassis.
Shut down Windows and power off your system.
Remove the right-hand side panel of the chassis. The liquid cooler radiator and fan will tether the side panel to the rest of the system. Take care not to pull the side panel away too quickly. The side panel can be laid down next to the chassis within the constraints of the liquid cooler hoses.
Thoroughly blow out the liquid cooler’s fan and radiator.
Thoroughly blow out the video card(s)
Thoroughly blow out the power supply.
Remove any remaining dust within the chassis.