In this video, we will prepare the computer for the summer period of operation. You will learn how to clean the computer from dust, how to replace the thermal paste in the cooling system of the processor and video card. Well, you will also learn a couple of small but rather relevant tricks.
For work we need:
- Small shaped (Phillips) screwdriver
- Small medium-hard paintbrush
- Vacuum cleaner (possible with a crevice nozzle)
- good rag
- Paper napkin
- Tube of thermal paste
- You may need a small sharp knife to remove the petrified thermal paste.
For beginners, I recommend preparing a small roll of masking tape.
Cleaning your computer from dust
To begin with, we wipe the case of the system unit from dust with a rag, in no case do we wet it. Next, we vacuum all dusty places: grilles, filters, if any, and only after external cleaning, remove both housing covers.
Next, using a crevice nozzle, remove the dust inside the case. In hard-to-reach places and in places where something can be damaged, we use a brush and keep the vacuum cleaner pipe nearby.
If somewhere the dust (if it has not been cleaned for a long time) has compacted and taken on the properties of felt, gently stir it with a brush and remove it with a vacuum cleaner.
Replacing thermal paste on the processor
In the video, due to the technical features of fastening the processor cooler (fan), I had to remove the motherboard in order to remove the cooling radiator and replace the thermal paste. In most cases, this is not necessary, the radiator, along with the cooler, is removed by touching the “motherboard”.
If you are new to computers, I recommend using masking tape. We sign, tear off and stick on a wire or cable that will have to be disconnected during cleaning. So you will not forget which cable was where.
In any case, the case wires connected to the motherboard will not have to be touched, their length is quite enough for maneuvers, even if you have to remove the motherboard.
You don’t have to disconnect hard drives either, it’s enough to “stroke” them with a brush with a vacuum cleaner, except when they interfere with access to additional coolers installed on the front cover of the case.
All coolers must be cleaned “to a shine” in order to avoid vibration after uneven cleaning.
Replacing thermal paste on a video card
In principle, all video cards are arranged in the same way. Therefore, it will not be difficult to replace the thermal paste on a video camera, especially for someone who already has experience in replacing the thermal paste on a processor.
Everything is the same, only the details are smaller. We remove the casing, it is usually fastened with four or six screws. And we remove the radiator itself, it is fastened with four screws with springs or on a springy plate.
During the assembly process, I advise you to clean all open contacts with an ordinary school eraser, since, over time, the contacts tend to oxidize, especially with high humidity or pollution, and vacuum the slots where they are inserted with a crevice nozzle.
