Getting Dirty with Computer Fixers
There are many jobs that require computer fixers to get dirty. This is a brief discussion of these dirty computer fixers and their “computer repair service” situations.
Getting Dirty with Thermal Paste
Thermal paste is a toothpaste-like material that is applied to the CPU. Additionally, this paste is applied in between the CPU and heatsink. Thermal paste helps keep your CPU cool and your computer from overheating. However, there are some drawbacks to the application of thermal paste. It gets everywhere! If applied too generously, then thermal paste can ooze onto the motherboard or get under your fingernails. In fact, it can be almost impossible to remove from a motherboard and off your fingers. To remove thermal paste from an over-application you should use a Q-tip and a tiny bit of alcohol to remove excess thermal paste. Furthermore, you must make sure that your motherboard is completely drained of power before attempting this action. Thermal paste on a motherboard is the number one dirty job that computer fixers must face.
Computer Fixers Getting Dirty with Power Supplies
The power supply of a desktop computer is the unit that provides power to your computer. It is typically in the shape of a box with a zillion cables sticking out of it. If you plugin the box, then the cables distribute power throughout the PC. In fact, the power supply has a self-contained fan inside of the unit that helps keep it cool during use. Unfortunately, dust and debris can get inside of the power supply box and create all kinds of havoc. I’ve seen power supply boxes full of lint, loads of dirt and yes, even peanut butter. Additionally, all of these items can make it extremely gross to fully clean out a power supply. If you are looking to clean your power supply, then you will want to remove the fan cover and the fan. Once these have been removed you can easily clean it out. Sometimes, simply dusting with compressed air will do the trick. Other times, you need to bring out the big guns (crazy amounts of cotton swabs and alcohol).
Getting Dirty with GPUs
The GPU provides video to your computer unit. Whether you have a desktop or a laptop, your computer has a GPU. Sadly, laptop GPUs don’t have fans and require thermal pads, not necessarily a good cleaning. As a matter of fact, it is desktop computer GPUs that require such maintenance. GPUs for desktop computers have 2 or more fans and also require thermal paste to keep cool. If you want to clean out your GPU, then you’ll need to take several steps. First, you should carefully clean out the fans. Be careful not to get lint or dirt stuck inside the fan, because this could cause the fan to seize. Second, find a computer fixer that is willing to replace the thermal paste on your GPU. This is essential for the ongoing health of the GPU. Finally, don’t overclock your GPU, regardless of what you’ve heard, this can steal valuable life from your device.
Computer Fixers Getting Dirty with Fans
Both laptops and desktops have several fans that need to be cleaned out frequently. If you plan on cleaning out your computer fans then do so very carefully. In fact, laptop fans have tiny blades that can break very easily if you’re not careful cleaning them out. As long as you “dust out” your computer once a month with compressed air, your fans should remain in a healthy condition. Unfortunately, people who only take out their fans to clean once a year are at a greater risk of breaking the blades. Compressed air every month is noninvasive and quick, while removing the fans can cause breaks and ruin your fans. If you are not sure how to clean your fans properly, then visit local computer fixers near me for guidance. Sometimes it’s worth paying someone else to do it, rather than accidentally destroying your fans.
Getting Dirty with Computer Cases
Laptop cases and desktop cases require occasional cleaning. As a matter of fact, the cleaning of both cases is very similar. First, you should completely take apart your computer, removing all components). If you are not comfortable doing this, then seek out computer fixers that might be able to assist you. Second, clean the inside and outside of the case with alcohol-based products that dry very quickly (and super absorbent paper towels). Third, put all of the computer parts back into their exact location. Finally, turn on your computer and verify that you didn’t forget to connect anything. As long as the computer works perfectly, you don’t have to take everything apart and try again. This last step is crucial. If the computer doesn’t power on after a few tries, then you’ll want to take it to local computer fixers for help. YouTube videos can be extremely useful in this situation.
Computer Fixers Explain Getting Dirty with RAM and SSDs
It’s worth noting that RAM and solid-state drives can accumulate dust at the exposed edges. However, for the most part on desktops, these devices will not need to be cleaned, except for dust removal. To remove dust from these parts, simply spray a can of compressed air in those areas. It’s easy, touchless and makes your device look pretty. Laptops, on the other hand, could be a bit trickier. The inside of laptop computers can easily get dirty with dust and debris. If you open the bottom lid and spray compressed air on it, this may do the trick. However, in some cases, stubborn dirt and debris may not come out. In this case, you’ll want to remove the RAM and SSD and clean them manually with a little bit of alcohol. Make sure they are fully dry before putting them back.
Getting Dirty with Screens
Laptop screens, much like desktop screens, should be cleaned frequently. This is especially true if you have a touchscreen monitor. First, you should power down your screen or monitor before performing any cleaning. Second, you should use alcohol or alcohol-based products that dry easily. Third, apply the alcohol directly to a super absorbent paper towel (to avoid drippage on the edges). Drippage on the edges could cause your screen to short-out and break. Finally, make sure that your screen is completely dry before powering it back on again. Welcome to the world of a perfectly clean computer screen!
Computer Fixers Getting Dirty with Laptop Keyboards
If you really want to enter the world of cleanliness, then you should clean your laptop keyboard. In fact, there are some nifty devices that gently blow air into your keyboard to remove debris stuck under the keys. However, this doesn’t clean all the muck left on your keyboard from last night’s BBQ sauce. No, you’ll want to power down your computer to clean this up. In fact, you can clean this easily with a Q-tip and some alcohol. Gently rub a Q-tip (with alcohol) along each key until all the muck comes out. In some cases, you may need to use a cotton ball, to get those “dirtier than usual places”.
Getting Dirty with Computer Mice and Laptop Touchpads
Can mice and touchpads be cleaned? Absolutely! In fact, it is very easy to clean the outside of mice and touchpads. All you need to do is get cotton balls and apply a small amount of alcohol and VOILA! It’s done!
Computer Fixers
What is the best computer repair Colorado Springs CO? DML Computer Repair has the best computer fixers near me. They offer computer repair Colorado Springs CO, amazing computer technicians, same day services, and the quickest computer diagnostics. Do you need the best computer fixers near me? No problem! Call or visit today for your free computer diagnosis.
Author Information for Computer Repair Colorado Springs CO
De Landres
DML Computer Repair Technician | Data Recovery Expert | Software Expert | PC Articles Author
Author Quote: “Google is your friend, not food”. ~De
