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Hey everyone,
I was just building my shiny new PC today, and after I finished, I noticed that I had some food crumbs stuck to my shirt. Do you know if getting food crumbs in my PC would cause problems? I looked inside it and didn't see any, or I would have blown them out with some canned air.
Use canned air, you'll be fine. I once had a spider in one of my old cases.
Hey, know that I once tried to give my computer water but I learned that you actually don't have to feed your computer. Guess if I was shocked!? :O
Post edited June 03, 2011 by VisualDarkness
If the crumbs aren't something super basic or acidic and you didn't spill liquid in there you're fine. You can blast it out with canned air if you wish, they could impede a fan motor I suppose in the event they managed to land in just the right spot.

You should see how much dust my case sucks up, I use an air compressor to get it out.
Is canned air just an empty compressed can, or is it a specialized tool? I've never used one before.
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lowyhong: Is canned air just an empty compressed can, or is it a specialized tool? I've never used one before.
It's air in a can, you push and it sprays out. The only problem is it's compressed and so it gets cold if you blast it too long (which can be bad for electronics). Compressed air used to be pretty cheap, it's so expensive these days you could buy a cheap air compressor and pay it off pretty quick if you use more than about 2 cans a year.
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orcishgamer: It's air in a can, you push and it sprays out. The only problem is it's compressed and so it gets cold if you blast it too long (which can be bad for electronics). Compressed air used to be pretty cheap, it's so expensive these days you could buy a cheap air compressor and pay it off pretty quick if you use more than about 2 cans a year.
Ah alright thanks. Where do you normally find them? I did ask around some hardware shops a while ago but they didn't have them.
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orcishgamer: It's air in a can, you push and it sprays out. The only problem is it's compressed and so it gets cold if you blast it too long (which can be bad for electronics). Compressed air used to be pretty cheap, it's so expensive these days you could buy a cheap air compressor and pay it off pretty quick if you use more than about 2 cans a year.
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lowyhong: Ah alright thanks. Where do you normally find them? I did ask around some hardware shops a while ago but they didn't have them.
It's always the business stores around here, like Office Depot or Staples. Most computer component stores sell them too.
Another point concerning using air to clean your system. If you have an air compressor just remember to use the lowest pressure possible to blow it out. High pressure air flowing across a stationary object will cause a build up / discharge of static electricity.

Even if you do have 100 psi to clear the dust bunnies out I suggest using 10 psi of pressure or less . . . the minimum possible to move the dust. Memory is especially vulnerable to a charge generated by high pressure air flow . . . =)

Edit: I have never seen canned air generate static charges with the minimal pressure they generate. And like the can says . . . always hold it upright and do not shake.
Post edited June 03, 2011 by Stuff
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Stuff: Another point concerning using air to clean your system. If you have an air compressor just remember to use the lowest pressure possible to blow it out. High pressure air flowing across a stationary object will cause a build up / discharge of static electricity.

Even if you do have 100 psi to clear the dust bunnies out I suggest using 10 psi of pressure or less . . . the minimum possible to move the dust. Memory is especially vulnerable to a charge generated by high pressure air flow . . . =)
I've seen people wrap a compressor nozel in electrical tape for this reason. Just stay back, with 30psi you don't need the nozel inside the case (mine won't do 10 psi).
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orcishgamer: ...
I agree. Some folks in our manufacturing facility think more is better and go in with full pressure. Replaced many components because of this so . . . thought I would mention it.
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Stuff: Another point concerning using air to clean your system. If you have an air compressor just remember to use the lowest pressure possible to blow it out. High pressure air flowing across a stationary object will cause a build up / discharge of static electricity.

Even if you do have 100 psi to clear the dust bunnies out I suggest using 10 psi of pressure or less . . . the minimum possible to move the dust. Memory is especially vulnerable to a charge generated by high pressure air flow . . . =)

Edit: I have never seen canned air generate static charges with the minimal pressure they generate. And like the can says . . . always hold it upright and do not shake.
Just a helpful hint to save you some pain, never use canned air to clean out a paper shredder. I didn't see the little icon warning against it and the fumes caused a rather impressive pop that led me to believe the motor exploded, luckily no permanent damage was caused by my stupidity.
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orcishgamer: It's always the business stores around here, like Office Depot or Staples. Most computer component stores sell them too.
I'll look around such places then. I don't believe I can't find any :D