PC Maintenance Part 3 - Clean out that case!!

Have you experienced frequent slowdowns, increased loading times, computer freezing up or shutting down lately? If you have a Pentium 4 or if you had you're PC for a long time, this could be a heat-related issue. Pentium 4 processors are known to give off a lot of heat. All air-cooled computers need proper ventilation to expel that heat from inside the case. And over time, dust can build up on cooling fans and ventilation grills, blocking the flow of air, and trapping heat inside your case. It may be time to clean out that case and give your components some fresh air!

Check for Proper Air Ventilation:
Check the air intake in the front of the case for dust build up.
Open the case and check for dust on fans.
Clean out and allow proper ventilation:
Unplug the power cord from the back of the computer.
Press the power button to discharge any remaining electrical charge.
Clean the case out thoroughly!
Arm yourself with a can of compressed air, some pipe-cleaners, and a lint-free cloth (or paper towels). Remove all the dust you find.
You may need to remove the front panel of the case to have better access to the front intake.

Cable management should also be performed. Check your power supply cables, IDE/SATA cables, or another other cabling inside the case. Make sure they are not loose, in a bunch, or obstructing airflow. If it's necessary, unplug the cables and re-route them inside the case out of the way. Cables ties should be used to hunker them down and cable-tie them together. The key here is neatness and it is not only visually appealing, but also helps with airflow.

Plug the computer back in, power it on with the side of the case off, and check the fans to make sure they are functioning properly (replace if needed).
Close the case up.
That was easy!

Case cleansing should be done (at least) every three to six months.
A few tips can help prevent dust/heat build up inside of your computer case:
*Computers should never be placed on the floor, inside a closed cabinet or tight spaces, or by any heating source.
Pet hair/fur and smoking attributes to dust build-up and smoke can affect component connectors.
The best placement of your computer should be at least 3 to 4 feet off the floor and away from any obstructions which can inhibit proper case ventilation.

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