Why Is CPU Cooler Cleaning Necessary? 

Computers’ main adversary is dirt. The system runs warmer and less regularly because dirt inhibits air circulation. Dirt is thermal insulation, leading parts to overheat and reducing their serviceability.

As fans work to maintain the device excellent, dirt encourages them to run faster and noisier. Dirt gets into circuits and increases electrical resistance and dependability. Contact surfaces are corroded by dirt. Dirt is a filthy substance.

Computers get dirty as a result of regular operation. Dust, pet hair, and other impurities are drawn into the device by the fans and settle across every area. A computer will eventually become dirty even in sterile rooms, operating rooms, and other super situations. If dirt is in the air, the computer fans will draw it in and store it within the case, eventually creating an issue.

Therefore, it is vital to clean the CPU cooler to run your computer smoothly. 

Steps to Clean the CPU Cooler

If the CPU cooler is not cleaned perfectly, it will cause overheating in the system. These steps will show you how to clean the CPU cooler. 

Step1: Shut Down and Disassemble the PC

First, shut down the computer and disconnect it from all power sockets. Then remove the computer’s case. 

Step2: Clean the Base With A Damp Cloth

After opening the computer case, wipe the base to minimize the scattering of the thermal compound throughout. Take a cloth and dip it in isopropyl alcohol or other cleaning liquid. It is swept away until it is clean. It may take numerous wipes to achieve the desired result.

Also, read Liquid vs Air CPU Cooler

Step3: Remove and Clean the Cooling Fan

Now remove the cooling fan and clean it using a different process. 

• Clean with compressed air

Clean the interior parts of your PC with compressed air in short intervals. Maintain a safe distance of at least a few inches from the area of the motherboard, RAM, processor, and adapters.

Note: To keep the fan from spinning while blowing air, put your hand on the fan. Fan blades are sensitive and might shatter if spun too fast.

• Cleaned with paintbrush

If you cannot afford compressed air, use a paintbrush. Brush the debris accumulated between both fins carefully with a paintbrush. Repeat with the fans.

Step 4: Clean the Heat Sink

 It is vital to clean the heat sink and fan that are attached to your processor. Again, eliminate the debris and dust using compressed air. If the accumulation is excessive, you may have to detach the computer’s heat sink and fan to clean it thoroughly. Just clean the thermal grease off both the CPU and the heat sink before connecting the heat sink to the processor.

Step 5: Clean All the Ports Of The Computer

Last, clean all the computer’s ports with compressed air. Use alcohol and a cotton swab to wipe all of the external vents.

Step 6: Reassemble PC

After wiping the fans, heatsink fins, and heat pipes, reassemble the CPU cooler by replacing the cooling fan(s), and it’s set to be reinstalled in your computer.

Also, read How to Install Liquid CPU Cooler?

Cleaning CPU Cooler – Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you don’t clean your PC?

If you do not clean your PC, it will affect its performance. When dust and debris accumulate, the computer will work slowly. Further, it can damage your computer and lead to data loss. 

Is 70% alcohol best to clean the CPU?

70% is the best option for cleaning the surface but not for the CPU for the following reasons:

• Being a strong solvent, it damages your computer.
• Being a volatile solvent, it evaporates quickly.
• Being a water-based solvent, it dissolves materials.
• Being a flammable solvent, it creates or catches fire. 

What can be used instead of alcohol?

You can use a commercial product known as ArctiClean (thermal material cleaner) instead of alcohol and coffee filters instead of a lint-free cloth. 

Is it okay to vacuum the CPU?

It would help if you did not use a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner can produce electric fields, which can damage computer components. A vacuum can generate enough pressure to cause your fans to spin so fast that they are damaged.

Also, read Best CPU Coolers

Final Words

Cleaning the CPU cooler is essential to make the computer work efficiently. You should do your cleaning twice a year. Above I have explained the whole process of creating a CPU cooler. I hope this guide will help you in cleaning the CPU cooler. 

Also, read Best AM3+ CPUs