As we all know, a computer is an electronic machine composed of many electrical devices. When power enters the computer from an outlet or battery, a small fraction of the energy is lost and converted to heat. This concept in electronics is called heat dissipation. However, all of these computer power supplies generate heat—enough to disable delicate electronics. So, we need a CPU cooler to dissipate heat to maintain the computer’s cooling system, extend its lifespan, and save mission-critical equipment from severe damage.
Cleaning the CPU fan requires the use of the correct techniques, some equipment, and maybe some products. Remember, when you’re cleaning your CPU fan, you need to be aware that regular cleaning is necessary to keep your computer running at its best. If you’re not careful, your CPU fan can disrupt your entire operation, causing inconvenience and unexpected expenses. So, with our help, you’ll get to know how to clean Cooler Master CPU fan right the first time. It may seem like a chore, but cleaning your CPU fan will be a breeze with our simple step-by-step guide!
Things considered before cleaning the CPU Cooler Fan
Before starting this activity, remember to follow these precautions to avoid damaging your computer and avoid accidents.
- Before touching any system component, turn off the computer to avoid electric shock. It pays to understand electrostatic discharge and its potential hazards.
- Prepare cleaning tools and products to save time. Also, don’t forget to wear protective equipment like gloves or clean your hands to keep the inside of the CPU clean. Choose a cool, dry place in your home for CPU fan cleaning.
- Make sure that the fan’s fins are not spinning. If you skip this process, you could end up hurting your fingers or causing severe damage to the fan itself and the PC components around it.
How to Clean Cooler Master CPU Fan?
There are different methods and techniques for cleaning the CPU Cooler fan. Here are the essential things you should do to prepare for CPU fan cleaning:
Clean CPU fan
Despite its name, cleaning a fancier main CPU fan can be a daunting task. Fans are not only delicate, but they also need to be able to spin correctly. If the fan does not spin properly, it may cause the CPU case to overheat and heat up. Using compressed air to clean the fan is the safest method of cleaning. Unlike Q-tips, canned air is static-free.
First, you need to remove the back of the CPU. Make sure not to vacuum the inside of the CPU, as it can damage jumpers, small connectors, and electrical components. Also, static electricity in a vacuum can cause electricity to build up, damaging your motherboard and graphics card. You can also use compressed air to clean the CPU fan and heatsink. However, make sure you do this carefully and don’t overdo it.
Before starting, the thermal paste adhering to the cooler on the CPU must be removed. Leaving the cooler on the processor without removing it can cause the pins to burn and bend. Before proceeding with this step, ensure you have all the tools you need. See the manufacturer’s guide for more information if you’re unsure which tools you need. The following instructions will help you clean your cooler efficiently.
First, remove the heatsink and remove the more amazing main CPU fan. Next, use a dust brush or vacuum to remove the dust and debris embedded inside. Never use water on your radiator, as it will void your warranty. Once the fan is completely removed, you can start cleaning the cooler. It’s important to note that the fan must be connected to the motherboard’s fan header or fan controller.
Clean CPU fan intake
If your fancier central CPU fan intake gets too dusty, cleaning can be challenging. First, you should be careful when opening it because you can end up damaging it if you’re not careful. To clean the fan, it is recommended to use canned air, a safety product used around electronic components. You can buy a can of compressed air at a PC supply DIY store and blast the fan intake with a short, powerful blast of air.
Another easy and inexpensive way to clean the better main CPU fan intake is to remove accumulated dust and grime over time. Dust can build up on the fan blades and can cause them to clog up and produce annoying “help” growls. If your computer is in a dusty room, you can use an acrylic stand to lift it off the floor. So, not only does it keep the computer off the floor, but it also makes it easy to clean the air intake filter.
If you don’t have time to clean the CPU fan, you can use compressed air to blow out debris. Then, use your computer’s restart button to ensure the fans run at average speed. If you notice any noise, check your computer’s temperature by opening Activity Monitor or running Core Temp. A hot laptop can damage the CPU fan, so avoid doing anything too high.
Clean CPU fan exhaust
If you’re cleaning the CPU’s fan exhaust, you’ll need to clean the outside of the CPU first. The best way to do this is to use a damp cloth and soft towel dampened with soap and warm water. When cleaning, be careful not to damage the fan’s fins, as this will spoil the fun. If you’re unsure how to clean, you can use canned compressed air. It is safe to use on small electronic parts and is static-free.
Before you begin, unplug your PC. Find a room with enough workspace. Dust the inside of the computer, including the CPU, and place the hose near the surface. The CPU and its fan exhaust are delicate parts, so take extra care to avoid touching them. Wear protective gear to protect yourself from electrostatic discharge when using this method. Make sure to clean the fan exhaust thoroughly, but don’t overdo it.
Over time, the fan’s exhaust can become clogged with dust. The CPU fan isn’t extremely torquey but doesn’t produce much torque. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have the fan’s wiring checked by an expert before cleaning it. The power supply may be faulty if you can’t reach the fan’s exhaust.
Before cleaning the CPU cooler, you must remove the case’s cooling fan. Sessions should be able to get between the heatsink and the body of the CPU cooler. Depending on the location of the CPU cooler, you may also need to remove the motherboard from the case. Then, use a brush or vacuum to clean the rest of the cooling fan.
As an extra precaution, you should regularly check the dust levels in the surrounding rooms. Leaving your PC in a dusty environment will reduce the cooling capacity of the CPU, so check frequently. Using compressed air will help remove excess dust. You may also want to remove the fan from the mounting screws and wipe off the plastic blades to remove dust. When done, the fan should be free of dust.
Conclusion
We hope our guide helped you understand how do I clean a Cooler Master CPU fan. We can also conclude from the above discussion that simple cleaning techniques will restore the appearance and performance of the CPU. A well-maintained computer system can encourage users to work more efficiently. To maximize your computer’s output, keep track of your CPU utilization. Clean the CPU fan every three to six months to maintain the computer’s electronic components.
