I’ve always been under the impression that it was dangerous to use a vacuum on computers, due to the risk of static electricity damaging various components. But I can’t figure out any other way to clean the dust out of the system.
It froze twice yesterday while playing RDR, and my first thought was overheating due to dust. For the record, I’ve had it since Oct 08 and it’s never been cleaned.
So is a vacuum safe? And if not, what else can be done?
I’ve not heard this, and I’ve vacuumed out my computer several times. Of course, I use a hose attachment, unplug everything, open it up, and point it away from the actual components.
I don’t see why air running one way over it is any different from air running the other way over it. And air canisters are often said to be okay.
If you are concerned about static, you should leave the computer plugged in as it keeps the chassis grounded.
Ditto, though I do leave the computer plugged in for the reason ExcitedIdiot said.
However, make sure you have the thing hooked up to a surge protector and have the power cut to the surge protector. The power switch has no effect on grounding, AFAIK.
If you don’t want to vacuum, you could try blowing the dust out with a can of compressed air.
Or by blowing really, really hard.
I don’t know how effective it is, but supposedly this function was designed to run the fans in reverse to remove dust.
[ol]
[li]Unplug the PS3 (or turn the switch on the back to off if it’s an older model)[/li]
[li]Hold the Eject button down[/li]
[li]While continuing to hold the Eject button town, plug the system back in (flip the switch back to on for older models)[/li]
[li]When you hear the fans rev up (and you WILL hear it) release the Eject button and wait for the fans to stop[/li]
[li]Unplug the PS3 again then plug it back in (or flip the switch back and forth)[/li][/ol]
That last step is important, the PS3 won’t turn on again after the fans stop unless you power cycle it that way.