Blowing GPU with electric duster. Any considerations?

[RPGamer1984]

Hi everyone,
I always was a little paranoid regarding hardware, especially expensive one like GPUs.
I have a case with bottom intake fans that are always working (static 45%) and they also very close to the GPU (lower positioned GPU slot in my motherboard). I would say something like 8-10 cm distance between the GPU and the fans.
Because I want to keep the GPU clean from dust accumulation I bought an electric air duster, which has as pretty strong airflow. Now I know all about holding the fans so they won't spin.
But other than that, are there any other risks in blowing strong air inside the GPU thermal module? Can it damage some internal components on the board maybe?

I clean from the fans side (blowing air down into the heatsink while holding the fans) and also from the side. I can see electric components inside like caps and such.. and there is also a narrow opening where the actual GPU is (between the backplate and the PCB).
I wouldn't want to risk anything. I rather use electric air duster than a canned air.

If you have any advice please enlighten me.
Thx.

[C1REX]

I think most people aware of the risk are a bit worried and try to be careful.
I simply hold the fans and try to be gentle and brief. I don't go for the last spec of dust with my electric duster.

[Jaunitta 🌸]

I use soft round makeup brush combined with a vacuume to get the dust build up from gpu./
Cotton buds for cpu grill case fan

What I did is take the side case off then take the PSU out and place it on the side so that the air doent suck in from bottom but rather from the side and blows out the back.
My GPU is now always clean.
Being 1660 with 6 gig Vram the fans never spin unless there is load.

I dont know why teckies always placed the PSU facing down to the bottom causing the
air to blow out under the tower . Kills the PSU as it sucks in the dust its blowing out.
My PSU also last longer now.
I leave the side case off now and close it after I finish.

Blowing air into the GPU its messy and would be better if you removed the MOBO to clean it.
Also clean the PSU vents.

[Viking2121]

I've used a 1 gallon quiet 125psi air compressor for years at this point, I throw it on to blow around 50psi and go to town and use a paint brush to dis loge the stuck dust and hold the fans from spinning to fast just in case, never had a problem with it. I keep this air compressor indoors.

I wouldn't use the 36gallon I got in my garage as it sees major temp changes, its going to have condensation and I wouldn't want that blowing on PC components.

So I don't see how an Air duster will ever harm anything, of course there is some risks, their is risk if you do anything in life anyway so theres that.

[AbedsBrother]

Been using an electric duster for years. Before that it was a leaf blower. Never had an issue.

"But fans hit by a blower become dynamos which can send current back into your motherboard and damage it!"
That's called "myth" my friend.

https://youtu.be/k9KA-xLLQXo?si=RAbaayPjbiS1ADLU

[Guydodge]

ive always used canned air and electronic static free brushes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C1KT25D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[RPGamer1984]

Publicado originalmente por Viking2121:

I've used a 1 gallon quiet 125psi air compressor for years at this point, I throw it on to blow around 50psi and go to town and use a paint brush to dis loge the stuck dust and hold the fans from spinning to fast just in case, never had a problem with it. I keep this air compressor indoors.

I wouldn't use the 36gallon I got in my garage as it sees major temp changes, its going to have condensation and I wouldn't want that blowing on PC components.

So I don't see how an Air duster will ever harm anything, of course there is some risks, their is risk if you do anything in life anyway so theres that.

well, that's nice to know :) I am using Datavac:
https://metrovac.com/products/datavac-electric-duster

can too high pressure airflow rip apart components from the PCB?
Also, can the air actually touch the GPU (I mean the actual processor)? or is it concealed

[Zef]

nope, just hold or block the fan in question and spray away

i use a portable air compressor to clean out my pc but the action is similar

[Agent]

You can get a PC air duster for cheap off amazon

[Jamebonds1]

Not all electric duster are ESD safe, but this is the only one I can find.

https://metrovac.com/products/datavac-esd-safe-electric-duster

[Introverted Gamer]

Publicado originalmente por Jamebonds1:

Not all electric duster are ESD safe, but this is the only one I can find.

https://metrovac.com/products/datavac-esd-safe-electric-duster

Jeez... at almost at 200 dollars USD. You can buy better stuff that is more useful than something that you would only use once or twice in a while.

[Jamebonds1]

Publicado originalmente por Introverted Gamer:

Publicado originalmente por Jamebonds1:

Not all electric duster are ESD safe, but this is the only one I can find.

https://metrovac.com/products/datavac-esd-safe-electric-duster

Jeez... at almost at 200 dollars USD. You can buy better stuff that is more useful than something that you would only use once or twice in a while.

You could buy an air compressor, but it need more attention than electric blower.

[Introverted Gamer]

Publicado originalmente por Jamebonds1:

Publicado originalmente por Introverted Gamer:

Jeez... at almost at 200 dollars USD. You can buy better stuff that is more useful than something that you would only use once or twice in a while.

You could buy an air compressor, but it need more attention than electric blower.

At least with an Air Compressor I can use it to fill my Car Tires, Power a Nail Gun or Spray Gun basic simple stuff which is more useful than a Dusting Toy.

[Jamebonds1]

Publicado originalmente por Introverted Gamer:

Publicado originalmente por Jamebonds1:

You could buy an air compressor, but it need more attention than electric blower.

At least with an Air Compressor I can use it to fill my Car Tires, Power a Nail Gun or Spray Gun basic simple stuff which is more useful than a Dusting Toy.

It is useful only if it is high CFM and max PSI which is more expensive than the electric duster.

[Introverted Gamer]

Publicado originalmente por Jamebonds1:

Publicado originalmente por Introverted Gamer:

At least with an Air Compressor I can use it to fill my Car Tires, Power a Nail Gun or Spray Gun basic simple stuff which is more useful than a Dusting Toy.

It is useful only if it is high CFM and max PSI which is more expensive than the electric duster.

Depends on what though... I can get a 8 Gallon Air Compressor at the price of that MetroVac from Harbor Freight or even cheaper at a Swap Meet, that has enough power to do basic multi function jobs already.

[Jamebonds1]

Publicado originalmente por Introverted Gamer:

Publicado originalmente por Jamebonds1:

It is useful only if it is high CFM and max PSI which is more expensive than the electric duster.

Depends on what though... I can get a 8 Gallon Air Compressor at the price of that MetroVac from Harbor Freight or even cheaper at a Swap Meet, that has enough power to do basic multi function jobs already.

The air volume doesn't matter, but CFM and PSI does. It should be at least 5 CFM (4 is okay) and 135 PSI (150 to 175 PSI if possible). Also, I do not recommend Hardor Freight since they are lower quality tools.