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    Fan Cleaning

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by T-ravisty, Feb 28, 2012.

  1. T-ravisty

    T-ravisty Notebook Consultant

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    Just wondering what's the best way to clean the fans?

    I've read threads that compressed air orks, but wouldn't that just push the dust further in the machine?

    Could I use something like metho on a lightly damped cloth? I don't want to use water at all... but I think that metho would leave less residue and evaporate quicker???

    noob question... Sorry all.
     
    T-ravisty, Feb 28, 2012
    #1
  2. KumquatWrath

    KumquatWrath Notebook Evangelist

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    I think compressed air works the best, and it doesn't wet anything either. What I do, personally, is just open the back lid and hold down the fan with 1 finger gently while spraying the air through the fan. You can see the dust come out. Otherwise, you can teardown your laptop (slightly more work) and remove the fan completely to clean it that way.

    No experience with metho+damp cloth, so hopefully others have advice to offer.
     
    KumquatWrath, Feb 28, 2012
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  3. Dantheman221

    Dantheman221 Notebook Enthusiast

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    If you really wanna clean the fans well, you need to unscrew them. You can view a guide on the forums. Inap had a good one I used to get into my PC :) Mr.Watto's has a youtube video where he goes into his m15x. The fans are just 1 step before opening cpu and gpu. If you blow compressed air into the fans like kumquatwrath suggested, the dust stays in the case! I opened up my PC and I saw this mess!



    So yeah, you might wanna go in and clean it up :) I just used my fingers and a wet towel then I blew away the small parts :D
     
    Dantheman221, Feb 29, 2012
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  4. Geekz

    Geekz Notebook Deity

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    brushing the dust while spraying is usually the best method to dislodge those dust balls.

    you could use some lint free earbuds to dislodge the dust.
     
    Geekz, Feb 29, 2012
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  5. inap

    inap .........................

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    yikes!!! that pic is scary!!!!
    yeah compressed air is the way to go.
    just open up the bottom panel, then use your fingers to hold the fan in place the spray the crap out of it. spray inside out then outside in. repeat if its really nasty.
     
    inap, Feb 29, 2012
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  6. T-ravisty

    T-ravisty Notebook Consultant

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    GOOD GOD!!!! Soooo much dust!

    Well, I haven't had mine cleaned, ever, since last March when I got it... a whole year ago... I have been meaning to, but haven't really had the know how...

    Thanks for the help, guys.
    Will get to it this weekend and let you know how it goes.

    cheers.
     
    T-ravisty, Feb 29, 2012
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  7. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    katalin_2003, Mar 1, 2012
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  8. T-ravisty

    T-ravisty Notebook Consultant

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    Sweet as.
    Cheers. :)
     
    T-ravisty, Mar 4, 2012
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  9. Indiran

    Indiran Notebook Evangelist

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    Indiran, Mar 5, 2012
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  10. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    If the laptop is too bothersome to open or I don't have time I just jam the fan with a straightened paperclip and give it a nice blow with a compressor.

    With time, I open the laptop and use old tootbrush to clean the dust :D
     
    KLF, Mar 6, 2012
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  11. T-ravisty

    T-ravisty Notebook Consultant

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    Would the paperclip damage the fan?
     
    T-ravisty, Mar 6, 2012
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  12. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Well, you're not supposed to push it thru the fan blade but instead stop the fan from spinning when you blow the air. :D Spinning too fast (and reverse) is bad for the bearings.
     
    KLF, Mar 6, 2012
    #12