How to Clean Motherboard?
Technology is quite sensitive and demands proper up-keep in order to function efficiently. Motherboards are an integral part of your system, and cleaning them in detail is quite important as well. However, one must be careful as the delicate circuitry on these boards is quite prone to damage.
After all, who would want to ruin the most integral part of the system after spending hundreds of dollars on it? We are sure that you would never want that to happen, right? So, if you are wondering how to make your motherboard spot-free, you’re at the right spot.
We offer you a step-by-step guide that will aid you in removing all the dirt and debris from your system’s brain. Not only this, but the guide also features details of all the equipment you require in order to carry out your mission successfully.
So, get along and save your efficient piece of technology by following the guidelines mentioned below. Plus, if you are looking for other details on motherboards, such as removing GPU from your motherboard or downloading drives for it, we have got those topics covered for you as well.
Why is it important to clean the motherboard?
As mentioned before, the circuitry on your motherboard is quite delicate and sensitive. So, have you ever thought of the impact debris and dust can make on the fragile connections on your motherboard?
If left without proper cleaning, the dirt and dust can pile up on your motherboard, making it difficult for the heat to escape. As a result, the heat generation increases in your system, and your connections bear an adverse effect. This ultimately leads to slowing down your PC’s operation.
Hence, cleaning your motherboard regularly is undoubtedly a must. So, prepare a proper schedule for this task, just as the rest of your house chores.
How often should I clean the motherboard?
Establishing a proper routine for dust removal can help in making your system last longer. Additionally, you might need to clear the motherboard at least once every 3 months if you reside in a dusty area or have pets in your house. Moreover, you will need to regularly clean your pc if you have placed it on the ground.
Is water suitable for cleaning the motherboard?
Don’t ever use water to clean your motherboard. The board will be harmed, and perhaps a disaster will occur as well. You will notice water stains and rust at the bonded connections if water penetrates the motherboard. Corrosion is also indicated by the board’s darkening, which is evident and noticeable.
Therefore, tilt the computer face-down and wipe to dry it completely if water accidentally gets on it. When cleaning the motherboard, you might also need to take out the battery and other components to make sure that all of the parts stay dry.
What is needed to clean the motherboard?
While it depends on the duration of use and the current condition of your mother, there is a certain set of tools that you are going to inevitably use during the cleaning of your motherboard. Having these things on hand before actually starting the process can help as it will save your time and hassle as well.
- Compressed air
- Bristle brush
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Blower
- Vacuum cleaner
Step-wise guide on cleaning a motherboard:
Step 1: Shutting down the power source:
When dealing with electronic components, one needs to be extra cautious. In the case of cleaning a motherboard, you have to be careful. For this purpose, make sure to un-plug the source of power from your motherboard so that you do not have to worry about electric shock at all.
Step 2: Taking out the motherboard:
The second step calls for you to uninstall the motherboard from your CPU. This step is vital, so you are able to get more room for efficient cleaning. Moreover, this way, you will never have to worry about the rest of the components in the CPU.
Step 3: Blowing the dust away:
Now it is time for you to get the tools in hand. Use your blower and blow away all the dust from your motherboard with the help of compressed air. Make sure to blow the dust at an average speed. And remember, you should never use hot air for this purpose, as it can melt down the material on your board.
Step 4: Removing stickiness:
If your motherboard has anything sticky embedded in it, you can use a bristle brush to remove it. For this, all you have to do is gently scrub the sticky part. Beware of applying too much force on it or forcing it hard for the stickiness to go away.
Step 5: Applying isopropyl alcohol:
If the stickiness does not come out even after using the bristle brush, you can opt for using isopropyl alcohol. This substance will make sure that there is no spot left uncleansed on your motherboard.
However, there are certain protocols for using alcohol. You need to make sure that the substance completely dries out before enclosing the casing of your PC again. Moreover, in order to use it, the best way is to take a small swab or a piece of cotton. Apply the alcohol to it and gently rinse the stickiness.
Step 6: Putting everything back together:
Now that you have done thoroughly cleaning every inch of your motherboard, you can move to the final part. The last step of the procedure calls for you to reinstall the motherboard back into the CPU and close the casing of it as well.
The Bottom Line:
Keeping maintenance is of utmost importance when it comes to devices as delicate as motherboards. If left neglected, overheating can become one of the core issues for you, and we are sure that a gamer can never afford that. So, if you want your PC to perform impeccably as always, make sure to employ the cleaning method mentioned above.
