Jul 3, 2007

Do you have the experience of your gaming computer crashing on you after (or during) an intense monster killing session? If this is happening to you, then you are not alone.

Most people, especially gamers often take their gaming computer for granted. They are reluctant to maintain their computer even though they have spent lot of time and money building it.

The two main culprits for hardware failure are heat and dust. By taking some preventive measure and regular maintenance, you can easily prolong the life of your gaming computer and prevent costly maintenance and support fees further down the road.

Some tools that you’ll need:

* screwdriver
* can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply shops)
* vacuum cleaner
* Antistatic wrist strip
* cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball)
* rubbing alcohol
* paper towels or anti-static cloths
* water

Step 1: Inside the case

Turn off your computer and unplug all the cords. Wear a antistatic wrist strap to ground yourself. If you don’t have one, touch any of the various household objects, such as water pipe, a lamp or another grounded electrical device.

Remove the case, careful not to touch any of the circuitry surface. Using antistatic wipes, clean up the dust inside the case.

With your compressed air (or vacuum cleaner), blow air around all of the components, giving extra attention to the CPU fan and power supply fan. Be careful to keep the nozzle four inches away from the machine, as great pressure from the compressed air could damage the components.

If your gaming computer is more than four years old, or if the expansion cards are exceptionally dirty, remove each card and clean its contacts with isopropyl alcohol. Carefully replace it. Press it gently down to make sure that it is firmly seated.

Lastly, check your power connectors, IDE connectors, and other internal cables and fix up any loose connection.

Step 2: Outside the case

Moist a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and use it to wipe all the opening on the back of your case.

Step 3: Keyboard

Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and dust will fall out. Use the can of compressed air to blow into and around the keys. Using a new moist cotton swab, wipe the outside of the keys.

Step 4: Mouse

If you are still using the old trackball mouse, open the back and remove the trackball. Wash the ball with water and let it air dry. Use a moist cotton swab to clean the inside and outside of the mouse. Use the can of compressed air to blow any hard to clean lining and opening. Replace the ball and the cover.

If you have an optical or laser mouse, just use the moist cotton swab to clean the exterior of the mouse.

Step 5: Monitor

Using a moist lint-free cloth, clean the screen of your monitor. Wipe the monitor case and clear its vents of obstructions.

For LCDs monitor, wipe it with care. The underlying glass is fragile.

Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in.

Damien