Heatsink fin stacks and mesh filters choked with dust
Dense lint and dust blankets the spaces between radiator fins, blocking airflow and trapping convection heat inside the chassis.
Internal desktop parts run on harmless 12V DC voltage and cannot shock you. Simply unplug the wall power cable first, then touch the unpainted metal case frame to ground static electricity.
Common Symptoms & Tells
- Exhaust fans blow lukewarm or cold air despite high hardware temperatures
- PC was quiet when bought 2 years ago, but now sounds like a hair dryer
- Visible grey lint layer covering front intake mesh and fan blades
Interactive Fix Checklist
0 of 5 steps completedSafety power-off and discharge
Shut down the PC, turn off the power supply rocker switch (O), and unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet. Press the front power button once while unplugged to discharge residual capacitor energy before touching any internal components.
Power down and clean dust filters
Remove magnetic or slide-out dust filters from the front, top, and bottom intake of the case. Wash with warm water or vacuum thoroughly and dry completely.
Blow compressed air through heatsink fins from inside out
Use a can of compressed air or electric air duster. Blow air in the opposite direction of normal airflow to eject compacted lint mats out of the radiator. SAFETY: Hold the fan blades still with a finger or non-conductive tool while spraying compressed air. Allowing fans to free-spin rapidly can burn out bearings and generate reverse voltage back into the motherboard fan header.
Hold fan blades still while blowing air
Always hold the center fan hub with a finger or pencil. Allowing high-pressure air to free-spin fan blades generates reverse voltage (back-EMF) that can burn motherboard fan headers.
Clean fan blade leading edges with isopropyl alcohol
Wipe sticky dust crust off fan blades to reduce aerodynamic noise and restore factory cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow.
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