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    Any tips on getting dust out from inside m17x?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Terminal42, May 29, 2010.

  1. Terminal42

    Terminal42 Notebook Evangelist

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    Any pro tips? Nothing much else to say :p
     
    Terminal42, May 29, 2010
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  2. lordqarlyn

    lordqarlyn Global Biz Consultant

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    I don't know about "pro" tips, but being were I am at, dust is a major problem. I go through about a can od Dustoff every 2 weeks or so.

    I simply aim the nozzle where the fans are, then reverse and aim at the back of the laptop. Repeat a couple of times. Keeps my system fairly dust free.
     
    lordqarlyn, May 29, 2010
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  3. csin

    csin Notebook Consultant

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    Send in a cat to catch the mouse... the mouse to catch the cheese, the cheese to attract the flys that you super glue duster pads to and then send in the vent.

    Or compressed air... either one.
     
    csin, May 29, 2010
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  4. Bendak

    Bendak Notebook Evangelist

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    Remove the bottom panel of your M17x, turn the machine upside down and blow compressed air into the back vents - Dust will be launched through your fan and upwards out of the laptop.
     
    Bendak, May 29, 2010
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  5. zofodraziw2005

    zofodraziw2005 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Word of warning...When using compressed air do not over rev the fans, I know you all like to do that. The blades can be broken from doing that. Experience taught me that years ago.
    Also, if you use a real compressor, not a can of air, make sure you ground the compressor and you touch a metal surface not the computer,to discharge the static that will be generated. You can also use a static wrist strap. Take all precautions as mentioned in the Alienware manual, you did read the manual did you not?
     
    zofodraziw2005, Jun 5, 2010
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  6. V3_Shae

    V3_Shae Notebook Consultant

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    Will this also work well if it gets a little clogged with hair? Two cats generate a lot of free-floating hair :p
     
    V3_Shae, Jun 6, 2010
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  7. hr9kraeuchi

    hr9kraeuchi Notebook Geek

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    QFT. My testimonial: It works like a dream.
     
    hr9kraeuchi, Jun 7, 2010
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  8. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    It's not only about vents and grills, a lot of dust gets underneath the GPU's and with time will be baked into them by the high load temps + humidity. However, I don't recommend re-seating the cards and connectors very often since there are lots of sensitive parts that can be damaged in the process. Still, once in a while it's necessary, IMHO.
     
    Aikimox, Jun 7, 2010
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  9. Lozz

    Lozz Top Overpriced Dell

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    I agree, twice annually is a good time frame for a full dis-assembly cleaning in normal conditions.

    solution: tooth pick or similar thin pointy thingie, insert between the blade to stop motion completely, blow at will.
     
    Lozz, Jun 7, 2010
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  10. xhero

    xhero Notebook Evangelist

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    I use either a can of air from best buy or an air compressor.

    If it gets really bad I take the pc apart and clean it.
     
    xhero, Jun 7, 2010
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  11. lordqarlyn

    lordqarlyn Global Biz Consultant

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    Grounding is definitely a great idea.

    While its better to err on the side of caution, but I've been spraying air for almost a year and I have not broken a blade.
     
    lordqarlyn, Jun 7, 2010
    #11