crazy amount of dust

[Nvidiaguy07]

my friends got a computer that is filled with dust. its a sony with little room inside and it looks like the whole cpu heatsink is clogged with dust. I told him he should get a can of compressed air and spray it or even better an air compressor(the dust is that bad) and blast it out of there.

If hes had no problems so far what are the chances of it overheating or something failing because if how much dust there is?

 

[WoodButcher]

It will eventually overheat and shut down. It probably won't damage anything it just won't run till it cools down. Hold the fans from spinning when blowing out. I use a 1" paintbrush with my air compressor to hold the fans, brush the stubborn dust. One thing though,,, take the pc outside.

 

[aba4430]

Some more points on the use of air compressor for blowing out electronics - I have used my air compressor for years now without any issues. ALL the fan blades should be secured gently. I use a small screwdriver between two blades and do not put any pressure on the blades. You do not want to damage the bearings or cause wobble etc. Adjust the compressor regulator to provide @ 30psi air. Plus use a moisture trap or filter on the output of the compressor to capture moisture. Drain your tank and waste sufficient air prior to blowing out your case - you want to purge out the tank prior to using.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

I generally use a vacuum to clean out dust. As others said if using a compressor make sure you do something about the moisture.