Many do not attach importance to the need to periodically clean your PC. But sooner or later there will be some kind of malfunction in the system when you have to find out how to disassemble the computer. Sometimes such problems can be quickly fixed, and sometimes they lead to serious component breakdowns.
For what?
Why should a user know how to disassemble a computer unit? At least once every couple of months, it is advisable to conduct a surface cleaning of the system. Once every six months it is better to do a deep “cleaning” of the components. To do this, you need to understand how to open the system unit and get equipment out of it in order to clean everything.
Still periodically need to replace components that are already outdated. An upgrade also requires disassembling and cleaning the system. Of course, you can try to replace some RAM module or hard drive without removing the motherboard. But most often you need to get all the components, and for this you need to know how to disassemble the computer.
Start from the enclosure
There is nothing particularly complicated in this matter. In modern PCs, you can remove one of the side covers, although everything, of course, depends on the model of the case. Sometimes there are options in which you need to remove the top cover.
In older chassis versions, all parts were screwed with special screws. They needed to use a screwdriver. Now most often there are special screws that can be manually unscrewed without the aid of tools.
By the way, if you do not know how to disassemble the system unit of a computer, look at the instructions. Some new devices are sold with it. Therefore, there you can get information. It is also important to check whether the warranty on the PC has ended. If not, you cannot remove the seal from the screws, otherwise you will lose the free support of the service center.
If possible, it is better to remove all possible covers so that it is easier to get to the components.
Preparation
With a full disassembly of the PC, you need to take into account that you have to protect yourself. To do this, turn off the computer, do not forget to click on the power supply button on the rear panel. Next, you need to disconnect all the wires. It is also important not to forget about the power cable.
After that, you need to press the PC power button several times, and then hold it down for a couple of seconds. Thus, it will simply de-energize the surface of the motherboard.
You need to remove the statics from your own body. To do this, just touch the battery. It is also better to get rid of woolen and synthetic clothes. It is better to use special gloves.
Shutdown
How to disassemble a computer? Start by disconnecting all possible cables. But in this matter, it is important to remember all the connections, otherwise it will be difficult to figure out the component assembly later. It is also worth noting that some cables have a latch. Therefore, you must carefully disconnect the wires.
It is important to be careful when disconnecting the wires from the motherboard. Usually the platform is very fragile and can crack.
First you need to free the motherboard from all connections to make it easier to get it. In this case, you need to disconnect the hard drive, the power supply, which has several wires, as well as coolers.
Video card and other details
The next step is to turn off the video card. Of course, you can get the motherboard from the case without it, but usually the adapter is quite massive and it is easier to get it.
The video card is in the slot and secured with latches. Therefore, it is important not to pull the device, but first remove the mount, and then disconnect it afterwards. The lever is usually easy to press, just press on it to release the adapter.
The component must be put in a safe place. It is better to disassemble and clean the room where a child or animal cannot get.
After that, you can get the power supply. In some cases, it may interfere with removing the system board from the chassis. If the PSU is in a special compartment, it will be enough to disconnect it from the platform.
It is also worth paying attention to the processor cooling system. If this is a standard cooler, then it will be easy to get a “motherboard” with it, if a more powerful fan is installed, it may be necessary to dismantle it. In general, it is advisable to remove immediately everything that will interfere with unscrewing the screws and removing the board.
Motherboard
It has a different position in the case. Most often, it is bolted to one of its side walls. To remove it, just take a screwdriver and unscrew all the screws on which the board rests. One must be very careful, one cannot twist through force. Otherwise, threads or contacts on the platform may be damaged.
To make it easier to get the board, just put the computer so that the "motherboard" is in a horizontal position. Getting it, it is better to hold on to the processor cooler and one of the corners of the device. Neither pull nor bend. You need to be careful, because the board is very fragile.
CPU
In the matter of how to disassemble and clean the computer, work with the processor plays a key role. Here you usually have to not only clean everything from dust, but also change the thermal grease. And for this you have to remove the cooler. Depending on the model, it can be held on four latches or cogs. Therefore, it is enough to unscrew them to get to the chip.
Cleaning methods
Knowing how to disassemble a computer, it remains to choose one of the cleaning methods. The surface can be wiped with alcohol and cleaned of excess thermal paste, and then apply a new one. The motherboard itself is also easy to clean. The main thing is not to use fleecy fabric. There are also special materials in stores for cleaning boards.
Some use compressed air to quickly remove dust from the surface, someone takes a vacuum cleaner as an assistant. In the latter case, you need to be extremely careful so as not to damage anything. You may also need a brush for cleaning and paper towels.
You should also pay attention to radiators, they usually collect a lot of dust, and also take time to clean the fans, both processor and case.
A brush and a vacuum cleaner can be used simultaneously. But in this case, it is better to do this together, because one will be uncomfortable.
Cleaning other items
Using the same principle, you can clean the video card. Modern models are usually covered with a plastic casing, under which a fan and a radiator grille are hidden. Due to the fact that they are closed on top of the case, it is not visible how much dust there is. But as practice shows, over time they also become dirty and require cleaning.
Make sure that the warranty on the video card has already passed so that you can safely remove the seal. Then you need to carefully unscrew the casing and again, using a brush and a vacuum cleaner, clean the fan and radiator.
You will also have to learn how to disassemble the computer's power supply. It is not difficult to do this, since the principle is the same as in the system unit. You need to unscrew the screws on one side to get to the insides. After that it will be easy to remove all dust and dirt, which also accumulates inside and on the fan.
End cleaning
Then the most difficult part remains: to install all the components back. To do this, you will need to put the power supply and hard drive in their slots. After that, it is important to screw the motherboard carefully. We install RAM, a video card and a cooling system on it. All cables will remain connected correctly. Remember: if something suddenly did not work, with a high probability you forgot to connect something.
Peripheral Cleaning
The mouse and keyboard also require care. They are especially affected, because we can sit at PCs for hours, sometimes having lunch or eating sweets. All food particles remain on our hands and are transferred to devices.
Therefore, you then have to find out how to disassemble the computer keyboard in order to get crumbs, dust and other garbage from there. Of course, it all depends on the type of device. In some cases, you have to pull out the button after the button to wash, and then clean the case under them. Sometimes you need to unscrew the screws at the back to get to the board and debris on it.
The mouse rarely needs to be disassembled. Usually just wipe it with alcohol or a damp cloth.