Dust is one of those things you simply can’t avoid. It happens and often. You could be the biggest neat freak in the world and you’ll still get dust.

Here are a few tips to keep your computer as dust-free as possible so it lasts longer.

1. Make the back of the box (more) accessible.

Most people place their computer boxes in such a way where the back of it is almost impossible to get to. And, of course, once you take a look at the back of it after a good solid year, there’s a layer of dust on the PSU fan cover.

The easiest way to combat this is to simply place the box in such a way where it can be turned so you can take a look at the back every so often without too much hassle.

2. Desk or floor?

Desk. If the box is sitting on the floor, all the dust kicked up by your feet goes right to the box.

If you have no choice but to place it on the floor, consider putting a small plastic mat (yes, the anti-static kind for obvious reasons) under it. This will make dust easier to spot. When you see dust on the mat, it’s more or less guaranteed it’s on the computer box also.

Even if you have a hardwood floor I’d still recommend putting the box on a mat.

If the box is on the side of your desk on the floor, raising the box is another alternative. You can buy a small organizer crate for this. Measure your PC’s dimensions and buy a crate that will fit its footprint.

If you really want to give yourself a perk, put the computer box on a small pull-out plastic bin instead of a crate. Not only will you be helping to keep the dust out of your computer box, but also giving you storage for your blank CD/DVDs, cables, gadgets and so on. However remember not to pick any riser that’s too tall, because you don’t want to risk having the computer box knocked over accidentally. That would be bad.

3. Give the back of your computer box space.

If your box is too close to a wall (any wall), your PSU fan is acting as a vacuum for dust (literally with the PSU fan). Giving space kills that vacuum.

The recommended space from the wall is four inches (10cm) at bare minimum. Optimal distance is a foot (30cm) or better.

4. Bunch your cables/wires.

Cables connected to your box that are strewn about can act as a “net” for dust since they’re close together. This is bad. Bunch them together with zip-ties or twist-ties. Zip-ties are better because there isn’t any metal in them.

5. Put some light on the subject.

Get a USB snake light that shines light on the back of your computer box. Dust will be must easier to spot and clean up. And it doesn’t require you to plug in a lamp into a regular power socket. Being it’s a snake you can place it however you like.

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