How To Clean A Graphics Card

Cleaning a computer is not just about blowing off dust and scrubbing with a clean cloth to make it look neat to onlookers. How are the internal components fairing, do you clean them at all or you probably think they never get dirty and so don’t need cleaning, or maybe you think that there’s a self-cleaning agent built into them.

I’m sorry to disappoint you but those buddies need cleaning too, especially that processor that to a large extent, determines your computer’s graphics performance. 

If cleaning a graphics card is not regarded as important when cleaning a computer’s internal components and because of your constant neglect, your computer’s graphics, and frame rendering performance is being affected. Whether you’ve noticed or not, you don’t have to wait till it gets very bad, so pick up an antistatic strap, with your tools, and let’s do some cleaning. 

The Tools

The tools needed for cleaning a graphics card includes a screwdriver ( a screwdriver set will be a preferable option that offers unlimited access to different types of screws), a dust blower, Isopropyl alcohol, a cleaning cloth, and a thermal paste. Ensure that you do not use any material that will leave residue on the graphics card and get ready to clean in these easy steps.

The Process

• Unplug the computer and disconnect the graphics card from the motherboard.
• Disassemble the graphics card with a screwdriver and disintegrate the reinforcement chip.
• Disassemble the fan from the port that connects it to a circuit board and Remove the screws holding the plastic cover onto the metal portion of the heat sink.
• Clean the fan to remove dust by using a dust blower, clean the heatsink too by using a dust blower.
• Disassemble all parts of the graphics card and clean with alcohol and a swab. You can choose to clean with a dry cleaning cloth or a cotton swab that provides easy access to all parts of the graphics card.
• Apply thermal paste on all the unscrewed parts of the graphics processing unit and the team sink.
• Affix the heat sink and the fan cover to the graphic processing unit as you prepare to reassemble the graphics card.
• Apply a thin layer of thermal paste on all the unscrewed parts of the GPU to keep it cool and reassemble the graphics card. It is very important to test if the graphics cards, GPU and fans are in good working condition by turning on your computer to check the current performance. If the graphics card is not functioning properly, unscrew the graphics processing unit and reassemble it.