Clean the Inside of a Dell Dimension 5150 Computer Case

These are instructions for cleaning the inside of a Dell Dimension 5150 computer case. For Dimension 5150, there are some differences inside of the case compared with other computers. This article shows specific images of the inside of the case within the details of each step and if you're opening the machine for the first time, you can easily follow these steps.

Steps

  1. Shut down your machine and wait until inside of the case is cool. If your computer has been used for more than an hour, shut down the machine and wait for it cool completely because the heat sink may be really hot and you can hurt your fingers.
  2. Remove peripherals. Take a photo before you disconnect all peripherals if you are a beginner.
  3. Open the computer case. For Dell Dimension 5150, you do not need a screwdriver to open the case.
    • Pull the black bar which is on the top of the case.
    • Open one side of the case following the arrow direction.
  4. Discharge the static on your fingers. Try to touch any metal material to discharge the static. For example, touch the computer case.
  5. Remove the heat sink.
    • Loosen the screws which are marked as red circle 1 on the picture.
    • Also, there is a screw on the other side at same place.
    • Pull the plastic fin case as the arrowhead point.
    • Lift it up.
  6. Start to clean up the inside of the case. The main dust collection areas you need to pay attention to include:
    • CPU fan.
    • Motherboard
    • Power supply.
  7. Clean up the heat sink with the plastic case.
    • Option 1: Use an air compressor (recommended).
    • Option 2: Water wash (you must make sure the heat sink and the plastic case is dry before you put it back in the computer case).
  8. Put the heat sink back in place.
    • (Very Important) Clean the heat sink and the processor die (metal on top of the processor), use an alcohol wipe.
    • Apply a new layer thin of thermal grease [1] to the processor die.
    • Put the heat sink case on the motherboard.
    • Pull the case as the marked position.
    • Tighten the screws.
  9. Close your computer. Holes match to the three plots and then your computer case is closed.
  10. Plug back in all peripherals.
    • Use the picture that you took before you started as an instructional guide.
  11. Clean up your work area.

Tips

  • Outside is the best place for this clean up.
  • Using a dust mask could help to avoid any dust from irritating your respiratory system.
  • When putting the heat sink back in place, do not fasten the screw on one side and then work on another. It is better to fasten it when two screws are in the right holes.

Warnings

  • You could be injured if the computer does not discharge the power.
  • Long time usage may cause the computer to overheat; only open the case after it cools.
  • Do not touch anything inside of the case before discharging the static. The components may be damaged by the static.
  • Water could destroy the machine; do not use anything wetter than a well wrung damp cloth.

Things You'll Need

  • An air compressor (recommended) or a blower (should have an option to blow cold wind)
  • Screwdriver
  • Thermal Paste (Important stuff, get the right kind, not axle grease)
  • Dust mask (optional)

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Sources and Citations

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