🛠️ Deep Cleaning & Maintenance of My Asus Desktop PC – Notes from TB7AEK

Hello, I’m Ayberk Korkmaz — also known in the amateur radio world as TB7AEK. While RF technology and broadcasting are my main playgrounds, I’m also someone who deeply values the performance and longevity of my personal computer. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I perform a full physical and software maintenance routine on my Asus desktop PC, something I recommend doing at least once or twice a year.

💡 Why Desktop Maintenance Matters

Just like in radio gear, heat is the silent killer in computers. Dust buildup, aging thermal paste, and inefficient airflow can all lead to thermal throttling, noise, and reduced lifespan of components. No matter how good the specs are, if a desktop isn’t breathing properly, it won’t perform as it should.

🧰 Tools I Use for Maintenance

Before jumping in, here’s what I always keep on hand for a clean and safe maintenance process:

• Anti-static wrist strap

• Precision screwdriver kit

• Compressed air canister

• Soft paintbrush or makeup brush

• Isopropyl alcohol (99%) + cotton swabs

• Microfiber cloths

• New thermal paste (I use Arctic MX-4 or Kryonaut)

🔧 Step-by-Step Physical Cleaning Process

1. Power Down and Disconnect

First things first: I turn off the system completely, unplug all power and peripherals, and hold the power button for a few seconds to discharge residual current.

2. Open the Case Panel

Asus cases usually have tool-less or screw-based side panels. I remove the side (and sometimes top/front) panels to expose the internals. Anti-static precautions are a must here — I wear the wrist strap and clip it to the chassis.

3. Dust Removal

Using compressed air and a brush:

• I clean out the case fans, CPU cooler, GPU, and PSU filter.

• Fans are held in place while blowing air to avoid over-spinning.

• The motherboard and components are gently brushed to remove settled dust.

4. Thermal Paste Replacement

If it’s been over a year or thermals seem worse than usual:

• I remove the CPU cooler, clean off the old paste with alcohol.

• Apply a fresh layer of thermal paste before remounting the cooler.

5. Filter and Front Panel Cleanup

Most Asus tower cases have removable dust filters under the PSU and front intake. I take these out and clean them thoroughly. For front I/O ports, I use cotton swabs and a dry brush.

💻 Software Maintenance – Keeping the System Clean Inside Too

Hardware’s only half the equation. Here’s what I do on the software side:

• Uninstall bloatware and old drivers

• Update BIOS and drivers (Asus Armoury Crate or official support page)

• Scan for malware and background CPU hogs

• Clean up startup apps

• Use HWMonitor to verify thermal improvements after cleaning

• Optional: Fresh Windows installation every 12–18 months for a clean slate

🧠 Tips from TB7AEK

• If your fans are constantly spinning up even when idle, it’s time for a cleanup.

• Monitor your CPU/GPU temps with HWiNFO or MSI Afterburner before and after maintenance — numbers don’t lie.

• For high-performance tasks (video rendering, SDR processing, gaming, etc.), keeping temps low directly affects stability.

Final Thoughts

My Asus desktop is not just a computer — it’s my main workstation for everything from digital radio operation to software development and publishing. Just like I take care of my RF equipment, I treat my PC like precision gear that deserves regular care.

A clean PC runs quieter, cooler, and longer. If you haven't opened up your case in over a year, maybe it's time to give it the love it deserves.

73!
TB7AEK – Ayberk Korkmaz