[Graphic Card] How to clean a graphics card? | Official Support | ASUS USA (2024)

[Graphic Card] How to clean a graphics card?

How to clean a graphics card?

This article will guide you on how to perform basic cleaning of a graphics card. The dust, hair, oil, and various particles in the air or the environment are possible to accumulate on the surface or inside of the graphics card, resulting in poor performance or even reduced hardware lifecycle. Cleaning these impurities will effectively extend the lifecycle of your graphics card. It is recommended that clean your computer regularly.

Before cleaning the graphics card, please ensure the following precautions:

1. Power off: Make sure the computer is completely powered off and unplugged to avoid damage to electronic components or the risk of electric shock.
2. Electrostatic discharge: Static electricity can damage computer components, so it's best to discharge yourself before touching any internal components. One method is to touch a metal surface (such as the computer case) to release any static electricity.

Methods to clean the graphics card:

Cleaning the ventilation ports and thermal module of the graphics card:
Note: Do not use strong airflow (such as an air compressor) for cleaning, as it may cause excessive air pressure and damage PCB components or fan blades.

1. You can try to use a commercial compressed air tank or an air blower to blow away dust on the ventilation ports or inside the thermal module.
2. Then, try to blow away dust between the fan and fan gap on the front of the graphics card (at a certain distance from the fan).
Note: Keep a certain distance between the compressed air tank can and the ventilation ports or thermal module of the graphics card, and do not invert the compressed air tank during use.

Cleaning the surface of the thermal module on the front of the graphics card or the back of the graphics card:

1. Use a brush or an air blower carefully to clean the dust and dirt on the surface of the thermal module on the front of the graphics card. Ensure that the surface of the thermal module is clean to maintain good heat dissipation.
2. The surface or the back of the thermal module on graphics card may have stains or particles. You can use a soft, lint-free cloth with 70 to 75% isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe off the stains or particles.
3. After wiping, wait for the surface of the thermal module or the back of the graphics card to dry naturally. If there are still marks or stains, use a dry cloth to gently wipe them.
Note:
a. Avoid using abrasive materials such as abrasive cloth, towels, tissue paper, or similar items for wiping.
b. Only make the cloth slightly damp, and do not spray cleaning liquid directly on the screen or leave excessive moisture on the thermal module.

Once all the cleaning steps are completed, you can try to assembly the graphics card by gently inserting it back into the PCIe slot on the motherboard, ensuring that it is securely connected.

If you accidentally spill water or liquid (beverages, coffee, wine, cola, etc.) on the graphics card inside the computer case:

1. Immediately turn off the power of the computer system and remove the power cord.
2. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off the liquid on the front thermal module and fan and the back surface.
3. Move the graphics card near the sink and tilt it 90 degrees to pour out any remaining liquid inside the card.
4. Wipe the liquid off the front surface of the thermal module on the front of the graphic card, fan blades, and back surface again using a clean cloth or paper towel.
5. Let the graphics card sit for 24 hours to allow the internal liquid to dry.
6. Reconnect the power corrd inside the computer and try to turn it on. If it boots up properly, please back up any important data from your computer.
7. Regarding whether the graphic card can be used normally, it is recommended to contact the ASUS customer service center immediately for more testing and repair to avoid sudden faults caused by oxidation and corrosion.