Just got a used mac pro 2010, all working fine. However it is giving off a smell which I think is cigarette smoke being a none smoker this is quite annoying! Does anybody have experience with trying to remove the smell at all, with minimal risk of damaging anything!? I've left it running with the window open but I suspect it is going to need something more then that!
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Removing cigarette smoke from mac pro classic
- Thread starter sutty100
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Sorry to hear that....
Were you informed of the smoke contamination to the cMP prior to your purchase? If no, I would try to return for a refund and get a clean unit. If yes and you're stuck with it...
It's the air flow system and surfaces which are probably the most contaminated, but the entire unit probably also has contamination simply due to exposure.
If you intend to completely remove the contamination, I believe it is possible but take time and effort. I'd recommend breaking down the cMP into component parts. Some pieces like the fans could be washed in soap and water and left to dry. Other electronic components might have to be cleaned with something like a GC Bath contact cleaner that will remove any contamination without affecting the electronics. The tricky part is the CPUs... for this, I believe thoughtfully cleaning the heat sinks might be enough, leaving the actual CPUs untouched. Then completely cleaning the chassis.
Once everything has had a good cleaning, reassemble and you should be good to go.
I know of no method to treat a fully assembled unit. Trying to mask smoker contamination with something like FaBreeze does not work. You have to remove the nicotine and other contaminates which actually content the smoker smell.
Good luck with your cMP clean up.
Were you informed of the smoke contamination to the cMP prior to your purchase? If no, I would try to return for a refund and get a clean unit. If yes and you're stuck with it...
It's the air flow system and surfaces which are probably the most contaminated, but the entire unit probably also has contamination simply due to exposure.
If you intend to completely remove the contamination, I believe it is possible but take time and effort. I'd recommend breaking down the cMP into component parts. Some pieces like the fans could be washed in soap and water and left to dry. Other electronic components might have to be cleaned with something like a GC Bath contact cleaner that will remove any contamination without affecting the electronics. The tricky part is the CPUs... for this, I believe thoughtfully cleaning the heat sinks might be enough, leaving the actual CPUs untouched. Then completely cleaning the chassis.
Once everything has had a good cleaning, reassemble and you should be good to go.
I know of no method to treat a fully assembled unit. Trying to mask smoker contamination with something like FaBreeze does not work. You have to remove the nicotine and other contaminates which actually content the smoker smell.
Good luck with your cMP clean up.
Would you mind sharing a picture of the inside? I'm curious to what extend this is visible next to the smell
Well I took it all apart and it was very dusty but not covered in gunk/tar like I was worried it might be. Gave it a good dust put it back together and the smell is gone! I'm guessing it hadn't been turned on for some time and the smell was just a fusty dusty smell! What surprises me though is that apple didn't fit them with fan filters so there is nothing to stop them sucking in dust. Frequent cleaning seems to be the order of the day!
Congrats. That was an easy fix. As far as filters... I have used a full front foam filter, and while it does slow down dust build up, it does not stop it. Plus you risk reducing air flow in a set up which generate too much heat.
Keeping in-tune with what I thought was originally a satirical post...
In the future before I buy any used electronic equipment i will be sure to include the following on the check list:
1) Are you or anyone in the household a smoker?
2) To the best of your knowledge was the item exposed to cigarette or other types of smoke?
3) Was the computer used in or near a fish market, rendering plant, or New Jersey?
4) What is your religious affiliation?
5) What is your political affiliation?
6) Is there anything that Trump says which you believe is fiscally, legally, and/or physically possible? Note: even though your answer may be "no", it's still OK to support him.
7) Do you believe selecting Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho as a VP would be a good decision?
In the future before I buy any used electronic equipment i will be sure to include the following on the check list:
1) Are you or anyone in the household a smoker?
2) To the best of your knowledge was the item exposed to cigarette or other types of smoke?
3) Was the computer used in or near a fish market, rendering plant, or New Jersey?
4) What is your religious affiliation?
5) What is your political affiliation?
6) Is there anything that Trump says which you believe is fiscally, legally, and/or physically possible? Note: even though your answer may be "no", it's still OK to support him.
7) Do you believe selecting Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho as a VP would be a good decision?