For IDE connections, use round-style cables to free up space, increase air circulation, and reduce dust inside your case.

Step 4: Just once, keep it neat
Makers of high-end PCs carefully route and tie internal cables to enhance airflow, increase heat dissipation, and cut down on the areas dust can hide. You can do the same for your machine. Using small cable ties, carefully bundle cables together, and, judging by the location of your PC's air intake (usually at the front of the case) and outlet (at the back), move the cables out of the way. Also be sure the CPU and GPU fans are unobstructed.

If your machine uses the old style wide ribbon cables for IDE connections, you can swap those out for the newer round IDE cables (about S$5 each). These cables take up far less space, let air circulate more freely, and reduce dust accumulation. Now that your PC is tidied up both inside and out, button up the case and cross one more spring cleaning chore off your list.