Make Way Computing

Custom PCs • Upgrades • Indigenous-Owned Tech Services

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  • Windows 10 support has officially ended – Keep your Computer Secure

    As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10. This means Windows 10 no longer recieves security updates or patches, and systems running it are now increasingly vulnerable to malware, cyber threats, and software compatibilty issues. If you’re still using a Windows 10 computer, now is the time to make sure your system stays safe, secure, and up to date.

    Not Sure if Your PC Can UpGrade? I can Check for you

    Many newer systems were able to move to Windows 11, but a lot of older PCs didn’t meet Microsoft’s requirements.

    Im offering service to:

    • Check whether your PC can run Windows 11
    • Perform the upgrade safely if your hardware supports it
    • Back up your files beforehand
    • Tune your system for the best performance

    If your computer is compatible, I can get you modern, secure, and fully supported again.

    If Your System Can’t Run Windows 11 — I Can Install Linux Instead

    If your PC doesn’t qualify for Windows 11, you still have reliable options. You don’t need to replace your computer.

    I can install a modern, user-friendly Linux operating system that:

    • Continues to receive updates and security patches
    • Runs smoothly on older or lower-end hardware
    • Supports everyday tasks like browsing, schoolwork, gaming, streaming, and office work
    • Feels familiar for anyone coming from Windows

    Linux is one of the best ways to keep older systems secure without costly upgrades.

    Need Help? I Offer Full Upgrade & Migration Services

    I can work with you to decide what’s best for your system and budget. Services include:

    • Windows 11 compatibility checks
    • Windows 10 → Windows 11 upgrades
    • Secure Linux installations
    • File backups and transfers
    • Hardware upgrade recommendations for better performance

    My goal is to keep your system safe, fast, and supported — without unnecessary spending.

    Message me anytime to book a compatibility check or upgrade service

    – Make Way Computing

  • The holidays will be here before you know it-and a new PC is a gift that actually gets used every day. Whether it’s for gaming, school, content creation, or a smooth home office setup, I build systems that fit your budget and needs with parts I trust and clean cable management.

    Why Choose a custom build?

    • Made for your needs: No paying for parts you don’t need-or missing the ones you do.
    • Upgradeable & repairable: Better long-term value than most big-box options.
    • Quiet, clean, and reliable: Thoughtful airflow, tidy wiring, quality components.
    • Local support: Friendly help after you power on.

    Holiday Timing

    Custom builds can require parts sourcing and testing. If you’re thinking “PC for the holidays,” now’s the best time to start a quick consult so we can lock in parts and pricing. Gift cards and staged payments are available.

    How It Works

    1. Quick consult: Tell me the budget, use case, and any games/apps.
    2. Parts plan & quote: I’ll recommend a build list with options.
    3. Build & test: Meticulous assembly, stress testing, and OS setup.
    4. Pickup & walkthrough: You leave with a ready-to-run machine.

    Ready to chat about a holiday build?

    Send a message through the contact form or email me-let’s get your perfect PC started.

  • Accidents happen-coffee, pop, energy drinks, even a knocked-over water bottle. If liquid hits your desktop, laptop, Xbox\PlayStation, keyboard, or GPU, the first few minutes decide whether it’s a cheap cleanup…or a parts-replacement saga. Here’s a calm step-by-step guide you can follow right away.

    The 60 Second Save (Immediate Actions)

    • Power off-don’t click shut down. Hold the power button for 5–10 seconds.
    • Unplug everything. Wall power, power bar, charger, and peripherals.
    • For desktops: switch the PSU OFF (the “|/O” rocker) and pull the cord.
    • For laptops: if removable, pop the battery out. If not, leave it off and unplugged.
    • Tilt and drain. Gently angle the device so liquid flows out, not deeper in.
    • Blot, don’t wipe. Use paper towel or a clean cloth; avoid pushing liquid under chips or keys.
    • Do not power it back on to “check.” Let it sit. Turning it on wet is what kills parts.

    What Not To Do

    • No rice. It traps moisture and leaves dust.
    • No hair dryers/heat guns. Hot air drives liquid under components and warps plastics.
    • No shaking or pressing keys. You’ll spread the spill further.
    • Don’t keep gaming “until it dries.” Electricity + liquid = corrosion and shorts.

    Quick Triage By Device

    Desktops (towers)

    • Front/top panel splash: Pull the front panel and filters; pat dry. Check fans and the I/O board.
    • Inside the case: Pull the side panel. If you can see liquid on the GPU, motherboard, or PSU:
      • Remove the affected part(s) and set them on a lint-free cloth.
      • Lightly rinse sticky residue with 99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and a soft brush; let air-dry.
      • PSU: If the power supply got wet, treat it as compromised. Replace rather than risk.

    Laptops

    • Open the bottom cover if you’re comfortable. Unplug the battery connector.
    • Blot the board and any visible pools. If the keyboard took the hit, expect it may need replacement even after cleaning.

    Keyboards & Controllers

    • Unplug immediately. Remove keycaps (mechanicals) and clean the plate with IPA.
    • For membrane boards and controllers, open the shell, blot, and clean sticky areas with IPA.

    GPUs

    • If liquid touched the graphics card, remove it. Dry the PCIe edge and backplate; use IPA and a soft brush on any sticky residue. Let it dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

    How Pros Clean a Spill (What I Do on the Bench)

    1. Disassemble to the affected area (board out if needed).
    2. Document and identify where liquid traveled (look for sugar residue/corrosion).
    3. Neutralize and clean with 99% IPA and ESD-safe brushes; swap thermal paste if needed.
    4. Inspect connectors, fuses, and MOSFETs; test voltages before first power-on.
    5. Reassemble and stress test (CPU/GPU temps, fan curves, stability).

    When to Stop and Call for Help

    • It was something sticky/sugary (soda, juice, sweet coffee).
    • The PSU or power area got wet.
    • The device won’t power after proper drying.
    • You see white/green corrosion or scorch marks.
    • An HDMI/USB port is loose after the spill
      If any of the above is true, powering on repeatedly can turn a cleanable job into a board replacement.

    Typical Costs & Turnaround (Valleyview area)

    • Spill clean & diagnostic (desktop/laptop): $40–$60
    • Keyboard replacement (laptop): $25–$50 part + ~$40 labour
    • Thermal paste refresh (CPU/GPU): $25–$35
    • PSU replacement (if contaminated): part cost + $20 install
    • Deep clean + stress test: $60–$100 (scope depends on damage)
      Most cleanups are 24–72 hours once the device is on my bench. I back my work with a 6-month labour warranty.

    Printable Mini-Checklist

    • Kill power (hold power button), unplug, don’t test.
    • Tilt to drain; blot, don’t wipe.
    • Remove battery (if possible).
    • Leave it off; don’t heat or use rice.
    • Book a pro cleanup if it was sticky or hit power components.

    Need a hand?

    If you’ve had a spill-or just want a preventive clean while summer dust is high—send a note with the device and what was spilled. I’ll give you a clear quote before any work starts.


    Make Way Computing · Indigenous-owned · Valleyview, AB
    info@makewaycomputing.ca • (780) 301-0609

  • Valleyview’s summer days can flirt with 30 °C, and while most of us enjoy the sunshine, our computers definitely don’t. Hot ambient temps, extra dust, and marathon gaming sessions combine to push internal temperatures higher than usual. When that happens you’ll hear fans ramping up, frame‑rates dipping, and—worst‑case—random shutdowns or throttling.

    Below are four quick fixes you can do in a single evening to shave 5 – 10 °C off your CPU / GPU temps and keep your rig humming all summer long

    1. Check your Temps in Just two Clicks

    Before your clean anything, get a baseline.

    1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
    2. Click Performance → GPU (Windows 11 shows both CPU and GPU temps).
    3. Fire up your favourite game for five minutes, then Alt-Tab back and note:
      • CPU Temp: Ideally ≤ 80 °C under load.
      • GPU Temp: Ideally ≤ 85 °C under load.

    Tools I recommend:

    • HWInfo – full sensor read-out(free)
    • MSI Afterburner – in-game temp overlay

    If one of those numbers spike above the target, move onto the next step

    2. Give Dust Nowhere to Hide (5-Minute Clean)

    Dust is insulation. A thin layer on your front mesh or fan blade can raise temps by 5°C or more.

    What you need:

    • Can of compressed air or a hand blower
    • Microfiber cloth
    • Tiny brush or old toothbrush

    Steps (Mid-Tower Case):

    1. Power down and unplug the PC.
    2. Pop the front panel off; most cases use six friction clips.
    3. rise the dust filter under lukewarm water, pat dry, and let it air-dry.
    4. Hold each fan blade still and give it a few short bursts of air.
    5. Wipe any loose dust from the interior shroud and cables.
    6. Slide the filter back in and clip the panel on

    Quick Win: A clean filter can improve front-to-back airflow by 15% – you’ll hear fans spin slower right away.

    3. Fresh Thermal Paste (Every 2 Years)

    Thermal paste dries out over time, reducing contact between the CPU heat-spreader and your cooler’s cold plate. If your build is 24 months old (or older), and you’ve never re-pasted, you’re leaving free temperature drops on the table.

    DIY Checklist:

    1. Remove the cooler (4-8 screws, depending on model).
    2. Clean old paste with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free pad.
    3. Apply a peas-sized dot of new paste (Arctic MX-4, Thermal Grizzly, etc.).
    4. Re-mount cooler in an “X” tightening pattern.
    5. Boot and check temps – you should see a 5 °C or more drop under the same load.

    Not comfortable inside the case?

    I offer paste swap for $25-$35, paste included.

    4. Airflow & Cable Tidy

    Messy cables and blocked intakes force fans to work harder.

     DoAvoid
    route long PSU cables behind the motherboard tray (zip-ties are your friend). Letting a SATA bundle drape across the front-to-back airflow path.
    Install at least on rear exhaust fan and two front intakesRunning three top fans as intake – creates negative pressure and dust
    Keep the tower off carpet; place it on a board or hard floorShoving the case against a wall or in a closed cabinet

    Extra Tip: Most Modern BIOSes have a “Fan Tuning” or “Fan Curve” section. Set a gentle curve that keeps fans under 50% until temps hit 60 °C – quieter desk, same cooling.

    WHEN To Call A Pro

    • Fans still roar or temp sit > 90°C under load
    • System shuts down or black-screens after 15 minutes
    • You spot “CPU thermal throttling” warnings in HWInfo
    • You’d rather not risk static shock or stripped screws

    I Offer Summer Tune-Ups for $40-$60, which include:

    • Full dust clean (filters, fans, PSU shroud)
    • Fresh thermal paste (CPU)
    • Cable-management refresh
    • BIOS & driver updates
    • Before/after temperature report

    Summer Special

    Book a tune-up before August 31 and mention this post for %10 off of labour. Slots are available all summer, secure your spot early.

    Need help or have any questions?

    Email info@makewaycomputing.ca or use the contact form. I reply within 24 hours.

    Stay cool and happy gaming!

    -Creedance, Make Way Computing, Valleyview, AB

  • Hello and welcome to Make Way Computing, and thanks for stopping by!

    My name is Creedance Chowace, and I’m the founder of Make Way Computing, an Indigenous-owned PC service based in Alberta. I started working on my own computers back in 2018, and by 2020, I was building custom gaming rigs, doing upgrades, and helping friends and family with their tech setups.

    Now, as I work toward completing my diploma in IT Systems Administration, I’ve turned my passion into a growing business.

    At Make Way Computing, I offer:

    -Custom PC builds

    -Cable management and cleanups

    -Thermal paste replacement (including PS4s and consoles)

    -Hardware upgrades and installs

    -Personal consultation if you’re planning a build or need advice

    -And soon—business IT services like SharePoint and server setup

    This blog will be a space where I share build showcases, tech tips, cool upgrades, and updates about what I’m working on. Whether you’re into performance, clean aesthetics, or just want your setup to run better, I’m here to help.

    Feel free to browse the site, check out my service list, or send me a message if you’re interested in working together.

    Thanks for reading, and welcome again!