Computers and dust [discussion,solutions and advice]

[proxx]

Hello EZ,

Recently I built a new machine.
I dont have much space with my 3 monitor setup so I have no other choice than to put it on the floor.
I have 4 case fans to maintain a high airflow which are needed because the CPU is overclocked.
The problem with so many fans and airflow is dust.

Currently I just remove the cover every x weeks and blow out the dust and clean the fans to some extend.
This is not very efficient and tedious, also if I want to do it properly I would have to unscrew a lot of stuff.
Now Ive heard of "air in can" which is just compressed air which can be used for blowing out the dust.
Never tried it and I have no idea if does the job well.

So anyone else having this annoyance?
Any solutions or suggestions ?



It doesnt look like this

[Kulverstukas]

Well, I  don't know any tips or tricks, but one sure way to keep the dust out is to have an air-tight computer box xD
or submerge everything in oil.

You could also try putting the box somewhere that has more space and less dust. On the table? near a window?

Maybe installing some kind of a filter on the fan holes of the box would also help keep the dust out, but it might limit the airflow. Though you'd only have to clean the filter... for the filter you could just use a cloth with a bit bigger holes or something...

[silenthunder]

I've never had this problem as in my current household it takes about 8 months before the dust in the computer is actually visible, and then it's just a super thin layer. But I would suggest the filter idea from kulvers, just don't get a very thick filter; it only needs to be a thin screen. That way you won't miss any airflow until the filter gets clogged up. If you can't move the computer anywhere else, try angling it in a way for the in and out fans to have plenty of room to breathe. Putting a hood over the top of the fans might help too, dust usually goes down, as does everything affected by gravity. And....keep your house clean

[Mordred]

What I did which really helped on my gaming rig with keeping dust from various smoking I do in my room (the nastiest type of dust) are the following 2 things:

#1. Positive air pressure. AKA more intakes than exhausts. I currently am running this kind of setup, having 3 12cm fans blowing in and 1 12cm + 1 14cm blowing out. Overall the 3 fans inject more air into the case than the others can exhaust, hence dust tends to stay out because of the positive pressure of the inside of the case as compared to the outside environment.

#2. Panty-hose filters. My gaming case has 2 very nice filters, however even mesh can't be threaded enough to filter cigarette smoke for instance. Hence I have put panty-hose filters, cut to shape, over each intake. That makes 2, one rectangle covering the 2x12cm fans in the front, and another rectangle covering a different set of 2x12cm fans (PSU and another intake). Very cheap, very easy to make and very easy to change, however the filtering properties are incredible. I do go through 1 filter a month though, which might not be convenient for everyone, but it's minimal hassle to change it imo.

[Kulverstukas]

Derp girlfriend's panty-hose for filters

That is a very nice idea. Never would of thought of using Panty-hose for a filter +1

[proxx]

Panty..
Thats fucking genius.
Im gonna ask that girl of mine

[silenthunder]

Well... the grocery store I work at sells 'hose for $2 for 2 pair.....

[proxx]

http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/how-to-keep-dust-out-of-your-pc-663270


I came acros this and its fucking genius.

[Darkvision]

Well... the grocery store I work at sells 'hose for $2 for 2 pair.....

still can you imagine the looks you would get when you go on your monthly pantyhose run? and i dont think explaining it would work well either. "i swear they arnt for me they are for my computer!"


anyway pantyhose is one way to go, you could even rewash it if wanted. but cheese cloth can work as well.


also mord is dead on with the air pressure thing (having more intake than outtake fans) it ALSO helps to keep your computer cooler so its win win.


Also look into moving the case AWAY from any vertical surfaces, this prevents dust being say blown out the back then being sucked back in by top/side/front intakes, which should also reduce the amount of dust you get. If necessary get longer cables to your monitor/case/etc and a powered USB hub so everything still reaches.

[xC]

Air in the can should work, if not; huff the contents and you will forget all about the dust.