Smoke machine to see air flow???

[smokeslikeapoet]

Before I install a new motherboard that supports overclocking, I want to see if the airflow in my case is adequate for the heat I plan on generating. I have access to a smoke machine and I am installing a window case mod as we speak. The smoke machine I'm going to use is a professional, mineral oil based machine. After I am done there will be a very thin layer of mineral oil over everything in my case.

MY QUESTION: If I pull this off, will the small amount of mineral left on my processor and video card insulate it? I'm going to clean up as much as I can, so there won't be much, but I know I'll leave some residue somewhere. I have heard in the past that some people have immersed their cases in chilled mineral oil for cooling because mineral oil is non-conductive.

P.S. The case I'm using is an Enlight 7200 series, which seems to be popular because of the $50 pricepoint. I'm planning on trying a few different fan arrangements and take pictures with a analog (film) camera and strobe. I'll scan the picks and upload them to my site.

[KeyboardCowboy]

is mineral oil inert????

[Fanman]

It should be fine, as long as it doesn't conduct and you wipe everything down. I seriously doubt it will cause you any problems (look all the people that smoke cigarettes around thier computers).

My only question is..... won't it generate TOO much smoke for you to effectively see the airflow patterns inside the case? That's why cigarettes or similar things are generally used... because they generate a small amount that is easily visible and easily sucked up by the intake fan....
Tell us how it goes, I'll be interested to hear.

[smokeslikeapoet]

It takes hours for mineral oil smoke to disipate, it's non conductive, and non-toxic. That's what makes it great for theatrical applications. My dad owns a special effects business. When the machine is plugged in, but not turned up. It burps to release pressure, I plan on capturing these burps on film. I don't think I can do it with a digital camera. I also have a lot of time on my hands.;)

[oc jason]

just take off side cover if there is not already a window, cover with glad wrap - that you wrap food with! and then just lite a cigarette and let it suck in the fromt or set in case when empty to view flow. Cigareete smoke is nice and thin and will definately go with the airflow

[Slaught]

Genius!
might have to try that meself...

hmmm, but i dont smoke....

[smokeslikeapoet]

I'll try the cigarette trick. My brother also reminded me of something we saw on Mr. Wizard when we where kids. He burned paper drinking straws. You light one end with a lighter and pinch the other end closed with your finger. The effect produces a supprising large amount of pure white smoke. The wax coating on the straw is what does the trick. The only problem is the only place I've seen paper drinking straws in the past 10 years is Sea World San Diego. If anyone knows where to pic them up let me know. I'd even be willing to send someone a few bucks to send a dozen to me in an envelope. The more I think about it, mineral oil residue on my computer innards seams less and less attractive.

(There's some that will read this and have no idea who he is, born in the 80's. Just think, Bill Nye after crack rehab.)

[fatshlink]

doesent seem worth it to me, and how did you gat a athlon1.2 under 100 bucks:(

[smokeslikeapoet]

I got the processor and motherboard combo below for $179.00 at www.overstock.com. I also had a $20 discount for signing up with them. Right now they're offering free ground shipping. I just checked their website and they only have 15 left. I figure I paid $81.50 for the processor $81.50 for the MB. The motherboard is an OEM type so it's not overclockable. They've removed the jumpers and such. But still, for a 760 chipset and ATA100 controller onboard I got a good deal. You can also get the 1.2 Ghz from www.ubid.com for $99 plus shipping (probably around $20). That's the reserve price, I know because I was going to buy one and I didn't meet the reserve. The one at Ubid is a 266 FSB. A lot of the other stuff I've bought recently had rebate offers, such as the hard drive and the video card. My dad works for Hitachi, so I can get dvd drives and monitors and rice cookers for dealer cost + shipping. (my only problem is that the computer won't boot with the rice cooker attached to the PSU:D )

[William]

Dry ice and water? Cigarette smoke is probably a good idea as well, mineral will work fine, but it is thick, and will get on EVERYTHING. Its not going ruin everything, but its going to trap tons of dust.

[shy-boi]

Mr Wizard was Kewl!
As far as paper straws, sorry. last time I saw them was when I lived in Hawaii, I believe it was in one of them small Jap. shops.

[MetalSiren]

Lite a smoke bomb in front of your computer. :D

[CrystalMethod]

Originally posted by [OC] Jason
just take off side cover if there is not already a window, cover with glad wrap - that you wrap food with! and then just lite a cigarette and let it suck in the fromt or set in case when empty to view flow. Cigareete smoke is nice and thin and will definately go with the airflow
If he's got access to a theatrical smoke machine, I suggest he use that instead. Cigarette smoke has a bunch of chemicals in it that can, if left as a residue on components etch into them. I'm sure by the time this has happened that the components will be as outdated as a 286, but never the less, I just feel it necessary to warn ppl about it.

[smokeslikeapoet]

There's 2 problems with dry ice and water, which i have access to as well. (my girlfriend's dad manufactures CO2) The first is condensation. The water mixed with the CO2 settles on anything and everything it comes in contact with. The second is CO2 is very heavy compared with air, thus it would tell me accurately where the air is moving. You are right about the oil attracting dust I haven't thought of that problem. I also might have a problem applying things with thermal or other adhesives in the future.

[IFMU]

Well I do smoke and do have a side window... I tried everything I could to test the ins and outs with the smoke from it.. but I couldnt see the smoke that well.. He!! it went in about 4 inches and couldnt see it before..