Dust

[Genn]

Has anyone ever done any tests oe anything to find out if dust affects case CPU temps or anything? Does dust act as an insulator? M instincts say it doesn't make a difference but hey just wondering.

[Tiger]

It's not just dust. In a domestic situation where cooking is going on there is also the problem of air borne oil to contend with. There is also the problem of particles of rubber etc from roads etc.

[VashTheStampede]

Dust = the enemy.

Eradicate it with a can of compressed air. Dust can lead to higher temps, it gets on fan blades and in nooks and crannies and inhibits proper airflow which leads to higher temps.

~Vash~

[Yodums]

There was a website I came across about a year ago where they found their old systems and the fins were completely covered in dust. It affected their system completely(About 10 degrees to be exact). Dust came across the whole system the heatsink and that makes alot of heat. As soon as they cleaned the whole case from dust the temperatures were back to normal again.

[VegetaQ]

"A" Can of compressed air?

I clean out my system about every 2-4 weeks, usually when I notice Temps are high. But I have to use a BIG air compressor (I love my air compressor) Usually is a 20-30 Minute job for me. You would be surprised how much is in theyre. Expecially if you blow it, then let is sit and blow it again. A lof of times It just gets stirred around and sits again. So I usually go at it a few diffrent time to make sure Its all gone.

Oh and the heatsink too. That thing seems to be the master of dust.

[Genn]

Hmm, that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info.

BTW On the hme page in the cooling section there is a design for a filter fan for cooling and dust removal, anyone think that would really work or would the remining heat plus a high air pressure damage you gear?


Genn

Your lucky number for today is... �‡-1

[Genn]

Awa darn it didn't like my infinity symbol at the bottom, oh well ignore it I guess. It was sus posed to read infinity minus one in numeral form.

[VegetaQ]

Originally posted by Genn
Hmm, that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info.

BTW On the hme page in the cooling section there is a design for a filter fan for cooling and dust removal, anyone think that would really work or would the remining heat plus a high air pressure damage you gear?


Genn

Your lucky number for today is... �‡-1

I have seen a lot of cases use filters. And as long as you don't go overboard and use something Too strong you should be ok. I think newegg and heatsinkfactory both sell filters for fans. Also Ive even heard of people using sheets or dryer paper (give you that fresh scent in your case, but I don't think it does anything for static cling however)

But theyre will be an increase in temps since you are limiting a small amount of airflow (most likely minimal) I don't use them cause I like the low temps. Plus I like cleaning mine out. Gives me some time to rearange everything in the case.

[Ridenow]

I have filters on my fans. Before I put them on I was getting dust caked on everything. It is a very good insulator. Ever seen cellulose insulation in an attic? Same idea. I now have an aluminum mesh with a dryer sheet over the 2 120mm fans on the bottom of my case. The help a lot in keeping the dust out, but I still have to clean it out every few months. The filters do affect airflow and can raise temps, but mine did not change at all when I put the filters on.

[VashTheStampede]

Use aluminum mesh filters (silver looking ones). I've got black mesh filters on these four BayCoolers and they kill what little CFMs these 40MM fans put out (Under 8 CFM). I have heard the aluminum mesh filters are low on air blockage and high on dust catching.

~Vash~

[Diggrr]

Stetch out some pantyhose across the fan opening, then bolt the fan to it. Cut off the excess.
Don't let your Mum or the Mrs. catch you rummaging through her drawer, you may end up in therapy.:D

[Genn]

Hmm, some pretty good ideas. I'll have to try some next time I get the money to buy some nice fans and stuff. Thanks