So you don't use filters....

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 3:53 pm

Filters too much trouble? Blocks airflow? I just blow out the dust frequently with compressed air, you say.?

Check out this close-call using compressed air on a motherboard. Maybe the guy was just dumb, but I prefer to avoid compressed air if possible, and use filters instead.

silencery · Post by **silencery** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:02 pm

but he got it fixed...

mathias · Post by **mathias** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:31 pm

Compressed air sounds too expensive, I just use a blowdryer. Good to know it's safer too.

pipperoni · Post by **pipperoni** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:42 pm

I think if you can, it is best to use a vacuum. This way the dust is caught and you do not have to breath the crap that was just sitting in your computer for eight months.

josephclemente · Post by **josephclemente** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:52 pm

I can't even remember the last time I dusted my non-filtered computers. They stay very clean.

mathias · Post by **mathias** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:58 pm

pipperoni wrote:I think if you can, it is best to use a vacuum. This way the dust is caught and you do not have to breath the crap that was just sitting in your computer for eight months.

Sure it works, but I find a hairdryer makes a difference to my temps even if my PC was recently vacuumed.

bob670 · Post by **bob670** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 10:52 am

I'd like to think I am smart enough to used canned air without causing an issue, but maybe some people....

flyingsherpa · Post by **flyingsherpa** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 11:20 am

bob670 wrote:I'd like to think I am smart enough to used canned air without causing an issue, but maybe some people....

ditto

Chunker · Post by **Chunker** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 1:14 pm

I've never cleaned dust off of my mobo. Is there any possibility of damage? I can see it clogging up a fan or drive, but isn't the circuit board relatively idiot proof?

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 1:31 pm

I think the point here is that compressed air cans, blast out of a concentrated nozzle point, and have enough force to loosen connections and maybe break off MB components.

Careful use around computer components is a must....Me, I prefer to suck clean air into my computers. That's why I use filters.

bob670 · Post by **bob670** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 3:29 pm

Not if you follow the directions on the can, I don't disagree about filters but there is nothing wrong with using canned air if you pair it with a little common sense.

Glen · Post by **Glen** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 3:45 pm

Bluefront wrote:I think the point here is that compressed air cans, blast out of a concentrated nozzle point, and have enough force to loosen connections and maybe break off MB components.

The 10oz and 12oz "air dusters" that I've used didn't produce THAT much force. I suppose that if you had a loose component to begin with and you placed the straw nozzle right up against said component, it could loosen it further. However, there is no need to hold the nozzle that close and in fact it is best if you don't.

It seems to me that condensation shorts and thermal stress would be of greatest concern. To address those I a) let computer cool to room temperature, b) leave it unplugged for a while so that capacitors can discharge, c) hold air nozzle no closer than necessary, d) use intermittent short bursts of air, watching for condensation on components and tip of nozzle, and finally e) let the system air dry for a while before reapplying power.

I've never run into a related problem. Well, apart from getting the air duster rebates approved

Post by **Ralf Hutter** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 7:15 am

bob670 wrote:I'd like to think I am smart enough to used canned air without causing an issue, but maybe some people....

Right-on bro!

peteamer · Post by **peteamer** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 8:40 am

bob670 wrote:I'd like to think I am smart enough to used canned air without causing an issue, but maybe some people....

Absolutely

Tigr · Post by **Tigr** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 1:34 pm

Bluefront, don't you find it more difficult to make a positively pressurized case quiet? I find it easier with the negatively pressurized cases for some reason. And if you want to filter a negatively pressurized case... good luck! Not that I do not use filters but they just don't help as much.

chylld · Post by **chylld** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 2:28 pm

pipperoni wrote:I think if you can, it is best to use a vacuum. This way the dust is caught and you do not have to breath the crap that was just sitting in your computer for eight months.

ideally that would be best, but i've heard of people who've taken the vacuum to the insides of their computers and killed components because of the static electricity that builds up in the shaft thing. after a few minutes of vacuuming with my dyson i accidentally touched the shaft and i got a VERY painful static electricity zap - i definitely don't want to join the list of people who've had their computers vacuum-fried

mathias · Post by **mathias** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 2:37 pm

chylld wrote:ideally that would be best, but i've heard of people who've taken the vacuum to the insides of their computers and killed components because of the static electricity that builds up in the shaft thing. after a few minutes of vacuuming with my dyson i accidentally touched the shaft and i got a VERY painful static electricity zap - i definitely don't want to join the list of people who've had their computers vacuum-fried

Anyone know if this is also a danger with a hairdryer?

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 3:09 pm

Actually tigr, the last five computers I've built have been slightly negative pressure. I say slightly because I've increased the size/number of filtered intake openings quite a bit. This last build has two large passive vents, and one fan blowing in, sucking through another filter.

Which is quieter...hard to say. You'd have to make several experiments with the same/similar components to even hazard a guess.

But none-the-less, I advocate filters.

Check out this setup. Another big intake filter is hidden behind the intake fan. One fan blowing in, one fan blowing out. The fans are the same, with the output fan blowing slightly faster. Makes this a slightly negative pressure case....quiet and clean.

So you don't use filters....

So you don't use filters....

Can dust ever hurt a solid-state circuit?