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AMD Socket A CPU Fan Clogs

N

nwfsnake

Senior member
Is this a common problem? The stock AMD cooling arrangement seems prone to collect dust, then the CPU gets too hot, and then random shutdowns occur. I have had to clean it out twice, and there is some dust in the case, but the CPU cooling fins seem to collect about 90% of it compared to the power supply and front/back fans I am running. Even the Northbridge fan doesn't get that dirty. When clean, the CPU temp hovers between 45-55 deg C, and clogged it can be over 70 deg C. Do these temps seem normal for what is occuring? Any cheap replacement cooling arrangement that is less prone to clogging? This is my kids computer, an XP2000 processor, and does not get overclocked. Something cheap and easy needed. TIA.
 
It's common. All fans will collect dirt. How often does this happen? If it happens more than twice a year, you have a problem with your environment or you case setup.
 
It is happening about every 6 months. I am sure we could dust and vacuum a little more in the kid's playroom! 😉 Maybe I will just open it up every three months and hit it with the Shark to keep it from getting bad.
 
That's completely normal for pretty much any copper/aluminum finned type HSF. One of my rigs has a Thermalright sk800 HSF on the CPU, and it's on 24/7. So every 3 months or so I remove the fan and vacuum the fins. The CPU temp usually drops 10 degrees C or more after I clean the HSF.

Computers are complete dust magnets due to their nature (Multiple fans, lots of electronics = lots of dust), so it's a must to make sure to give your case and components a good vacuuming every few months to maintain good cooling effeciency and to keep your PC running stable.
 
Thanks again. Wanted to ask as my personal system uses the exact same case and fan arrangement as the kids AMD system, but it's a P4, and the CPU heatsink/fan does not collect dust nearly as quickly. The rest of the inside of the case has about the same amount of dust/dust bunnies in it, but the CPU fan stays relatively clean. 😕
 
Control the air flow with your fans - close off uncontrolled, extraneous vent holes. Filter all intakes and operate with positive case pressure (keeps dust from coming in thru the nooks and crannies). Get the case up off the floor - I have a $3. Rubbermaid step-stool under mine and it makes a difference...

.bh.
 
Elevation is a big plus and keep away from cotton clothing drawers (if it's in a bedroom) or exterior doors and open windows. I generally crack my cases once a year and blow the dust out.
 
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