best way to keep dust out of PC

[natopotato]

i was just wondering what methods are the best for keeping dust out of a PC. i know you can buy filters for fans but they reduce airflow too much in the case of the nice filters. they make crappy mesh filters too but do those actually keep anything out of a case??

 

[Jex]

How about run it from inside a big bubble?

Ok, ok. All kidding aside, there's a couple of things you can do to help reduce dust. Keep the thing off the floor, clean your desk, etc. Basically keep your computer away from dusty areas and vice versa.

However, dust is just something that needs to be dealt with. A good blast of compressed air every month or so should do the trick.

 

[natopotato]

well ok i guess i should rephrase the question. what is the best way to REDUCE the amount of dust that accumulates in a case. in particular what can you add on to a fan(grill, fliter, etc..) that will not majorly limit airflow but filters out a good amount of dust.

 

[Sundog]

<< what is the best way to REDUCE the amount of dust >>


Use filters, and install larger fans (ie. 92mm or 120mm) on the intake side, also make sure you are using exhaust fans. Balance the airflow so that you have just a little bit of positive, or neutral air pressure in the case.

 

[MrThompson]

Sundog has the ticket. The foam filters restrict airflow less than the mesh ones. You can also use fabric softener sheets or pantyhose.

 

[cnhoff]

PANTYHOSE

I hope you wash 'em first

 

[natopotato]

lol. ok thanks ppl. so the foam filters don't restirct airflow that much eh?

 

[bigdaddykane]

upgrade every 3-6 months usually does it for me.

 

[Hammbone]

bigdaddykane: lol, how true

 

[Wulf]

I use my wifes old pantyhose

 

[Poncherelli]

I cook a dryer/fabric softner sheet for a few minutes in the dryer and then put it over the intakes. It keeps dust out well.

 

[Parn]

Why is it good to keep a larger intake than exhaust? Does that keep dust out for some reason?

 

[Marine]

Try to keep your computer in a relatively dust-free part of the house. It's amazing how much the ambiant dust in the air contributes to build-up in the computer. I have two cats, and when my machines were near their boxes, the dust from the litter would build up to 1/16&quot; in a month. Made them smell good...but also built up heat and grit. I had to vacuum them out and wipe them down with a damp anti-static cloth weekly. Moving the boxes made a big difference. Also, simple things like changing the filter in your heating/cooling system reduces dust, as does a good dirt-capture vacuum sytem.

 

[crash2much]

Permatex baby! Seal the small cracks between your bays behind the case's face plate(ya know the ones between your cd rom, floppy, ect) with permatex. I perfer ultra blue because it builds up well. It peals off easy enough when it's time to change the drives. In a post some time ago, it was argued that this would also better the air flow through your case.

 

[Sundog]

<< Why is it good to keep a larger intake than exhaust? Does that keep dust out for some reason? >>


Because the filter is an impediment (small but there) to the airflow. The rear exhaust fans have no filters on them, so the will actually move a higher volume of air than the same fan with a filter, so that needs to be compensated for.

 

[dummjock]

Hey, in regards to the permatex thing. I have a lot of dust in my case ( a dusty area I cant avoid) and my computer case is kinda crappy (it vibrates against pannels) would you guys suggest using the permatex to both stop the vibration and prevent the dust? As well, what is the Manufacturers number on the Permatex or does any gasket seal work?

Thx
Ryan