How much is dust affecting your CPU temps?

[elkinm]

I am running a Mobile A-XP at 2.25 GHz and it ran in the 40-45 C range with my SK6 when I installed it about a month ago.
Lately the system has been getting less and less stable and suffering from freezing and program crashes especially when playing music with WMP. And I had a temp reading of 55-60 C which I believe as the heat sink base was hot to the touch.
I have another PC with a AXP 1600+ with a SLK-900A also at 55-60 C.

I finally got some compressed air and blew the crap off the heatsinks and fans and I am now back to the 40-45 C on the 2.25GHz and about 50 for the 1600+.

I have never had a heatsink clog up so much so fast as the SK6 as I used it before for a while without problems.

How quickly do your heatsinks clog up and how badly does that effect your temps?

Thanks

 

[masshass81]

I just recently cleaned the HS on my PIII 1Ghz and lemme tell you, there was so much nasty dust piling up between the fins :disgust: I hadnt cleaned it in about 2 years! I know I know, I'm bad There was a noticeable difference in cpu temp, about 4-5 degrees C lower, but the system before the cleaning never really had stability issues as bad as yours. Maybe get a filter for your intake fan. Or maybe dust the house more often

 

[elkinm]

Only 4-5 degrees after 2 years, that's great. I have 15 degrees in one month.

The biggest problem with the ThermalRight heatsinks is that they clog up like crazy with the close packed fins espetialy the SK6. Anybody know of a way to reduce the clogging, other then running my system in a clean room.

Thanks

 

[BW86]

get a filter or make your own, stockings work good..

 

[Geomagick]

The pollen filter elements for the Aircon systems on cars make great filters for computers as do the fine filter elements for Dyson Vacuum cleaners (the latter are easily cleaned with water), th eonly slight snag is that you have to be quite creative in how you cut them.

 

[imported_Jinx]

get a filter or make your own, stockings work good..

I have an SLK3700AMB with the filter in front and I place a dryer sheet between the stock filter and the case frame. I also have a 120mm side intake fan with the same treatment. This cuts down tremendously on the amount of dust that actually makes it inside the case and onto your PC's innards. Of course, you have to replace your filter material regularly, but it sure beats having to blow the inside of your case with compressed air...

 

[Noid]

Got Dust ?

hehe

 

[elkinm]

Wow that is dusty. Mine is nowhere close to that, but I will see what I can do without those pricey filters.

Thanks

 

[Noid]

I use these
(not necessarily this company, but same materials)

But, my supplier folded up shop ....
(I'm googling to find new supplier)

Here's some , but expensive link
(so you can see what they actually look like)

You can find them cheaper.

You could go real cheap by finding some thin porous foam sheet
(like mb packaging)
cut it to shape, and place it in front of your intakes
(the suction should keep it in place)

lol,,, I just saw a forum thread where members use 'used dryer sheets' taped over
intakes.

Mmmmm, smells like spring fresh computer....