Is this risky?

[Jugernot]

I'd like to route a tube (probably insulated 3" dryer vent hose) from my window into my computer case via a blowhole this winter so cool air can enter my case. Here's the catch, I live in Alaska and it can get -50F outside..... What are my risks? I figure I have a few things that I would need to compensate for: screens over both ends to prevent animals from entering my case, condensation from the extreme cold. Alaska is quite dry as you might expect in the winter, so I don't think humidity will be a big problem?

I'm guessing the my absolutely biggest problems area is going to be the other components in my system like the hard drive, etc. freezing, maybe I could section off the cpu?

What do you guys think?

 

[mrdr]

well if the temps drop down to -50F that is cold, but i don't think that it could hurt anything in your computer...

 

[J3anyus]

Good idea, I'd do it except my box is a ways away from the closest window. Condensation is something to worry about, although it's not a horribly big deal because you're right, it stays pretty dry up here in the winter. But, then again, even a little condensation can short something out. Might be risky...maybe you could drill a hole (couple inches) right over the part of your case where your CPU socket is, and have the heatsink fan ducted to the tube so it stays right on the heatsink, but some of that cold air is going to leave the heatsink and make its way around the case, so you'll need good exhaust to keep it from getting to where it shouldn't be. I dunno...it could be risky, but if done right it could provide some damn good cooling

LMK if you get it working and how, I'd be interested.

Btw, those remotes are working well, it's cool to not have to really move to pause Winamp or open up the forums, I just press a button

 

[Buz2b]

It might be simpler and less risky to just run the duct right up to the window, but not exposed to the outside air. The air immediatly surrounding the window will be significantly cooler than the ambient room temp and should provide a nice, cool supply without the extremes of -50 air. Just an idea.

 

[FlowerMan]

Yes, mixing the cold air with the ambient case air would be a good idea if you dont want to prevent condensation on every single thing in your case with foam and RTV silicone This has been the subject of countless threads over at the hard|forum Don't duct directly to your CPU's HSF

 

[Squisher]

But the air from inside the house will contain a much higher level of humidity, and mixing it with the outside air might give you the worst of both worlds. If you wanted to heat the outside air you would want to through a radiator type assembly(air-to-air exchanger). If you wanna get really radical put your mobo/cpu/expansion cards in a separate case with plenty of insulation and caulk, but remember the effective length of an IDE cable is about 36", I think. Just remember if you do this, send pics.

 

[Jugernot]

Heh, I'm not that radical... guess it's not that great of an idea.

Thanks for the advice!