xp-90 dust build-up

[theMan]

i just cleaned out all the dust from my xp90. i just used a vacuum. but, there was a ton of dust caked onto the heatpipe where it enters the fins at the top. it couldnt get it out. it was coating it. i was wondering if this could reduce performance.

 

[krazzypanda]

use compressed air.

 

[mdchesne]

Originally posted by: theman
i was wondering if this could reduce performance.

duh



use a toothpick or a long needle to get in between the fins

 

[theMan]

well, i put it in, and its sort of hard to judge, because of the fluctuating room temps with a/c and stuff. but, temps went from 39c idle to 33c idle. when i first got it, it idled at 31c but that was in the winter. so im just not going to worry about it. a toothpick would work, but the stuff was like glued on there, and it would only make a scratch. the next time i take it out ill try something else. thanks.

 

[Unkno]

compressed air...always works

 

[JBDan]

Originally posted by: theman
i just cleaned out all the dust from my xp90. i just used a vacuum. but, there was a ton of dust caked onto the heatpipe where it enters the fins at the top. it couldnt get it out. it was coating it. i was wondering if this could reduce performance.

Yes, dust reduces the performance of HS's quite well. As others said, compressed air is your best bet.

 

[suszterpatt]

Note that your face comes with a pretty decent compressed air solution.

 

[theMan]

alright, i should use that on my video card too. the thing is idle at like 56C. i bet its full of dust.

 

[suszterpatt]

56 °C is actually a pretty good temp for a 6600GT, but it can't hurt to check.

 

[theMan]

when i first got it, it was idling at 47c. it was a bit colder in the house, but not that much.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: theman
alright, i should use that on my video card too. the thing is idle at like 56C. i bet its full of dust.

I wouldnt use compressed air in the delicate GPU fan.

It often breaks them.. I just vacuum it out what i can, and scrape away (and remove) the caked in stuff.

 

[Xyl3ne]

Fan filters for the win!

 

[tw33ter]

Originally posted by: Xyl3ne
Fan filters for the win!

dishwasher for the win?

 

[theMan]

case that self cleans the entire computer on schedule?

 

[Polish3d]

Do you guys keep your case on carpet? I keep mine on a solid surface which I clean often in order to minimize dust build-up. IMO prevention is the best approach.

 

[theMan]

i keep mine on a desk. this was the first time i cleaned it out, and thats like 8 months, but there wasnt very much. i have a filter on my intake fan, so that helps.

 

[Saint Nick]

mine stays on a desk. i never leave mine on the floor.

 

[Mrvile]

Originally posted by: theman
case that self cleans the entire computer on schedule?

For the win!

My comp is kinda big and doesn't fit on my desk so I keep it on a small table next to the desk.