Posted by NC_Notary on 1/24/09 7:55pm
Msg #275512

OT-Storing CPU in computer cabinet...enough ventilation?

We just purchased a really beautiful computer credenza from a furniture store and I was wondering if it is really safe to keep the CPU in the cabinet as they suggest. It has a door in the front to conceal the equipment and the only opening the cabinet has is in the back to allow for the wires and cables to be connected. If I keep the door shut the CPU noise seems louder like maybe a fan going on. I would think that means the cabinet is getting too warm for the computer....maybe??? Wouldn't that be a bad thing? Right now I am keeping the door open but it really defeats the purpose of concealing the equipment.

I would be interested to find out if anyone stores their CPU in a closed cabinet and if they are worried about the ventilation or if I am just making too much out of it. TIA

Reply by A S Johnson on 1/24/09 8:07pm
Msg #275513

Your CPU creates heat from working. That's why the fan(s) in them.
YES!! Heat will harm the CPU. You MUST air circulation.
How do you keep a CPU cool? Any of a number of ways.
It would seem to be easy to be sure there is room between the back of the cabinet and any wall that would prevent the free flow of air. Install fans to move air in and around the CPU.
PS! You need to "clean" the inside of your CPU from time to time.

Reply by pan/nd on 1/24/09 8:28pm
Msg #275515

Right on both counts......A.S.....

Air circulation IS critical...and getting rid of the dust and grit inside the CPU is also critical.

My wife's hadn't been vacuumed out for over a year.

I opened it up...mainly to stop one of the internal cooling fans from squealing. Fixed that with

a shot of WD-40.

But, before I did that....I had to vacuum out the dust and crud. And, boy was it loaded.

Now, the inside looks like the day it came out of the factory.

Reply by NCLisa on 1/26/09 10:25am
Msg #275592

When building a computer, I install the CPU fan, 2 circulation fans, and then a fan for each hard drive. Some may say it's overkill, but I've not had to worry about overheating problems with my computers. Also, if you store them in a cabinet, you can take the side off, and leave it off for more circulation.

Reply by NC_Notary on 1/26/09 11:50am
Msg #275598

Take the side of the cpu off? Won't dust get in it? n/m

Reply by Maureen_nh on 1/25/09 7:31am
Msg #275523

Perhaps you could cut a larger hole in the back or remove it entirely in that section and pull it out a bit from the wall.
One thing I have often wondered about are the computer desks that have the CPU practically sitting on the floor collecting everything that is kicked up.

Reply by TRG_wy on 1/25/09 8:03am
Msg #275524

Excellent advise in posts above for keeping the interior of your CPU clean and dust free. The dust sucked in can create heat build up and other issues.

My desk also has a side cabinet to hide the CPU. It is only wide enough to slide the CPU in with maybe two inches to spare on either side. I consider this barely enough and it doesn't allow for any air flow when the door is closed. The door really should have some type of vent opening to create a cross ventalation.

Most computers today have at least three cooling fans. Two in the rear; one for the power supply and a small one to suck air into the cabinet. There also might be one located on the side dedicated to the large cooling fan mounted directly to CPU.

I removed the left side cover altogether on mine to allow for greater air flow. My CPU temperature still runs at a constant 100-110 degrees and the memory even hotter by about 10 degrees. The hard disk case reads 110 degrees.

High temperatures can kill a CPU as well as can the dust it collects. Bottom line, keep it clean and allow it to breathe. The cooler you can keep it the happier it will be and the longer it will live.

Reply by Carole Breckbill on 1/27/09 7:25am
Msg #275678

I keep my cabinet door propped open when the computer is running. Had the same experience as you.