Humidity vs. Heat and system life/stability

[disperse]

Hi all,

The studio computer is in a closet with a couple high velocity fans pulling cool air in and exhausting hot air out into what is basically a piece of the basement. Since I installed the two intake/exhaust fans the computer has been much cooler. Someone pointed out to me, however, that there is standing water very close to the intake fan. (There is a sump pit a couple feet away.) The basement area behind the closet is very cool and damp.

Is there any danger of high humidity reducing the life of electronic components? How does this compare to the benefit of keeping the components very cool?

I am thinking about trying to measure the humidity of the air in the basement and comparing that with manufacturer specifications for operating conditions. Besides dragging a dehumidifier in there, is there an easier way for me to measure humidity? Any ideas how much moisture content is too much?

Thanks,

Mark.

 

[CreativeTom]

Unless it is real humid I don't think you will have a problem, obviously humidity can cause serious problems over time causing oxidation. I think you should be more worried about the heat issue in your case, I think before the humidity could cause any real damage you will have moved on to a new and better PC.

 

[hellokeith]

Depends on the ambient closet temperature. You want to avoid condensation forming on your internals. A computer is usually really happy in 65-78 degree room, with no worries about condensation.

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: hellokeith
Depends on the ambient closet temperature. You want to avoid condensation forming on your internals. A computer is usually really happy in 65-78 degree room, with no worries about condensation.

are you sure about that :shocked:

 

[Continuity27]

Originally posted by: RichUK

Originally posted by: hellokeith
Depends on the ambient closet temperature. You want to avoid condensation forming on your internals. A computer is usually really happy in 65-78 degree room, with no worries about condensation.

are you sure about that :shocked:

Fahrenheit obviously.

 

[disperse]

Because the studio is below ground level it is usually a little bit cooler/warmer than the outside temperature. The coolest I've seen it is about 63 or 64 degrees (F). I haven't seen any condensation on the outside of the case but I'll keep an eye out for that.

 

[fell8]

You could use something cheap, like clothesdryer ducting, for a remote air intake.

 

[disperse]

Unfortunately, to get to ouside air, I'd have to blast through some concrete and then dig through six feet of dirt. However, you've got me thinking. I may try ducting the air intake to the dryest corner of the basement.

Thanks,

Mark.

 

[theMan]

air conditioning is an computer owner's best friend.