Metal flecks/dust inside case

[Gabrielle11]

I opened up my PC case and I noticed that there are these little metal flecks/dust inside the case. They are not big filings, and more like metal dust. To give you an idea of the scope of the problem, I think I counted maybe 10 of them, but maybe there are more underneath the motherboard. There is not a big pile of dust or anything.

I haven't modded my case at all, so I guess they are caused simply by installing and removing components (screwing in parts, removing them; in general, metal bumping against metal). I vacuum/clean out these flecks whenever I see them.

Since lots of people here have had experience building and modding cases, has anyone seen or had any issues with metal dust inside a computer case?

I realize I sound paranoid about this issue but I am really OCD about my PC, so I would appreciate your responses.

 

[fffblackmage]

Since you have it opened, maybe you can just clean it up with a vacuum or something?

Those metal specks shouldn't be a problem though.

 

[BoomerD]

Just be VERY careful if you use a vacuum inside the case. They can create a pretty good static charge...and if you touch a component and it discharges that static...it can kill things. (don't ask me how I know )

I use our old canister vacuum with the hose reversed to blow dust out of the case rather than suck it out. (I do this outside the house...NOT inside)

 

[Gabrielle11]

Thanks fffblackmage, BoomerD. I have actually removed all the components, cleaned out the case, and put everything back, but then I noticed a couple 'flecks' again once I screwed everything in. I think they just flake off from parts inside the case during installation.

e.g. When I was putting in the I/O shield, I had to pop it off and put it back on a couple times, and then I noticed a couple of these flecks had fallen inside the case as a consequence of the edge of the I/O shield rubbing against the edge of the case.

But if they won't cause a problem then I guess I'll just try to stop worrying about it (at least as much as the OCD will allow)

 

[Howard]

Just be VERY careful if you use a vacuum inside the case. They can create a pretty good static charge...and if you touch a component and it discharges that static...it can kill things. (don't ask me how I know )

I use our old canister vacuum with the hose reversed to blow dust out of the case rather than suck it out. (I do this outside the house...NOT inside)

If the vacuum nozzle is metal, it's very easy to ground it to the case to prevent static buildup.

 

[Gabrielle11]

Quick follow up question

In the unlikely event that these flecks were to cause a problem, would they cause data corruption? Or would it be more likely that they shorted something out resulting in BSODs, system crashes, etc.

 

[fffblackmage]

I'm not certain, but I think crashes are probably more likely than data corruption.

 

[Gabrielle11]

Thanks fffblackmage

 

[Dizon]

maybe you're threading your screws or something and that's what those flecks are.

 

[mfenn]

Sounds like your case just uses a cheap quality of steel that is brittle instead of tough like steel is supposed to be. Thus, every time you perform some mechanical action inside your case, you're creating more steel flakes. It's kind of ironic actually!