Salt air corosion

[rodan]

I know someone who lives where humidity and salt air is really a problem for her computer. She's had it in the shop three times in one year, all related to humid, wet, salt air. She doesn't want to move, but, was wondering if there is anything she can do to help prevent the moisture from ruining her computer parts. Is there a low buck way to help prevent the parts from picking up the moisture? I was thinking of placing several of those little bags that are used to ship out computer parts, inside her computer case, but, only buy and use larger ones, but, maybe there is a way to run a little dehumidifier, inside the case, or something? What about charcoal? I know it absorbs odors, what about moist, saltly air?

 

[Jeff7]

It might be a good idea to just get a full-room dehumidifier for the computer room. We have one set to run automatically in the basement here. That should take care of both problems - it'll attract the salt-laden moisture to it, and hopefully less will get in the computer. You might have to keep an eye out then on the dehumidifier's water reservoir for crystallization after extended usage.

 

[rodan]

I'm not sure she would want to go with a full room dehumidifier. She lives where electricity is very expensive, and, I'm not sure she even has air conditioning. That's why I was trying to think of some "low buck" ways, like the packets of silica, or, whatever that stuff is. Or, maybe a small dehumidifier that can somehow be placed maybe even inside the computer case.

 

[Nack]

Re-build her computer for her inside a mini-bar fridge. If you already have a drill to drill holes for the cables, all you should need is the fridge ($75), and some insulating putty to plug up the holes. Mini-bar fridges are very energy efficient these days, particularly if you don't open them.

nack

 

Dessicant

Throw a couple inside her case and she will be dry as a bone

 

[gentobu]

Originally posted by: Roger
Dessicant

Throw a couple inside her case and she will be dry as a bone

Cool! I think im going to have to try these.

 

[mcveigh]

good post I have a client with the same problem

 

[rodan]

Thanks, Roger, for the link, that just may be what she needs inside that computer , as to the suggestion that was made to rebuild her computer in a portable fridge, I live 1800 miles away, and, won't get down that way, and, anyway, I would think salt air would still be drawn through the computer, regardless of what kinda case it's in, unless I don't understand the process, which, I probably don't. But, the silica bags idea, might just do the trick. Thanks.

 

[Dufusyte]

Just submerge the computer in mineral oil.

It not only eliminates the air problem, but allows her to overclock as well.

 

[dkozloski]

There are several dessicant options. Indicating silica gel changes color as it absorbs moisture and can be rejuvenated by baking it in an oven. Other drying agents resemble dirt, are more efficient , and can also be reused by baking.