• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

Opened my case to investigate a rattling sound.....

Joined
May 18, 2009
Messages
2,724 (0.50/day)
Location
MN
System Name Personal / HTPC
Processor Ryzen 5900x / i5-4460
Motherboard Asrock x570 Phantom Gaming 4 /ASRock Z87 Extreme4
Cooling Corsair H100i / stock HSF
Memory 32GB DDR4 3200 / 8GB DDR3 1600
Video Card(s) EVGA XC3 Ultra RTX 3080Ti / EVGA RTX 3060 XC
Storage 500GB Samsung Pro 970, 250 GB SSD, 1TB & 500GB Western Digital / 2x 4TB & 1x 8TB WD Red
Display(s) Dell - S3220DGF 32" LED Curved QHD FreeSync Monitor / 50" LCD TV
Case CoolerMaster HAF XB Evo / CM HAF XB Evo
Power Supply 850W SeaSonic X Series / 750W SeaSonic X Series
Mouse Logitech G502
Keyboard Black Microsoft Natural Elite Keyboard
Software Windows 10 Pro 64 / Windows 10 Home 64
I found a spider made a home!

I couldn't snap a picture of it, my 10 year old daughter thought it was awesome and she took it upon herself to remove it in a timely fashion so she could release it outside. Sneaky little arachnids they are. Best way I can describe it is it looked like a small orb weaver type spider, about the size of a pea and was brownish looking.

I decided to open my case, which I hadn't done in about a year, to investigate a rattling sound (like a wire hitting a fan) and to my surprise in the I found a pretty sophisticated web, a spider and a couple of small insects it had captured. I'm not really sure how it or the insects got inside the case since there are no openings and every vent/hole has a filter covering it, but clearly they all found a way in. The picture below (old picture, but current tower) the area circled in red is where the web was positioned - between the fans, in all the open space.

Capture2.JPG


I did have a small wire that was getting hit by a fan, so I got that out of the way and the rattling sound is now gone. I also took time to clean everything out.

I still find it odd that my daughter can scream bloody murder if a fly buzzes her or if she sees one in the distance and can't tell if it's a fly or a bee....but spiders, she picks them up in her hands and puts them outside.
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
11,955 (1.85/day)
Location
Nebraska, USA
System Name Brightworks Systems BWS-6 E-IV
Processor Intel Core i5-6600 @ 3.9GHz
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 Rev 1.0
Cooling Quality case, 2 x Fractal Design 140mm fans, stock CPU HSF
Memory 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 Corsair Vengeance
Video Card(s) EVGA GEForce GTX 1050Ti 4Gb GDDR5
Storage Samsung 850 Pro 256GB SSD, Samsung 860 Evo 500GB SSD
Display(s) Samsung S24E650BW LED x 2
Case Fractal Design Define R4
Power Supply EVGA Supernova 550W G2 Gold
Mouse Logitech M190
Keyboard Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
Software W10 Pro 64-bit
Kids are funny that way.

Perhaps it crawled in through one of the holes above the expansion card slots. Or through the PSU.
 

qubit

Overclocked quantum bit
Joined
Dec 6, 2007
Messages
17,866 (3.00/day)
Location
Quantum Well UK
System Name Quantumville™
Processor Intel Core i7-2700K @ 4GHz
Motherboard Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Cooling Noctua NH-D14
Memory 16GB (2 x 8GB Corsair Vengeance Black DDR3 PC3-12800 C9 1600MHz)
Video Card(s) MSI RTX 2080 SUPER Gaming X Trio
Storage Samsung 850 Pro 256GB | WD Black 4TB | WD Blue 6TB
Display(s) ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQR (4K, 144Hz, G-SYNC compatible) | Asus MG28UQ (4K, 60Hz, FreeSync compatible)
Case Cooler Master HAF 922
Audio Device(s) Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty PCIe
Power Supply Corsair AX1600i
Mouse Microsoft Intellimouse Pro - Black Shadow
Keyboard Yes
Software Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Kids are funny that way.

Perhaps it crawled in through one of the holes above the expansion card slots. Or through the PSU.
What the kid? :p
 
Joined
Nov 27, 2010
Messages
924 (0.19/day)
System Name future xeon II
Processor DUAL SOCKET xeon e5 2686 v3 , 36c/72t, hacked all cores @3.5ghz, TDP limit hacked
Motherboard asrock rack ep2c612 ws
Cooling case fans,liquid corsair h100iv2 x2
Memory 96 gb ddr4 2133mhz gskill+corsair
Video Card(s) 2x 1080 sc acx3 SLI, @STOCK
Storage Hp ex950 2tb nvme+ adata xpg sx8200 pro 1tb nvme+ sata ssd's+ spinners
Display(s) philips 40" bdm4065uc 4k @60
Case silverstone temjin tj07-b
Audio Device(s) sb Z
Power Supply corsair hx1200i
Mouse corsair m95 16 buttons
Keyboard microsoft internet keyboard pro
Software windows 10 x64 1903 ,enterprise
Benchmark Scores fire strike ultra- 10k time spy- 15k cpu z- 400/15000
is it safe to spray anti bug spray into the case? never heard of anyone asking this on the internet...
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
11,955 (1.85/day)
Location
Nebraska, USA
System Name Brightworks Systems BWS-6 E-IV
Processor Intel Core i5-6600 @ 3.9GHz
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 Rev 1.0
Cooling Quality case, 2 x Fractal Design 140mm fans, stock CPU HSF
Memory 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 Corsair Vengeance
Video Card(s) EVGA GEForce GTX 1050Ti 4Gb GDDR5
Storage Samsung 850 Pro 256GB SSD, Samsung 860 Evo 500GB SSD
Display(s) Samsung S24E650BW LED x 2
Case Fractal Design Define R4
Power Supply EVGA Supernova 550W G2 Gold
Mouse Logitech M190
Keyboard Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
Software W10 Pro 64-bit
No! Don't do that. Bug spray is full of all sorts of chemicals. You don't want that possibly corroding components, or coating components and attracting dust.
 
Joined
Nov 27, 2010
Messages
924 (0.19/day)
System Name future xeon II
Processor DUAL SOCKET xeon e5 2686 v3 , 36c/72t, hacked all cores @3.5ghz, TDP limit hacked
Motherboard asrock rack ep2c612 ws
Cooling case fans,liquid corsair h100iv2 x2
Memory 96 gb ddr4 2133mhz gskill+corsair
Video Card(s) 2x 1080 sc acx3 SLI, @STOCK
Storage Hp ex950 2tb nvme+ adata xpg sx8200 pro 1tb nvme+ sata ssd's+ spinners
Display(s) philips 40" bdm4065uc 4k @60
Case silverstone temjin tj07-b
Audio Device(s) sb Z
Power Supply corsair hx1200i
Mouse corsair m95 16 buttons
Keyboard microsoft internet keyboard pro
Software windows 10 x64 1903 ,enterprise
Benchmark Scores fire strike ultra- 10k time spy- 15k cpu z- 400/15000
if you really wanted to, you could leave poisonous bait in some corner of the case, if any creature entered there , it would kill it, like you do in the kitchen with german roaches
 
Joined
Mar 18, 2015
Messages
2,960 (0.90/day)
Location
Long Island
I have seen folks use the oddest things ... carburator cleaner, bug spray even air cans held upside down so the fluid comes out. The later can break solder connections and even embedded circuit traces. Other than electronics cleaners and 90+% isoprophyl alcohol, all ese should be kept away from PC components.
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
11,955 (1.85/day)
Location
Nebraska, USA
System Name Brightworks Systems BWS-6 E-IV
Processor Intel Core i5-6600 @ 3.9GHz
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 Rev 1.0
Cooling Quality case, 2 x Fractal Design 140mm fans, stock CPU HSF
Memory 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 Corsair Vengeance
Video Card(s) EVGA GEForce GTX 1050Ti 4Gb GDDR5
Storage Samsung 850 Pro 256GB SSD, Samsung 860 Evo 500GB SSD
Display(s) Samsung S24E650BW LED x 2
Case Fractal Design Define R4
Power Supply EVGA Supernova 550W G2 Gold
Mouse Logitech M190
Keyboard Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
Software W10 Pro 64-bit
I have only seen insect infestation being a problem with servers in rarely access "server closets" or with computers stuck in storage for extended periods. There's really nothing attractive for most bugs inside a computer for there to be a need for poisons or sprays.

If that bad, I recommend the house be treated - or at least set off a bunch of bug-bombs (with the computers turned off).
 
Joined
Nov 27, 2010
Messages
924 (0.19/day)
System Name future xeon II
Processor DUAL SOCKET xeon e5 2686 v3 , 36c/72t, hacked all cores @3.5ghz, TDP limit hacked
Motherboard asrock rack ep2c612 ws
Cooling case fans,liquid corsair h100iv2 x2
Memory 96 gb ddr4 2133mhz gskill+corsair
Video Card(s) 2x 1080 sc acx3 SLI, @STOCK
Storage Hp ex950 2tb nvme+ adata xpg sx8200 pro 1tb nvme+ sata ssd's+ spinners
Display(s) philips 40" bdm4065uc 4k @60
Case silverstone temjin tj07-b
Audio Device(s) sb Z
Power Supply corsair hx1200i
Mouse corsair m95 16 buttons
Keyboard microsoft internet keyboard pro
Software windows 10 x64 1903 ,enterprise
Benchmark Scores fire strike ultra- 10k time spy- 15k cpu z- 400/15000
yeah, but how do you keep leopards and elephants off pc's?
 
Joined
Aug 6, 2017
Messages
7,412 (3.07/day)
Location
Poland
System Name Purple rain
Processor 10.5 thousand 4.2G 1.1v
Motherboard Zee 490 Aorus Elite
Cooling Noctua D15S
Memory 16GB 4133 CL16-16-16-31 Viper Steel
Video Card(s) RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
Storage SU900 128,8200Pro 1TB,850 Pro 512+256+256,860 Evo 500,XPG950 480, Skyhawk 2TB
Display(s) Acer XB241YU+Dell S2716DG
Case P600S Silent w. Alpenfohn wing boost 3 ARGBT+ fans
Audio Device(s) K612 Pro w. FiiO E10k DAC,W830BT wireless
Power Supply Superflower Leadex Gold 850W
Mouse G903 lightspeed+powerplay,G403 wireless + Steelseries DeX + Roccat rest
Keyboard HyperX Alloy SilverSpeed (w.HyperX wrist rest),Razer Deathstalker
Software Windows 10
Benchmark Scores A LOT
Easiest way I ever kept my PC clean was open case 24/7 and using a mattress pump to blow inside once every few weeks. The pointy thing is great for cleaning between the fins of your gpu/cpu heatsink,it's much more powerful and directional than canned air.
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
11,955 (1.85/day)
Location
Nebraska, USA
System Name Brightworks Systems BWS-6 E-IV
Processor Intel Core i5-6600 @ 3.9GHz
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 Rev 1.0
Cooling Quality case, 2 x Fractal Design 140mm fans, stock CPU HSF
Memory 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 Corsair Vengeance
Video Card(s) EVGA GEForce GTX 1050Ti 4Gb GDDR5
Storage Samsung 850 Pro 256GB SSD, Samsung 860 Evo 500GB SSD
Display(s) Samsung S24E650BW LED x 2
Case Fractal Design Define R4
Power Supply EVGA Supernova 550W G2 Gold
Mouse Logitech M190
Keyboard Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
Software W10 Pro 64-bit
Never thought of a mattress pump but have seen a bike tire pump (with that "pointy thing" nozzle) work. Canned dusting gas works in a pinch but not for big jobs.

The best solution is to lug the computer outside and use an air compressor with a suitable inline moisture and particulate filter. NEVER EVER use an air compressor on electronics (or birthday cakes or young faces) without such a filter.

Also, resist the urge to see how fast you can make a fan spin - you can easily exceed design limits and damage (at least increase wear on) the bearings. I use wooden glue/Popsicle sticks to hold the blades stationary when blasting.

BTW, those cans of compressed dusting gas do not contain "air". It is typically hazardous difluoroethane (or similar gaseous chemical compound) typically used as refrigerants and these gases are extremely hazardous if inhaled. In extreme cases, they can damage the central nervous system, or even be fatal. So use in a well ventilated area or better yet, outside. Note in some jurisdictions, these are controlled substances and sold in a controlled manner, similar to cans of spray paint to [hopefully] dissuade “huffing”.
 
Joined
Feb 13, 2016
Messages
3,058 (1.03/day)
Location
Buenos Aires
System Name Ryzen Monster
Processor Ryzen 5 5600X
Motherboard Asus ROG Crosshair Hero VII WiFi
Cooling Corsair H100i RGB Platinum
Memory Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB (4x8GB) 3200Mhz CMW16GX4M2C3200C16
Video Card(s) Asus ROG Strix RX5700XT OC 8Gb
Storage WD Black 500GB NVMe 250Gb Samsung SSD, OCZ 500Gb SSD WD M.2 500Gb, plus three spinners up to 1.5Tb
Display(s) LG 32GK650F-B 32" UltraGear™ QHD
Case Cooler Master Storm Trooper
Audio Device(s) Supreme FX on board
Power Supply Corsair RM850X full modular
Mouse Corsair M65 Pro
Keyboard Corsair Strafe RGB Silent
VR HMD Headphones Logitech G533 wireless
Software Windows 11 Start 11
Benchmark Scores 3DMark Time Spy 4532 (9258 March 2021, 9399 July 2021)
I once had a PC come in for repair, opened the case and jumped back when an army of cockroaches scurried out.
I actually had to put the case in the street and shake it all about to make sure they'd all left. Really made my skin crawl.
 
Joined
Feb 25, 2016
Messages
382 (0.13/day)
System Name 06/2023
Processor R7 7800X3D
Motherboard ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING WIFI
Cooling Custom 240mm cooling (for CPU) with noctua nfa12x25 and Phantek T30
Memory 32gb Gskill 6000 CL30
Video Card(s) RTX 4070 dual asus deshrouded with 120mm NF-A12x25
Storage 2tb samsung 990 pro + 4tb samsung 870 evo
Display(s) Asus 27" Oled PG27AQDM + Asus 27" IPS PG279QM
Case Ncase M1 v6.1
Audio Device(s) Steelseries arctis pro wireless + Shure SM7b with Steinberg UR
Power Supply Corsair SF750 Platinum
Mouse Corsair scimitar pro (this mouse need an overall guys pls) + Logitech G Pro wireless with powerplay
Keyboard Sharkoon purewriter
Software windows 11
Benchmark Scores Over 9000 !
Never thought of a mattress pump but have seen a bike tire pump (with that "pointy thing" nozzle) work. Canned dusting gas works in a pinch but not for big jobs.

The best solution is to lug the computer outside and use an air compressor with a suitable inline moisture and particulate filter. NEVER EVER use an air compressor on electronics (or birthday cakes or young faces) without such a filter.

Also, resist the urge to see how fast you can make a fan spin - you can easily exceed design limits and damage (at least increase wear on) the bearings. I use wooden glue/Popsicle sticks to hold the blades stationary when blasting.

BTW, those cans of compressed dusting gas do not contain "air". It is typically hazardous difluoroethane (or similar gaseous chemical compound) typically used as refrigerants and these gases are extremely hazardous if inhaled. In extreme cases, they can damage the central nervous system, or even be fatal. So use in a well ventilated area or better yet, outside. Note in some jurisdictions, these are controlled substances and sold in a controlled manner, similar to cans of spray paint to [hopefully] dissuade “huffing”.

I use reusable can with air compressor, best way i have found to do it properly.
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
11,955 (1.85/day)
Location
Nebraska, USA
System Name Brightworks Systems BWS-6 E-IV
Processor Intel Core i5-6600 @ 3.9GHz
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 Rev 1.0
Cooling Quality case, 2 x Fractal Design 140mm fans, stock CPU HSF
Memory 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 Corsair Vengeance
Video Card(s) EVGA GEForce GTX 1050Ti 4Gb GDDR5
Storage Samsung 850 Pro 256GB SSD, Samsung 860 Evo 500GB SSD
Display(s) Samsung S24E650BW LED x 2
Case Fractal Design Define R4
Power Supply EVGA Supernova 550W G2 Gold
Mouse Logitech M190
Keyboard Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
Software W10 Pro 64-bit
Reusable can? What is that?
 
Joined
Feb 25, 2016
Messages
382 (0.13/day)
System Name 06/2023
Processor R7 7800X3D
Motherboard ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING WIFI
Cooling Custom 240mm cooling (for CPU) with noctua nfa12x25 and Phantek T30
Memory 32gb Gskill 6000 CL30
Video Card(s) RTX 4070 dual asus deshrouded with 120mm NF-A12x25
Storage 2tb samsung 990 pro + 4tb samsung 870 evo
Display(s) Asus 27" Oled PG27AQDM + Asus 27" IPS PG279QM
Case Ncase M1 v6.1
Audio Device(s) Steelseries arctis pro wireless + Shure SM7b with Steinberg UR
Power Supply Corsair SF750 Platinum
Mouse Corsair scimitar pro (this mouse need an overall guys pls) + Logitech G Pro wireless with powerplay
Keyboard Sharkoon purewriter
Software windows 11
Benchmark Scores Over 9000 !
Joined
Oct 21, 2005
Messages
6,872 (1.02/day)
Location
USA
System Name Computer of Theseus
Processor Intel i9-12900KS: 50x Pcore multi @ 1.18Vcore (target 1.275V -100mv offset)
Motherboard EVGA Z690 Classified
Cooling Noctua NH-D15S, 2xThermalRight TY-143, 4xNoctua NF-A12x25,3xNF-A12x15, 2xAquacomputer Splitty9Active
Memory G-Skill Trident Z5 (32GB) DDR5-6000 C36 F5-6000J3636F16GX2-TZ5RK
Video Card(s) EVGA Geforce 3060 XC Black Gaming 12GB
Storage 1x Samsung 970 Pro 512GB NVMe (OS), 2x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB (data 1 and 2), ASUS BW-16D1HT
Display(s) Dell S3220DGF 32" 2560x1440 165Hz Primary, Dell P2017H 19.5" 1600x900 Secondary, Ergotron LX arms.
Case Lian Li O11 Air Mini
Audio Device(s) Audiotechnica ATR2100X-USB, El Gato Wave XLR Mic Preamp, ATH M50X Headphones, Behringer 302USB Mixer
Power Supply Super Flower Leadex Platinum SE 1000W 80+ Platinum White
Mouse Zowie EC3-C
Keyboard Vortex Multix 87 Winter TKL (Gateron G Pro Yellow)
Software Win 10 LTSC 21H2
I use a Metro Datavac ED500 and blast it out every 2-4 weeks. My computer is dust free and I don't run any filters. Filter free operation keeps the machine running cooler. ED500 keeps it dust free. One of the best tech related purchases I have made. Great for keyboards, monitors, and plenty of non tech items too.

See 7 mins 28 seconds in on this video (not mine) to see it in action:

I don't bother with the attachment shown, I just use the black cone on the end no brush or hose and it shoots a torrent of air.
 
Last edited:

FreedomEclipse

~Technological Technocrat~
Joined
Apr 20, 2007
Messages
23,267 (3.77/day)
Location
London,UK
System Name Codename: Icarus Mk.VI
Processor Intel 8600k@Stock -- pending tuning
Motherboard Asus ROG Strixx Z370-F
Cooling CPU: BeQuiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 {1xCorsair ML120 Pro|5xML140 Pro}
Memory 32GB XPG Gammix D10 {2x16GB}
Video Card(s) ASUS Dual Radeon™ RX 6700 XT OC Edition
Storage Samsung 970 Evo 512GB SSD (Boot)|WD SN770 (Gaming)|2x 3TB Toshiba DT01ACA300|2x 2TB Crucial BX500
Display(s) LG GP850-B
Case Corsair 760T (White)
Audio Device(s) Yamaha RX-V573|Speakers: JBL Control One|Auna 300-CN|Wharfedale Diamond SW150
Power Supply Corsair AX760
Mouse Logitech G900
Keyboard Duckyshine Dead LED(s) III
Software Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻
I use a Metro Datavac ED500 and blast it out every 2-4 weeks. My computer is dust free and I don't run any filters. Filter free operation keeps the machine running cooler. ED500 keeps it dust free. One of the best tech related purchases I have made. Great for keyboards, monitors, and plenty of non tech items too.

See 7 mins 28 seconds in on this video (not mine) to see it in action:

I don't bother with the attachment shown, I just use the black cone on the end no brush or hose and it shoots a torrent of air.

Ive been eyeing up one of these for a while. though the problem i have is my PC weighs a tonne and i gotta carry it down 2 flights of stairs before i can even get it out in the garden. The 760T chassis is strong but it cant maintain the same level of rigidity as a fractal define case due to the sidepanel being made up of acrylic or plexiglass.

I could always pull the hard drives and expansion cards out before I move it though. That will probably save a few kilos
 
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
3,178 (0.60/day)
Location
Czech republic
Processor Ryzen 5800X
Motherboard Asus TUF-Gaming B550-Plus
Cooling Noctua NH-U14S
Memory 32GB G.Skill Trident Z Neo F4-3600C16D-32GTZNC
Video Card(s) Sapphire Radeon Rx 580 Nitro+ 8GB
Storage HP EX950 512GB + Samsung 970 PRO 1TB
Display(s) HP Z Display Z24i G2
Case Fractal Design Define R6 Black
Audio Device(s) Creative Sound Blaster AE-5
Power Supply Seasonic PRIME Ultra 650W Gold
Mouse Roccat Kone AIMO Remastered
Software Windows 10 x64
is it safe to spray anti bug spray into the case? never heard of anyone asking this on the internet...
I would kill it with fire. Or better - nuke it ftom the orbit. That's the only way to be sure. My arachnofobia fully supports that course of action. Fucking spiders.
 
Joined
Oct 21, 2005
Messages
6,872 (1.02/day)
Location
USA
System Name Computer of Theseus
Processor Intel i9-12900KS: 50x Pcore multi @ 1.18Vcore (target 1.275V -100mv offset)
Motherboard EVGA Z690 Classified
Cooling Noctua NH-D15S, 2xThermalRight TY-143, 4xNoctua NF-A12x25,3xNF-A12x15, 2xAquacomputer Splitty9Active
Memory G-Skill Trident Z5 (32GB) DDR5-6000 C36 F5-6000J3636F16GX2-TZ5RK
Video Card(s) EVGA Geforce 3060 XC Black Gaming 12GB
Storage 1x Samsung 970 Pro 512GB NVMe (OS), 2x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB (data 1 and 2), ASUS BW-16D1HT
Display(s) Dell S3220DGF 32" 2560x1440 165Hz Primary, Dell P2017H 19.5" 1600x900 Secondary, Ergotron LX arms.
Case Lian Li O11 Air Mini
Audio Device(s) Audiotechnica ATR2100X-USB, El Gato Wave XLR Mic Preamp, ATH M50X Headphones, Behringer 302USB Mixer
Power Supply Super Flower Leadex Platinum SE 1000W 80+ Platinum White
Mouse Zowie EC3-C
Keyboard Vortex Multix 87 Winter TKL (Gateron G Pro Yellow)
Software Win 10 LTSC 21H2
Ive been eyeing up one of these for a while. though the problem i have is my PC weighs a tonne and i gotta carry it down 2 flights of stairs before i can even get it out in the garden. The 760T chassis is strong but it cant maintain the same level of rigidity as a fractal define case due to the sidepanel being made up of acrylic or plexiglass.

I could always pull the hard drives and expansion cards out before I move it though. That will probably save a few kilos
Don't worry about taking it outside just have a vacuum cleaner and suck the dust up on your floor or whatever afterwords. If you dust it frequently it doesn't release that much dust anyway. Highly recommend this device it makes my machine run cooler because less dust, no air filters, and it looks better too. It is also kind of satisfying to use.
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
11,955 (1.85/day)
Location
Nebraska, USA
System Name Brightworks Systems BWS-6 E-IV
Processor Intel Core i5-6600 @ 3.9GHz
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 Rev 1.0
Cooling Quality case, 2 x Fractal Design 140mm fans, stock CPU HSF
Memory 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 Corsair Vengeance
Video Card(s) EVGA GEForce GTX 1050Ti 4Gb GDDR5
Storage Samsung 850 Pro 256GB SSD, Samsung 860 Evo 500GB SSD
Display(s) Samsung S24E650BW LED x 2
Case Fractal Design Define R4
Power Supply EVGA Supernova 550W G2 Gold
Mouse Logitech M190
Keyboard Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
Software W10 Pro 64-bit
Well it's a empty can with a tyre valve, so you connect the air compressor to this valve and you use the can like a infinite air sprayer.
Thanks for clarifying.
My computer is dust free and I don't run any filters. Filter free operation keeps the machine running cooler.
Running without filters is fine, if you regularly inspect and clean as necessary. And yes, even the best filters restrict the air flow a little bit. But that is still MUCH BETTER than having a layer of heat trapping dust directly blanketing the heat sensitive components.

I sure don't like tearing down my computers to lug them outside and down to the garage level (where the compressor is) either. So having removable, washable filters on all my computers means I have to lug them outside much less often. So I would much rather go for better (or even more) fans than have a case without filters.

Buying a quality case from the start makes a huge difference with better (quieter and higher CFM) fans and better filter design.

Of course much depends on your environment in the first place. Old houses shed more dust. Arizona deserts have more dust in the air than other regions. Temperate climates might mean open windows. Pets in the house create much more dust (considering a major component of dust is dander, the microscopic critters that eat that dander, and the "stuff" those critters excrete! :eek:). More people in the house means open more doors letting more dust in (and more human dander and those dander eating critters again). And more kids (and pets) running around stir up more dust.

I am not a fan of using a vacuum cleaner, unless specifically designed for electronics (like the Metro Vacuum DataVac/3 ESD Anti-Static Vacuum/Blower with Hepa Filter). The problem with traditional vacuums is there is the significant potential for destruction from ESD. As the dust and air particles zoom past and crash into the nozzle end (especially with plastic nozzles) extremely high potentials of static electricity can build up in the nozzle. And when the nozzle comes in to close proximity to ESD sensitive devices, such as the CPU, GPU, memory modules and other high density integrated circuits (ICs or "chips”), that static can easily be discharged from the nozzle tip through the device, totally destroying it - often without the user even knowing a discharge occurred.

For those reasons, vacuuming ESD sensitive electronics is never preferred unless again, the vacuum is specifically designed with anti-static features. Taking the computer outside is always better. If it is pouring down rain, and taking it outside is not practical, you can use a vacuum, but EXTRA care must be taken.
  • Unplug the computer from the wall.
  • Touch bare metal of the case interior to discharge any static in your body, and most importantly, to put you and the computer "at the same potential".
  • Wrap your hand around the nozzle end and extend a pointed finger out past the nozzle.
  • Plant extended finger on to bare metal of the case interior when reaching in with the nozzle to prevent the discharge and build-up of static.
  • Use a clean, soft, natural bristle (not synthetic) dusting or paint brush to gently persuade the dust towards the nozzle.
  • Keep that finger planted, and immediately replant it onto bare metal when re-positioning the nozzle.
  • Better yet, wait for it to stop raining, then use a properly filtered air compressor or cans of dusting gas.

Ive been eyeing up one of these for a while
Remember, the Metro Datavac ED500 is a blower only, not a vacuum. So unless you want to blow all that dust (and allergens) up into the air of your computer room where it can be drawn back into the computer case by the case fans (and into your sinuses too! :fear:), you still need to lug the computers outside.
I could always pull the hard drives and expansion cards out before I move it though.
Except, especially with the PCIe slots, inserting and pulling cards too many times will weaken the tension of the contacts in the slots. That could eventually affect continuity, not to mention start to allow dirt to get into the contacts. I just lug them all outside with everything still installed and connected. Then with your next computer, go all SSDs to save weight. ;)
The 760T chassis is strong but it cant maintain the same level of rigidity as a fractal define case due to the sidepanel being made up of acrylic or plexiglass.
Nah! That's not a problem. Corsair makes good cases - especially with their upper tier cases. Just keep the side panel in place when lugging it about so it does not flex and put extra stress on the motherboard mounting points.

But that case has filters anyway and while dust will still get in through other cracks and holes, you should not have to break it down to lug outside too often. FTR, that's just another reason to have CoreTemp or another HW monitor sitting in the System Tray. When you start to notice temps regularly sitting higher than normal, it is probably time to clean the filters! ;)
 
Joined
Feb 13, 2016
Messages
3,058 (1.03/day)
Location
Buenos Aires
System Name Ryzen Monster
Processor Ryzen 5 5600X
Motherboard Asus ROG Crosshair Hero VII WiFi
Cooling Corsair H100i RGB Platinum
Memory Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB (4x8GB) 3200Mhz CMW16GX4M2C3200C16
Video Card(s) Asus ROG Strix RX5700XT OC 8Gb
Storage WD Black 500GB NVMe 250Gb Samsung SSD, OCZ 500Gb SSD WD M.2 500Gb, plus three spinners up to 1.5Tb
Display(s) LG 32GK650F-B 32" UltraGear™ QHD
Case Cooler Master Storm Trooper
Audio Device(s) Supreme FX on board
Power Supply Corsair RM850X full modular
Mouse Corsair M65 Pro
Keyboard Corsair Strafe RGB Silent
VR HMD Headphones Logitech G533 wireless
Software Windows 11 Start 11
Benchmark Scores 3DMark Time Spy 4532 (9258 March 2021, 9399 July 2021)
I never use a vacuum cleaner due to the static charge they give off.
A light brush and/or compressed air in a can used carefully.
 
Joined
Aug 16, 2016
Messages
1,025 (0.37/day)
Location
Croatistan
System Name 1.21 gigawatts!
Processor Intel Core i7 6700K
Motherboard MSI Z170A Krait Gaming 3X
Cooling Be Quiet! Shadow Rock Slim with Arctic MX-4
Memory 16GB G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4 3000 MHz
Video Card(s) Palit GTX 1080 Game Rock
Storage Mushkin Triactor 240GB + Toshiba X300 4TB + Team L3 EVO 480GB
Display(s) Philips 237E7QDSB/00 23" FHD AH-IPS
Case Aerocool Aero-1000 white + 4 Arctic F12 PWM Rev.2 fans
Audio Device(s) Onboard Audio Boost 3 with Nahimic Audio Enhancer
Power Supply FSP Hydro G 650W
Mouse Cougar 700M eSports white
Keyboard E-Blue Cobra II
Software Windows 8.1 Pro x64
Benchmark Scores Cinebench R15: 948 (stock) / 1044 (4,7 GHz) FarCry 5 1080p Ultra: min 100, avg 116, max 133 FPS
Fine makeup brush and air compressor with regulated air @ 4 bars plus hands/fingers will solve the spider problem. It will also nicely clean the case. Just squash those long-legged ones with your hand or fingers when possible and wipe their remains. That's how I do it, except I don't have them in the case but rather in the corners and behind the furniture. :D
 
Joined
Oct 21, 2005
Messages
6,872 (1.02/day)
Location
USA
System Name Computer of Theseus
Processor Intel i9-12900KS: 50x Pcore multi @ 1.18Vcore (target 1.275V -100mv offset)
Motherboard EVGA Z690 Classified
Cooling Noctua NH-D15S, 2xThermalRight TY-143, 4xNoctua NF-A12x25,3xNF-A12x15, 2xAquacomputer Splitty9Active
Memory G-Skill Trident Z5 (32GB) DDR5-6000 C36 F5-6000J3636F16GX2-TZ5RK
Video Card(s) EVGA Geforce 3060 XC Black Gaming 12GB
Storage 1x Samsung 970 Pro 512GB NVMe (OS), 2x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB (data 1 and 2), ASUS BW-16D1HT
Display(s) Dell S3220DGF 32" 2560x1440 165Hz Primary, Dell P2017H 19.5" 1600x900 Secondary, Ergotron LX arms.
Case Lian Li O11 Air Mini
Audio Device(s) Audiotechnica ATR2100X-USB, El Gato Wave XLR Mic Preamp, ATH M50X Headphones, Behringer 302USB Mixer
Power Supply Super Flower Leadex Platinum SE 1000W 80+ Platinum White
Mouse Zowie EC3-C
Keyboard Vortex Multix 87 Winter TKL (Gateron G Pro Yellow)
Software Win 10 LTSC 21H2
Thanks for clarifying.
Running without filters is fine, if you regularly inspect and clean as necessary. And yes, even the best filters restrict the air flow a little bit. But that is still MUCH BETTER than having a layer of heat trapping dust directly blanketing the heat sensitive components.

No what is better is just not having any dust AND not having any filters. Filters block a lot of airflow and are very overrated at dust prevention, it often seemed like I had the same amount of dust regardless of filter or no filter. But what does cut down on dust is blowing the case out on a regular schedule every 2 to 4 weeks. Once the filter is clogged you might as well not have a fan at all. Filters increase case temperatures and increase noise. They greatly reduce fan efficiency. It takes under a minute to turn on the data vac and blow the whole case out about once a month. Most of the time consumed is unscrewing the thumb screws on the case side panel. There is rarely a visible spec of dust at any given time I open the case, even before I use the duster. And if you run a vacuum in the room after you dust the case out with the ED500, the reintroduced room dust is taken care of. The DataVac ED500 costs about the same as buying filters and buying duster cans but it can be used as much as you want. There is no downside besides the $50 price. If you are blowing so much dust out that you are choking on it and it makes a giant maelstrom of detritus that gets sucked back into the case, then you have some serious dust issues and probably aren't cleaning machine frequently enough (once a month is a good interval). When I dust it out theres usually a very tiny bit of visible dust that comes out but it is rather insignificant. On this cleaning interval, there is not enough time for dust to even build up. I vacuum the floors after. Buying the ED500 was one of the best computer purchases I have ever made.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Dec 14, 2013
Messages
2,598 (0.69/day)
Location
Alabama
Processor Ryzen 2700X
Motherboard X470 Tachi Ultimate
Cooling Scythe Big Shuriken 3
Memory C.R.S.
Video Card(s) Radeon VII
Software Win 7
Benchmark Scores Never high enough
I found a spider made a home!

I couldn't snap a picture of it, my 10 year old daughter thought it was awesome and she took it upon herself to remove it in a timely fashion so she could release it outside. Sneaky little arachnids they are. Best way I can describe it is it looked like a small orb weaver type spider, about the size of a pea and was brownish looking.

I decided to open my case, which I hadn't done in about a year, to investigate a rattling sound (like a wire hitting a fan) and to my surprise in the I found a pretty sophisticated web, a spider and a couple of small insects it had captured. I'm not really sure how it or the insects got inside the case since there are no openings and every vent/hole has a filter covering it, but clearly they all found a way in. The picture below (old picture, but current tower) the area circled in red is where the web was positioned - between the fans, in all the open space.

View attachment 103935

I did have a small wire that was getting hit by a fan, so I got that out of the way and the rattling sound is now gone. I also took time to clean everything out.

I still find it odd that my daughter can scream bloody murder if a fly buzzes her or if she sees one in the distance and can't tell if it's a fly or a bee....but spiders, she picks them up in her hands and puts them outside.

If that was the kind of spider it sounds like it should have been stomped, made flat or something because that description is alot like a brown recluse would be.
You don't want to get bit by one of those and she needs to know some spiders can and will do harm if given the chance.
 
Top