PSU screws, tiny metal particles, general overthinking issues.

[Fastfishy2]

I've probably posted something like this before but, new chassis, new shenanigans.

Rebuilt my rig inside a Silent Base 802 white case. Different to my last one in that the PSU screws into a removable bracket which allows it to be installed from the rear.

I have taken care to make sure I'm not aggressive with the bracket screws but when I went to remove the PSU for cable management the other day, I noticed tiny microscopic metal particles stuck to the threads when I removed them. I also saw what looked like little black paint chips on the floor of the are where the PSU sits. Later that night I removed the PSU with its bracket again and vacuumed around where the paint chips from the black screws had fallen in case there were any metal particles there as well. Carefully put the PSU back in again.

My concern is that I'm using the case as intended but the screws seem to be generating tiny amounts of metal particles which I obviously don't want anywhere near my PSU intake fan. I can't see if there's any actually inside the case without unscrewing the PSU bracket and then having to reinstall it. I also can't clean that area without going through this process too, which is self defeating as I have to put the screws back in again when I'm done.

So, it seems that the possibility of these microscopic metal particles being near my PSU intake fan is unavoidable when using the case as designed, and yet it's a possibility that makes me extremely uncomfortable due to the fact the PSU handles mains power and I'm not inclined towards arson.

That, or I'm overthinking into the fourth dimension about something irrelevant.

Thoughts? Anyone else bugged by this sort of thing? Or am I just that far gone lmao.

 

[JWNoctis]

I'm under the impression that the high-voltage sections - or for that matter, the low-voltage, high-amperage sections - of any properly designed PSU should have well-separated phases and rails. Tiny metal particles should not matter, and metal shavings large enough to matter are not going to be sucked up by a PSU fan. I'd be more worried about possibly stripped MB screws with shavings getting around and into memory and PCIe slots.

Though you are right to be cautious around mains power and the probably expensive setup.

 

[Fastfishy2]

I'm under the impression that the high-voltage sections - or for that matter, the low-voltage, high-amperage sections - of any properly designed PSU should have well-separated phases and rails. Tiny metal particles should not matter, and metal shavings large enough to matter are not going to be sucked up by a PSU fan. I'd be more worried about possibly stripped MB screws with shavings getting around and into memory and PCIe slots.

Though you are right to be cautious around mains power and the probably expensive setup.

It's got a 5800X3D and 7900XT, so it is fairly pricey. Given that I've used it as intended it would probably be covered under insurance contents policy but I don't even want to have to go there, you know? And as I said, double nope for that kinda thing when it's high voltage parts. Only thing that should ever be on fire is my framerates. I'm just struggling to find a way around the issue without simply ignoring it.

 

[micropage7]

one that for me is annoying is where you screw something and you get tiny metal scrap and sometimes it makes you worries since it can end somewhere in your system and kill it

 

[Fastfishy2]

one that for me is annoying is where you screw something and you get tiny metal scrap and sometimes it makes you worries since it can end somewhere in your system and kill it

You basically said what I said, but without making it into a 5-page essay. I need to be more like you.

I'm under the impression that the high-voltage sections - or for that matter, the low-voltage, high-amperage sections - of any properly designed PSU should have well-separated phases and rails. Tiny metal particles should not matter, and metal shavings large enough to matter are not going to be sucked up by a PSU fan. I'd be more worried about possibly stripped MB screws with shavings getting around and into memory and PCIe slots.

Though you are right to be cautious around mains power and the probably expensive setup.

yeah so what I've done is removed the power supply w/ its bracket again, did an even more thorough go-over with the hand vacuum (keeping it away from any PCBs and such), checked the PSU bay area for any metal specks and removed them, couldn't find any down by the PSU vent itself but vacuumed there anyway, and put the PSU back in being extra gentle with the screws and tightening them much less. Not much more I can do without putting lubricant on the screws, and I don't want to do that in case it messes with the case grounding.

 

[cvaldes]

I agree that you are overthinking this.

 

[ty_ger]

You are overthinking this.

You weren't doing anything wrong and what you noticed is by design. There is nothing you can do to avoid it, other than trying to remove the metal dust later. Problem is, vacuuming and blowing can do more harm than good. Static electricity involved in rapid air movement can damage some sensitive chips; causing them to fail instantly, or degrade.

Leave it be.

If this freaks you out, wait until you here about electrically conductive dust!

 

[Onasi]

I agree, you are overthinking. It’s fine, same as when you screw in fans for the first time there is bound to be some plastic dust. If you are REALLY worried you can try some compressed air cans to blow the particles away.