Computer Dust Problems

Dust is by far the main cause of PC and other electronic hardware malfunctions and failures. In fact, it’s proved to cause more than 70% of all hardware performance issues - directly or indirectly. Why does this happen?

Most computers are designed to use a combination of vents and cooling fans to keep the internal components operating at a safe temperature. While dust on the outside of your computer case can’t cause much damage, when dust is drawn into the vents they can begin to clog.

When the vents clog, the fans must work harder to keep a safe temperature. Additionally, dust that settles on the inside of your computer has insulating properties that block proper airflow. Like any mechanical part, the harder those internal cooling fans work, the faster they will break. If the fans can’t maintain a safe temperature, other parts of your computer like the memory, processor or power supply can overheat and stop working correctly.

Processor throttling slows down a computer (more specifically, its processor) to use less power and avoid overheating. Therefore, due to dust building up around the processor, the airflow within the cabinet is hampered and the parts become hotter than usual. If throttling doesn’t help drop the temperature, various components shut themselves down to avoid getting fried due to excessive heat.

The heat that components produce in the computing process needs to be dissipated for these parts to operate at its best. Most of the systems use a combination of heat sinks and air to do this.

How Do Heat Sinks Work In Your Computer?

Heat sinks were designed to drain the heat away from its source and transfer it to the moving air that will dissipate it further. Fans draw air into the computer case to do this. This air may contain everything from dust, smoke, dirt and even small insects.

All of this stuff gets drawn into the case, and although some of it may escape through exhaust fans, the biggest of these particles will gradually build up on the inside of the case and between all the components. As dust accumulates in the nooks and crannies of your computer, normal airflow will be obstructed and finer particles will be trapped.

Components and parts that provide and assist with the cooling function, are the worst affected. This includes fans, heat sinks, air-fins, ducting and radiators.