Protect new PC from cigarette smoke..

Question

Hey all! Firstly let me say I really enjoy reading these forums. Has so far answered a lot of my quetsions and I haven't even recieved my aurora yet :P

That being said, it is currently being shipped and due to arrive this week, I'd presume. I work from home and am indeed...a smoker. *GASP* I know, I know, it's wretched, but alas it is true. Anyhow, naturally I'm fully aware how the smoke can cause damage to the fans and pretty much any internal component. I'd like to avoid this naturally (without the obvious "don't smoke") and I'm wondering if there's any form of protection I can place in, on, or around the desktop to prevent or at least minimize the amount of smoke from getting inside. Is there any kind of filter I can place over the vents? Or possibly something similar to a dust cover but one that would allow the desktop to breath but provide some sort of filtration?

Thanks in advance!

markshaheen · Answer

The only thing I could think of are an ashtray with a filter.  Pulling the smoke through it.  You would still have smoke from your exhale.  You will still need to deal with the smell and some discoloration of your computer.  i.e., it will stink and look like all heck.  You could also direct a fan away from you and the computer.  Have it draw the smoke away.

paranormal · Answer

Ah, good call. Handn't even thought of the ashtray with filter combo. I do currently have a vent installed directly over desk and the ashtray I do use is elevated above the desktop height so quite a bit does get thru the vent before it has a chance to get into the case. Only thing is sometimes I'll have family/friends over who do smoke and it's more their smoke I'm concerned about. The ashtray/filter combo might come in handy there though.

I'm strongly considering purchasing standard furnace filters or even portable air filters and just cutting them down to size and placing them over all the intake fan areas. I was just hoping there was something a little more "Sophisticated" to use in such a classy case lol

Tesla1856 · Answer

While computing, it's good to get up and take a break every hour or so anyway ... just walk to the porch or garage and have a smoke.

Easiest · Answer

Hi and congrats on your new computer. I too am a smoker (a heavy smoker) and an Alienware and/or XPS owner since the late 1990's. We also have 5 dogs and a cat. I've never had a problem with components failing due to cigarette smoke, pet hair or dust. Every 2-4 weeks I vacuum (with the duster attachment) the outside of the case, and use compressed air on the inside (especially the graphics card fans) with the vacuum hose held nearby to suck in all the dust flying around. A couple of years ago I did install an exhaust fan in one of the windows near the desk to suck out the cigarette smoke, but that was done for reasons other than the computer. If you're mostly concerned about the smoke when you have company over that smokes, just shut down the computer so the fans aren't pulling the smoke through the case. I usually keep my rigs for about 3 years and then they pass to my husband and daughter. I've honestly never had a problem with components due to smoke and/or fur. Once I had a hard drive fail, but I seriously doubt it was due to my smoking.

paranormal · Answer

Hey Easiest! Thx for the congrats..I'm still anxiously awaiting the arrival of the alien....36 yrs old and I feel like a kid at xmas! lol

Nice to know you haven't had any issues thus far as a result of smoke getting into the case. I do clean out my cases quite frequently so I too have avoided any smoke related issues. I might just be getting paranoid since I'm getting what I consider one of the "Cream of the Crop" desktops and I wanna baby this thing like race car drivers baby their cars :P....well, at least up to the point of them actually racing it lol

markshaheen · Answer

' even portable air filters and just cutting them down to size and placing them over all the intake fan areas' I would be seriously worried about doing this one.  You are blocking the air vents and restricting the air-flow.  This is a no-no.

m3th0d1c4l · Answer

Honestly, IMO, I think the best way to protect the PC from cigarette smoke is to just not smoke......at least not around the machine. I work in healthcare which the only reason I say this. LOL.

paranormal · Answer

mark....I've eliminated this as an option based exactly on the reasons you pointed out which I discoverd after doing more research.

me3th0d....I've tried several times to quit..believe me I hate smoking (ironic, I know) at this point it's merely an addiction as the "enjoyment" part of it has vanished. I'll be trying again and again until I finally am successful...*fingers crossed*

m3th0d1c4l · Answer

I know...Its not an easy thing at all. I have many patients that come to me to try and quit smoking, and it truly is a challenge. They do have drugs that work, but it costs and arm and leg. LOL. And insurance usually doesnt help out with paying for the medication either.

All you can really do is keep on trying.

morblore · Answer

Why not get a small fan to place in your window to suck the smoke out? You could even out another fan between you and the PC to blow the air towards the fan in the window. That would keep the PC from sucking in most if not all of the smoke.

Other then that I think your only real option will be to step outside for your fix.

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Protect new PC from cigarette smoke..

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