Should I put my computer in the fridge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and implications of placing electronic devices, specifically a computer and a stereo receiver, inside a refrigerator to manage heat issues. Participants explore various cooling solutions, including the use of fans and alternative cooling methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests placing the computer and stereo in a fridge, questioning the viability of a semi air-tight setup for electronics.
  • Another participant warns against the idea, stating that electronics are designed to operate at warmer temperatures and recommending better cooling solutions like improved heatsinks or airflow.
  • A participant shares their experience with an audio receiver that overheats, proposing the installation of fans to improve cooling and inquiring about connecting them to a power supply.
  • One reply supports the idea of mounting a fan, sharing a personal modification experience with a router and suggesting that an air conditioner might be a better alternative to a refrigerator due to condensation concerns.
  • Another participant raises the issue of potential condensation problems associated with placing electronics in a refrigerator.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety and effectiveness of placing electronics in a fridge, with some advocating for alternative cooling methods while others caution against the risks involved. No consensus is reached regarding the original proposal.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight concerns about humidity and condensation, as well as the design specifications of electronic devices regarding heat management. The discussion does not resolve the technical feasibility of the proposed solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing overheating issues with electronic devices, those interested in DIY cooling solutions, and participants in discussions about electronics and thermal management may find this thread relevant.

Krazie
I was wondering, would it be ok to put my computer and stereo in a fridge. These are the only things that I would put in this fridge (no food or drink) and I would keep the fridge not too cold. I keep my house rather warm, and am have a heat problem with my computer and a big heat problem with my stereo receiver. They both get very hot. Has anyone here ever done this?
I would cut a hole in the back for the wires to come out, and somehow I would make it semi air tight around the cables too keep the cool air in the fridge. Can you put these electronic items in a close to air tight environment like this? Is this a dumb idea?
 
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In the winter when the humidity is low, you probably would be ok, but its really not worth the risk. Those things are designed to work when they're warm. If you're overclocking the computer or doing something that makes it generate more heat than it usually does, get a better heatsink/fan for he processor or some more airflow for the case.
 
I am actually having more problem with the audio receiver. It does not have a fan in it at all. Should I just mount a fan on it? It gets REALLY hot. I just bought it yesterday at a pawn shop. The sound quality is incredible. It is 5.1 surround too. And I got it for only $195, with the five speakers the sub, and the guy threw in a free RCA 5 disc cd changer. I hooked it up today, and it sounds excellent, but after about two hours of it being on (and being played very loud) it felt incredibly hot. There is a place where I could mount a fan on it. But how do I hook a fan up to the power supply. I am thinking about putting two small pc fans in it, one blowing in, the other blowing out, and putting another low voltage (30W?) power supply on it to plug the fans into. Would this work ok?
 
Mounting a pc fan on it should work. I cut a hole in the case of my computer's router and mounted a fan on it. Fortunately, it had a 9v power supply I could tap into, which made it easier.

If you're still hot on the active cooling idea, an air conditioner would be better than a refrigerator because the air doesn't go below about 53F, making condensation much less of an issue.
 
i think there will be a condensation problem
 

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