Should I put my computer in the fridge?

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SUMMARY

Storing electronic devices like computers and stereo receivers in a refrigerator is not advisable due to the risk of condensation and potential damage. Users should focus on improving cooling solutions instead, such as installing better heatsinks or fans. For the stereo receiver, mounting two small PC fans for active cooling is a viable solution. Additionally, using an air conditioner is recommended over a fridge to avoid extreme temperature drops and condensation issues.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of computer cooling solutions, including heatsinks and fans
  • Basic knowledge of electronics and power supply connections
  • Familiarity with audio equipment and its thermal management
  • Awareness of condensation risks in electronic environments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective PC cooling solutions, including aftermarket heatsinks and fans
  • Learn how to safely connect and power fans in electronic devices
  • Explore alternatives to refrigeration for cooling electronics, such as air conditioning
  • Investigate the effects of humidity and temperature on electronic components
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Electronics enthusiasts, audio equipment users, computer builders, and anyone seeking to manage heat in electronic devices effectively.

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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