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dusty server

You could see if there are filters for the air intakes of the server.
Then get those. That way you just have to clean the filters.

Keep in mind that you do still have to clean the server once in a while but not as often.

devon

reply to dustyhome
The "cheap" part of the solution will always be problematic, unfortunately.

Dust inside a case is always a PITA because it collects exactly where you don't want it to, and always inside of tiny openings that are the most difficult places to clean. Therefore, as the previous poster said, you're better off trying to catch it before it goes inside. I would go so far as to say that your best alternative in your dusty environment would be to buy a new case that has good intake filtering designed and built into it. An easy to replace front-mounted filter is clearly the best alternative.

Another thing to consider is the use of higher-performance filter media. I don't know what's available for typical PC cases, but suspect that it's fairly rudimentary material. A place like iaqsource.com has all kinds of more advanced filter media that you could likely cut to fit your case that will catch a whole lot more than the simple mesh the computer case manufacturers provide.

reply to dustyhome
You could get a 5 gallon portable air tank, take it to your local garage and fill it up, then attach a nozzle on the end with a throttle - that might save you some coin over the long run to blow out the dust.

»homerepair.about.com/od/toolsmat···tank.htm

reply to dustyhome
I know many people aren't fans of a vacuum cleaner but I have always used that to clean out my case.
One wants to be careful and not bring the nozzle head into direct contact with anything and I always reduce the suction as much as possible.
With things like fans I gently hold my finger on fan blades so they don't spin while I'm drawing up the dust.
This has always worked to get rid of the vast majority of dust and it has never cost me a penny. It isn't perfect but perfection isn't required.
Just be careful and don't go in like a wild man.

reply to dustyhome
Vacuums work, but just the airflow with them creates static charges, so you have to be careful.

Compressed air is good except for the moisture in the air, which, if you don't give a drying spell, could lead to a short. Good compressed air is run through "filters" that remove most of the moisture in the air.

One of the best things you can do is bring your wife/G.F. with you to Target or wherever some day and ask her to buy a few packages of queen size nylon stockings. When you get home, cut them such that you can cover over the fan intakes. Whenever there is enough dust, just wash them. Problem solved.
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reply to srr2

reply to dustyhome
"buy a few packages of queen size nylon stockings. "

Yes, I would try this before buying expensive filters.

reply to signmeuptoo

One word: Oprah. (naw, I like Winfrey, just kidding.)