Author Topic: Storing electronics in freezing temps? (Read 3181 times)

menace · « **on:** October 06, 2005, 03:14:05 pm »

In an effort to de-clutter we have rented an unheated storage bin here in town. Our new house closes on Jan 16th so this stuff will be in storage when it gets right down nippy outside.

My question is do you guys have any experience storing pc/arcade monitors in freezing temperatures? How did they fair?

ChadTower · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2005, 03:19:57 pm »

It would only be an issue if you're talking arctic freezing, temperature wise.

What would be an issue is lack of climate control. If you get frost, dew, etc, then you're going to have water and electronics + water = corrosion.

topalwaysdown · « **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2005, 03:20:18 pm »

As long as there isn't water on the floor (I once rented a garage where the floor got wet everytime it rained), you shouldn't have any worries.

topalwaysdown · « **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2005, 03:27:00 pm »

Another thought, if there is a window, watch out for sunlight. It'll discolor things over time, fade plastic, etc. Cover it with cardboard if you can, or at least a thick heavy curtain.

shmokes · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2005, 05:06:19 pm »

The maximum PC guys once froze a videocard in a block of ice. It worked perfectly after it had been thawed and dried. YMMV.

menace · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2005, 09:24:43 pm »

ok pretty much confirmed what I suspected--thanks for the input.

ChadTower · « **Reply #6 on:** October 07, 2005, 08:57:03 am »

Quote from: shmokes on October 06, 2005, 05:06:19 pm

The maximum PC guys once froze a videocard in a block of ice.

whammoed · « **Reply #7 on:** October 07, 2005, 10:01:38 am »

Quote from: ChadTower on October 07, 2005, 08:57:03 am

Quote from: shmokes on October 06, 2005, 05:06:19 pm
The maximum PC guys once froze a videocard in a block of ice.

fredster · « **Reply #8 on:** October 07, 2005, 11:48:03 am »

If it's dry, the worst thing is the caps freezing and busting. But it would take subzero temps to do that.

Otherwise, the warming up will cause the condensation. That's not good.

mrhowell · « **Reply #9 on:** October 07, 2005, 02:47:12 pm »

I put hard drives that don't spin in the freezer overnight. Great way to get the data off the next day.

Stingray · « **Reply #10 on:** October 07, 2005, 02:59:05 pm »

Quote from: mrhowell on October 07, 2005, 02:47:12 pm

I put hard drives that don't spin in the freezer overnight. Great way to get the data off the next day.

Really? That's wacky! What is it about cooling them that allows them to spin up again?

-S

missioncontrol · « **Reply #11 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:04:16 pm »

it's nothing about cooling them it's just the fairies that make the ice have nothing else to do when the ice bucket is full so they go ahead and temporarily repair the drive for you.

ChadTower · « **Reply #12 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:04:48 pm »

It's like putting them in The Hole. They behave better afterwards.

Stingray · « **Reply #13 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:06:22 pm »

I'm not sure to believe Mission or Chad, so I'll just go ahead and assume that you're both right.

-S

Sephroth57 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:11:49 pm »

Quote from: missioncontrol on October 07, 2005, 03:04:16 pm

it's nothing about cooling them it's just the fairies that make the ice have nothing else to do when the ice bucket is full so they go ahead and temporarily repair the drive for you.

dude, i want ice fairies

ChadTower · « **Reply #15 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:14:49 pm »

I dated an Ice Queen once. It wasn't much fun.

Stingray · « **Reply #16 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:19:44 pm »

Quote from: Sephroth57 on October 07, 2005, 03:11:49 pm

dude, i want ice fairies

You mean like a gay pride march in Alaska?

-S

Harry Potter · « **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:20:27 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on October 07, 2005, 03:14:49 pm

I dated an Ice Queen once. It wasn't much fun.

Not Auntie MAME?

F1are · « **Reply #18 on:** November 23, 2005, 02:31:19 am »

nice.

Havok · « **Reply #19 on:** November 23, 2005, 11:01:33 am »

Just make sure to let them warm up gradually before powering them on. Wait at least a day so it has reached a normal operating temperature and the condensation to evaporate...

ChadTower · « **Reply #20 on:** November 23, 2005, 11:10:14 am »

Keep in mind that your cab will still work after being frozen.

But every time it freezes and thaws you reduce its lifespan without good reason.

Those stores that had SF cabs in frozen vestibules... exactly how long did they plan on keeping them?

F1are · « **Reply #21 on:** November 27, 2005, 07:37:33 am »

yeah exactly...the same amount of time i plan on having mine in the garage. one winter is a lot longer than it should have been in there.

ChadTower · « **Reply #22 on:** November 27, 2005, 10:11:06 am »

You're not getting the point.

It's not about how long it is in the garage. It is about how long that monitor and those boards will survive period. Keeping it out there reduces its overall lifespan.


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