Humidity and computers

[Joelbanks5]

So I live in Florida where it is fairly humid and I recently made my computer room in the garage. I put some foam insulation on 3 of the four walls and normal drywall after that. I also have an ac which from what I heard also dehumidifies the room. My question is, is humidity in the air all that bad for a pc? And can I turn my ac off while I'm away and the pc is turned off without it getting damaged? Also should I invest in a dehumidifier?

Edited December 7, 2016 by Joelbanks5

[ARikozuM]

Unless the air is so humid that water condenses on everything, it shouldn't pose a problem.

[Oberon.Smite]

Actually some humidity is a good thing because it decreases the chance of ESD. As long as there's insulation like you said and there's no condensation you should be fine.

[ARikozuM]

Just now, Oberon.Smite said:

Actually some humidity is a good thing because it decreases the chance of ESD.

You underestimate the humidity we have here... You feel like you're sweating just opening the door going outside.

[Joelbanks5]

3 hours ago, ARikozuM said:

Unless the air is so humid that water condenses on everything, it shouldn't pose a problem.

Typically when my ac isn't on it's humid enough to feel a little sweaty while just being in the room, just a little though. Is that too humid? 

 

Aso so is there an exact humidity level that I shouldn't go over in a computer room?

[KuJoe]

I have plenty of co-workers here in Florida who keep server racks in their garages (no insulation or AC) and have been running them for years without issue. You'll be fine.

[Godlygamer23]

Humidity in the air is fine, and also important for the reduction of static electricity buildup. The humidity allows any generated static electricity to dissipate into the air.

 

My workplace has to keep the humidity above a certain point(we have humidifiers for this purpose), and if it drops below a certain point, people have to drop whatever they're doing and wait until it reaches the bare minimum if what they're handling is ESD sensitive. 

[ARikozuM]

7 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

Typically when my ac isn't on it's humid enough to feel a little sweaty while just being in the room, just a little though. Is that too humid? 

 

Aso so is there an exact humidity level that I shouldn't go over in a computer room?

As long as it isn't condensing on the hardware, you should be fine. If you can control the humidity to whatever is comfortable, it may be best. The hygrometer in my garage reads 43% at the moment, though it isn't exactly a "calibrated" piece. I think most manufacturers place humidity safety values on the spec sheets, maybe you should look at those.

[hartantovictor]

Please all step aside as I live in 60%-80% humidity Country 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month, 12 month a year...basically FOREVER.

 

IT'S OKAY. You don't need any kind of dehumidifier or anything like that as long as it doesn't condense to water on your system. Which it will never happen.

 

My pentium 4 old system has been working fine until I don't want to use it anymore. (years years of usage).

 

The only concern is the case. Cause cheap case made of steel which corrode easily.

Other not important and not-giving-any-effect-whatsoever concern could be: RAM heatsink clip (like the one on kingston hyperx), bolt, basically anything made out of steel. 

[slightlyjaded]

I'd just like to point out that humidity condenses on components that are cooler than the environment. Not often a problem with computer components.