PC advice for worst location ever...

katie279 · 30 Apr 2017 at 21:19

Hi there,

Wanting to build a pc to be used in a greenhouse.

Conscious that a greenhouse is probably amongst the worst location possible - it'll easily hit 60C in summer, minus 0C in winter and lots of humidity...

So just wondering if any advice/tips - don't need anything too powerful, just a standard windows pc that can run excel, simple apps etc.

I'm guessing a solid state PC would help and keep it as cool as possible. Don't know how I can deal with the humidity though...

Thanks in advance for any tips!

ibpalle · 30 Apr 2017 at 21:41

Condensation and high humidity would seem to be the worst issues here. A quick google shows a few users having PCs in Greenhouses with no issues. Be aware of condensation though - try to put it in a place where temp will be relatively stable - as in not rising and dropping steeply over a short time and you should be fine.

HoneyBadger · 30 Apr 2017 at 22:22

Something like the Akasa UCFF IP65, perhaps? I've got one, good bit of kit all be it expensive!

TWiNKLeT0Es · 30 Apr 2017 at 22:31

Toughbook?

140f around 60 o was norm operating temps last i looked but you can frolic about the greens and send email being potable

liveid · 30 Apr 2017 at 23:45

and a laptop is no use because?

Monstermunch · 1 May 2017 at 10:45

liveid said:
and a laptop is no use because?

Was gonna say, why not just use a laptop or netbook?

kevbiss1 · 1 May 2017 at 22:01

But why would u want to do this at all ?

benjii · 2 May 2017 at 00:49

Create a fanless PC, no moving parts (ssd over hdd etc.) and submerge it in mineral oil. It'll run cool and you'll have zero issues with condensation. It may seem amusing at first, but it is a serious solution to all your problems. Now, it may make a few problems of its own, but considering where you want your PC, I'd look into it.

bremen1874 · 2 May 2017 at 00:55

benjii said:
and submerge it in mineral oil

It's years since I've seen any mention of submerging PCs in mineral oil. It was a 'thing' for a while back in the day, but ultimately pointless.

Tetras · 2 May 2017 at 01:43

The MSI H110 motherboards (probably others, but I haven't checked) say they have "humidity protection", but I don't know if this actually means anything in comparison to other motherboards.

Monstermunch · 2 May 2017 at 02:32

All you really need is to make sure you have some good cross-flow fans, like if you were using a condenser or DICE for cooling the CPU. (preventing any condensation from forming on parts and dropping onto the mobo)

Use a fanless heatsink, then just get case that lets you blow air across the motherboard constantly. Like one of the Silverstone HTPC cases.

Chris Anata · 2 May 2017 at 04:07

Cooling fan or any stuff will help for your pc i think.

screamBoy · 2 May 2017 at 19:38

For greenhouse I would get a netbook or middle laptop and would put it in something like mini-fridge, like those for a caravan.
It doesn't need to be 100% airtight. Such fridges can cool about 60-80 watts (depends of their peltier element).
Maybe it will be enough.
Middle-class business laptops have 45-60 watts power block, and they can run without battery, only powered by this block, so it should be possible.
Not sure how to deal with the monitor. Ordinary 19" LCD with led backlight can use ~20 watts and is prone to fog/high humidity.
Mouse, kbd and USB with extenders - here everything is plain standard.

ExoMale · 2 May 2017 at 21:19

you would be looking at something like a Nuc or Brix for this situation surely?

Bluecube · 2 May 2017 at 21:25

Just out of curiosity, why would you put a PC in a greenhouse?

Joshct · 3 May 2017 at 16:54

What about just a screen and some super long cables?
Or a Pi and RDP

Bickaxe · 4 May 2017 at 12:53

Bluecube said:
Just out of curiosity, why would you put a PC in a greenhouse?

I would guess that it is to monitor/record things on a permanent 24hr basis so would have to stay in one location.
Would a raspberry pi do something similar?

Can get moisture resistant screens (such as tvs for bathrooms).

Semple · 4 May 2017 at 12:58

Bluecube said:
Just out of curiosity, why would you put a PC in a greenhouse?

I'm glad that someone finally asked the question.

Without knowing the reasoning why it needs to be in the greenhouse, then it's hard to come up with a solution. The actual laptop/PC itself might not even need to be in the Greenhouse.

katie279 · 4 May 2017 at 20:25

Heh, thanks folks for your thoughts.

Background I'm wanting a pc to use for gardening, eg tracking plants, dates of planting etc in excel, using as a temperature, humidity, watering logger and controller (eg too hot, open vents electronically, soil dry, water plants etc). Also planning to put a hot tub in the greenhouse (it's more an orangery and 11m x 4m), so be good to have a screen to watch telly, play music, podcasts, YouTube etc etc

Now I know I could buy dozens of different devices to do all the above, but it's sooooooooo much easier, more adaptable, future proof etc to just have a pc and cheaper in the long run, hence I was wondering about pc options (plus I can just program anything I need)

I do wonder given I'm not doing anything too intense if I built a ssd pc with underclocked CPU and decent fan cooling to keep it as close to ambient if this would suffice, but think humidity might be the challenge - that said, I do wonder if we make a bit of a meal of these things in the UK - ie lots of places in the world with very high humidity/temps and sure the world doesn't end...!

mattyfez · 4 May 2017 at 20:37

In that case, I'd buy some older second hand parts or a full pc, it's no going to be doing anything demanding, so if it's cheap just replace it if it gets damaged.

And older i3 system with on board graphics or similar should be cheap enough.