I'm Ian, among other things...

[EchoLynx]

I've opened many a computer for my age, and this is the latest one I've built. New circa last Christmas.
Name: Electron-II
Operating Systems: Linux Mint 5 (Elyssa, LTS), Windowz XP SP3 (All 32-bit)
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    My pride and joy. Fast, and great for the multitask-aholic like me. Got it when it as only about 5 months old.
RAM: 2GB DDR2 PC-4200
    Varies, but 2GB minimum. Not fast, I know.
Motherboard: Asus P5N-E SLI
    Not much to say. It works, nice BIOS w/ TONS of options for everything. Solid board.
Graphics: PNY GeForce 8500GT 512MB
    Nothing to scream about, but it does everything I ask it to pretty well.
Storage: 1TB WD Caviar Black & 160GB Seagate
    Seagate for OS/Apps, WD for all other files.
Net Connection: 2.82 MB/s Verizon DSL, SpeedTest Results to DC
    Access through a WRT54G2 Wifi router running DD-WRT in bridge mode for simplicity. (I've bought several wireless cards, none of them just worked on anything.)

Pic #1: http://bayimg.com/HapJcAabj
Pic #2: http://bayimg.com/haPJMAabj

[EchoLynx]

Crap, made it a new topic not new post...

Sorry.

[computeruler]

I like the piece of paper on top of the computer    Welcome Ian!

[Calum]

Your CPU cooler is dusty
Welcome to the club.
You have the same router as me.

[EchoLynx]

Thanks guys, and I know the cooler is dusty. It's impossible to keep something with that kind of surface area clean, in my experience. And I really don't have any set time to dust it- just whenever I feel like it.

Is a filter a good idea?

[Calum]

It can be difficult to keep computers clean.
What case do you have?
Generally, installing filters on intake fans and balancing the airflow so that exhaust volume isn't too much higher than intake volume will reduce the amount of dust that gets in.

[EchoLynx]

It was a random case by Ultra I got off TigerDirect. At the time I didn't really care and got a cheapie that had a PSU (which I ended up giving away... and now I'm stuck with a crummy non-modular Lite-On 350W), but now I wish I'd at least thought about it more. Right now I only have an exhaust fan, as the way the case is set up the intake blows against the HDD cage and makes a lot of noise.

-Ian

[Calum]

The sole exhaust fan will be the reason your case gets dusty.
Air is drawn in through all available holes, bringing dust and dirt with it.
With an intake fan, air would come mainly through the intake vent, not through all the tiny holes and gaps, so it would be less dirty.
As it stands, you may be best to grab a filter and put it on the front intake anyway, that might stop some of the dust getting in.
The case is important ... I've been in the same situation, with a bad case to save some money.  In the long run it doesn't work out.

[squall_01]

wouldnt changeing the direction of the fan work too?  There is trapped heat so would it be better to have it blow out?

[EchoLynx]

@Calum: I never thought of it that way... but I agree with you. My case certainly was NOT designed to be airtight.

Would you mind recommending a good ATX case, since you say you've been in the same situation?

@squall_01: That's actually a pretty good idea. I would need to find my filter (we're renovating the basement, and everything is in boxes) but I would also have to work to seal the holes in the side of the case- particularly the hole for the CPU cooler. I really wish I hadn't bought a case with one of those, as it isn't helping cool anything with my current heatsink.

[squall_01]

usually were a larger heatsink would help.

[Calum]

The best case for you depends on your budget and what you like ... no use me recommending a very minimalistic case if you want LEDs galore.

I like the Coolermaster 330 for a low budget build (add a fan for 120mm front intake and 120mm rear exhaust).  It has built in filters.
Antec 300 is good for a little more (no filters).
Antec 900 is great, but no dust filters .. my current case.

Those are just a few examples, from cases I have experience with.

[squall_01]

as long as you can add fans its good.

[Computer Hope Admin]

Looks great Ian, and personally I'd prefer you create new posts, so you did good. I've got you added to the SBCC and you should now see an icon.