Storing Computers In A Cold Room. Will They Damage?

Was wondering how cold is too cold to store computers, laptops, hard drives and such while trying to avoid damage?

The reason I ask is because I have a laptop and some other components sitting in a cold room that last I checked was 6 degrees celsius. Unfortunately it’s the only place they can be right now. I heard cold can break solder points and I have no idea if it can cause damage to parts in the long run. But need to know if so... that way I can either rest assured or relocate the equipment if need be. I’m most concerned about a laptop I have no backup to.

The last time I entered the room I had to use it immediately to do an emergency meeting. At that time the room was 6 degrees celsius as I had mentioned. Quite cold! I used it for maybe 30 minutes and turned it off. As I felt the warmth of use might cause the motherboard expand/detract improperly or something inside.

I don’t know. Basically if someone replies “You can’t have them in the cold.” Why then do cars have computers inside, screens, etc and they stay in absolute cold but work all the time? (Or at least most times you'd think. I mean I’ve never never met anyone who said hey I turned my car on and the GPS screen just stopped working..: )

Hey I’ve worked in server rooms and they’re pretty cold. However thinking about components and computers or most importantly a laptop that’s sitting in 6 celsius room and probably colder just doesnt sit well with me.

If someone can just give me insight as to what components can handle in the cold, how cold is cold being stored off or on? & How cold does it have to be to break solder? That would help. Thank you!

 

6°C (42.8°F) is still above freezing. So no need to worry, you can safely store electronic in much colder temps - as long as it is dry too.

If me, I would remove the laptop batteries and store them inside - in particular if there is a chance the temps could get much colder. Generally, cold does not hurt batteries, unless extreme cold (way sub-zero). Typically, the chemical reaction just slows down or stops but returns to normal once temps return to normal. Excessive heat is actually much more damaging to batteries.

LCD screen don't like extreme cold either. Samsung says -20°C (-4°F) is their lower limit when storing their monitors. I would assume it is similar for TVs and other LCD devices by Samsung and other manufacturers as well.

Cold will not break solder joints but rapid temperature changes might - due to contracting/expanding characteristics of matter. So if you store electronics in the cold (or extreme heat), bring them inside and (away from a heat source) allow them to slowly return to normal room temperature before connecting and applying power. I recommend 1 hour, or longer. If very cold, consider blowing a desk fan on it while acclimating it to the room to ensure condensation does not form.

As for car electronics, you are correct but note too they are designed to operate in temperature extremes. Home consumer electronics are not.

Computer and server rooms are indeed kept cold - for humans. Or at least they tend to feel cold and that is because they keep a LOT of air moving through the room. So "wind-chill" effect actually kicks in. Typically, 65° to 68°F (18.3 to 18.9°C) is common and never below 50°F (10°C) or above 82°F (27.8°C).

Last, almost all high-tech electronics will specify in their owner's manuals, user guides, and data sheets the environments they can safely be operated in, as well as be stored in. So the standard advice applies; RTFM.