[SOLVED] Can mold or other allergens actually grow and thrive within a PC and dispersed through fans?

[sammael1984]

Hey, guys. I'm sorry to come to you with such an odd question. I've been coughing for almost two months now. I have visited many specialists including an Allergologist, and a bunch of other specialists. I build my PC about five years ago, perhaps a little less than five years:


Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0 GHz Quad-Core Processor (I downclocked it to 3.5 though)
Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming
Memory: 16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz
Hard Drive: 1TB Western Digital WDC (SATA )
SSD: Samsung SSD 850 EVO 120GB
GPU: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 4GB
PSU: EVGA 850 G2 80 Plus Gold
OS: Windows 10
Case: NZXT H440

The original case fans died after 5 years of use, so I switched them for three 120mm Noctua NF-F12 in the front pulling air and a 140mm Silent Wings 3 in the exhaust to take out all the heat through the rear. I know my case isn't the most air-flow efficient, but back in the day I didn't know much about anything, so there is that.

This is my only experience building a computer. I have no idea if certain substances (other than dust) can build up or if insects or any other organisms can contaminate my PSU, GPU, Cooler, etc. Am I supposed to take the computer apart every once in a while and look for signs of stuff growing or substances building up? I am a little worried that my computer can somehow be the source of my coughing problem.

Have you or anyone you know experienced anything like this? I'm sorry, I know this is not exactly the kind of questions that are posted here, but I thought I could give it a shot.

I appreciate any help that you can provide.

Thanks

 

[USAFRet]

It is possible? Sure, I guess so. Mold can grow on a lot of things.
Is it likely mold is growing inside your PC? No.
Should you blow the dust out once in a while? Yes.

I would put the inside of a PC far far down the list of possible sources. Unless of course it is really really nasty inside.

 

[Encryption+]

One absolute requirement for mold to grow is moisture. I'm guessing the inside of your pc is pretty dry so I doubt that is the source of your issue.