What is the lowest temperature I can run a computer in? I am not talking about the cpu itself but the ambient room air...

Hello Klinkaroo,
That would depend entirely on your computer make/model, laptop/desktop etc..
Check your manual, there should be some guidelines in there.
Hope this helps,
Charles

Well I am mostly wondering for sub zero temparatures... I would think -20 to -30 degrees celcious would probably be pretty general...

Wow, you talking about overclocking your computer, eh?

Well generally you need really cold temperatures like that. It won't hurt the computer at all, unless if you are using some type of water which would cause condensation. However, if you are using some type of the freon coolers, then you just have to because of the freon.

I was thinking if I put my computer in the garage (un heated) during the winter to run some Light-o-Rama light controlers.

There should be no problem just make sure that the computer doesn't get any condensation on it. Even if it is dew. Sometimes garages will get dew if you leave a window open or door open.

But all in all, it'll be fine.

That's way below any normal desktop pc's operating temperature range, even if it was "Farenheit".
There's such a thing as "too" cold.
At that temp, the HD would seize and even your cmos battery would freeze solid.

I did a google for operating temperature range and just picked one. This is for a Dell Inspiron 8000 notebook, so it should at least give you a ball park. It won't work if it's very cold...

Dell specs: Temperature range: Operating 0º to 40ºC (32º to 104ºF) Storage –40º to 65ºC (–40º to 149ºF) Environmental Temperature range: Operating 0º to 35ºC (32º to 95ºF) Storage –40º to 65ºC (–40º to 149ºF) Relative humidity (maximum): Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing)

Be (out in the cold) Safe

Da Bleepin AniMod, Animal

Well after that info I think I am going to have to heat the garage...

Better get the coveralls and some gloves I got some isulating to do...

It might be cheaper/quicker to build a smallish insulated box to keep the laptop in ...

If you can get hold of some of those little cloth bags of silica gel (that you get in small electronic goodies packaging) to absorb any excess moisture, you should be good to go ...

Yeah that's an idea...