Advice on Computer Cases

seekermeister said:

I have a HAF922, and your question regarding fan filters is a good one. the front intake fan does have a filter of sorts, behind the external bay covers, but these covers are generally replaced with drives, so I don't see the point in them. The area in front the fan itself does not have this kind of filter nor a way that I can see to add one. I doubt that using a fabric will work, unless it is cheesecloth, because anything more closely knit is going to block airflow.

You need to keep a whisk broom handy to sweep the external surfaces of the fan grates, for they do tend to collect dust, and a few cans of compressed air standing by, to blast the fans themselves would be a good idea. If you do figure out a good way of filtering the flow, let me know, because I haven't.

Well, as I said I found some fabric my mom had that I tried breathing through, and felt no resistance. So I was going to try that, but it rips pretty easily...

My other thought was some thin, porous foam. I don't think I have any, but its the kind you would find in a jewelry box (if I recall right)

~Lordbob

Lordbob75 said:

The only mod I have in mind for now is filters for the fans. I was thinking of using a semi-thick fabric as a filter, anyone have any other ideas?

~Lordbob

smarteyeball said:

Last winter I resorted to creating some 'ghetto' filters (nylon stockings ) but when summer came back - off came the stockings. Just like the ladies.

Now that summer is waving goodbye, I'll be able to reintroduce the stockings again. Again, just like the ladies :)

Or black pantyhose to be more precise. For the side panel I use the gusset (crotch part) affixed to out side of the case with some sticky velcro strips + push pins to augment the velcro's 'framework' ( I used some cheap velcro and the glue didn't really adhere to the case all that well)



PROS:

Cheap (Bargain shops FTW)
Easy to throw away and replace when used (if placed on the outside)
Vastly minimizes dust intake

CONS:

It does restrict airflow. I noticed an ambient case temp increase of 3-5c, 1-3c on video cards and 1-3c on CPU temps. I did originally try black speaker mesh which doubled those temps which is why I went with the stockings.

Aesthetics - depending on your handy work, it could look like crap.

Obtaining pantyhose (I got my GF to buy them as I couldn't bring myself too )

Overall, the reduction in dust intake outweighed the cons. Although with ambient temps of 30C+ during summer, I did remove the side panel 'filter' even though the temps were still well within 'safe' levels.

Those are not bad ideas, I might have to try the pantyhose...

I was planning to pull the fan out, and find a way to make like a grid for it or something. I don't know, I hadn't got that far yet.

~Lordbob

Lordbob75 said:

Those are not bad ideas, I might have to try the pantyhose...

I was planning to pull the fan out, and find a way to make like a grid for it or something. I don't know, I hadn't got that far yet.

~Lordbob

There are several ways you can do it, but I personally found that by placing the 'filter' on the outside was easier in the long run since I didn't need to remove fans all the time just to clean/replace them.

As for the front 230mm, I found that when you remove the front bezel, you simply unscrew the 4 screws that hold the metal mesh in place - put the filter between the bezel and mesh, re-screw and pop the bezel back in place.

I'm sure you'll come with a solution that you are satisfied with. It's all about trial and error :)

smarteyeball said:

Lordbob75 said:

Those are not bad ideas, I might have to try the pantyhose...

I was planning to pull the fan out, and find a way to make like a grid for it or something. I don't know, I hadn't got that far yet.

~Lordbob

There are several ways you can do it, but I personally found that by placing the 'filter' on the outside was easier in the long run since I didn't need to remove fans all the time just to clean/replace them.

As for the front 230mm, I found that when you remove the front bezel, you simply unscrew the 4 screws that hold the metal mesh in place - put the filter between the bezel and mesh, re-screw and pop the bezel back in place.

I'm sure you'll come with a solution that you are satisfied with. It's all about trial and error :)

Thats roughly what I was thinking.

I also wonder, what about an actual filter? Like the stuff they use in homes (here anyways) over the air conditioner intakes... Though that might block too much air.

Also, I might get some thin wood and make frames for the pantyhose or something, that would work well.

~Lordbob

cloud8521 said:

Great idea i always wanted a windsock inside my pc ...

But you do have a Winsock inside your PC.

Winsock Reference (Windows)