Advice on Computer Cases

[seekermeister]

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.

EDIT: Rethinking what I said, I doubt that cheesecloth would work either. At least what I found doing a very quick Google, looked too dense. Perhaps medical gauze would work better, if it could be found in a wide enough roll.

 

[Lordbob75]

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

 

[smarteyeball]

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

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.

 

[seekermeister]

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

Even with a perfect material, it seems to me that the greatest challenge would be to find a method to install and remove it easily. Putting filters over the exhaust fans doesn't accomplish much, and since that probably leaves just the front fan as an intake, it is the most difficult to access, so unless you have very small hands or very nimble fingers, I don't know how you are going to apply a filter there?

 

[Lordbob75]

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

 

[smarteyeball]

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

 

[Lordbob75]

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

 

[johnwillyums]

Several people have mentioned the Corsair Obsidian and I have to agree, it is very beautiful in a classic way.
However it is very expensive.
I have the Cooler Master Cosmos S for one of my pcs and it certainly a good case but I recently built a new machine and used the Cooler Master ACTS 840.
This has the classic look of the Obsidian but is a more reasonable price. It is solid aluminium and very easy to work on. The motherboard tray slides right out and the case is huge so plenty of room for large graphic cards, HSFs etc.
Also, compared to the Cooler Master Cosmos I think it looks much more classy but that's just my opinion.
Here's a pic:

also it has dust filters everywhere. I have 11 fans in mine and it's still reasonably quiet, the Cosmos S is quite noisy I've found

 

[cloud8521]

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

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.

Great idea i always wanted a windsock inside my pc that catches dust!

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

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

But you do have a Winsock inside your PC.

Winsock Reference (Windows)

 

[pparks1]

also it has dust filters everywhere. I have 11 fans in mine and it's still reasonably quiet, the Cosmos S is quite noisy I've found

Just out of curiosity, do you feel that having 11 fans is actually necessary? For example, does your heat rise substantially to dangerous levels with only 1/2 of those fans running?

 

[cloud8521]

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

But you do have a Winsock inside your PC.

Winsock Reference (Windows)

.... i rather have a nice d in there thanks

 

[cloud8521]

so guys, i want to ask this again. im sorry i know. i want a case that has great airflow, quiet fans, with filters. lights up cool i get off on the lights

and a powerful yet reliable PSU to go with it, 600-800 watt. and i want to go off of personal experience instead of with ad's you found

i may even go as high as a 1200watt psu >.>

 

[Lordbob75]

so guys, i want to ask this again. im sorry i know. i want a case that has great airflow, quiet fans, with filters. lights up cool i get off on the lights

and a powerful yet reliable PSU to go with it, 600-800 watt. and i want to go off of personal experience instead of with ad's you found

i may even go as high as a 1200watt psu >.>

My 750 watt PSU is great (see specs).

My case is awesome as well, but does not have filters (I want to make them). I would recommend the Antec 1200 for good filters and great airflow.

As for lights, well. The 1200 has GREAT lights. If not, you can just buy some cathodes and throw them in the case. My case right now looks like a deamon with its red lights....

~Lordbob

 

[cloud8521]

so guys, i want to ask this again. im sorry i know. i want a case that has great airflow, quiet fans, with filters. lights up cool i get off on the lights

and a powerful yet reliable PSU to go with it, 600-800 watt. and i want to go off of personal experience instead of with ad's you found

i may even go as high as a 1200watt psu >.>

My 750 watt PSU is great (see specs).

My case is awesome as well, but does not have filters (I want to make them). I would recommend the Antec 1200 for good filters and great airflow.

As for lights, well. The 1200 has GREAT lights. If not, you can just buy some cathodes and throw them in the case. My case right now looks like a deamon with its red lights....

~Lordbob

it has 8 pin pcie connectors?

also does it have a 8 pin ATX_12v?

 

[Lordbob75]

it has 8 pin pcie connectors?

also does it have a 8 pin ATX_12v?

What are you asking about?

~Lordbob

 

[Everlong]

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

Ask your Mum for some old stockings

it has 8 pin pcie connectors?

also does it have a 8 pin ATX_12v?

What are you asking about?

~Lordbob

He means the 8 pin CPU power connector, I guess.

 

[cloud8521]

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

Ask your Mum for some old stockings

it has 8 pin pcie connectors?

also does it have a 8 pin ATX_12v?

What are you asking about?

~Lordbob

He means the 8 pin CPU power connector, I guess.

bingo ;P

 

[Lordbob75]

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

Ask your Mum for some old stockings

What are you asking about?

~Lordbob

He means the 8 pin CPU power connector, I guess.

bingo ;P

I have absolutely no idea what we are talking about anymore....

~Lordbob

 

[cloud8521]

Ask your Mum for some old stockings



He means the 8 pin CPU power connector, I guess.

bingo ;P

I have absolutely no idea what we are talking about anymore....

~Lordbob

does the PSU have a 8 pin cpu power connector?