Fan Filters

TNTTNT · Mar 9, 2009

Hi all,

Does anyone know the best way to install a fan filter for an intake fan. I ask because I can think of two ways: -

- Between case and fan -

pro is dust is trapped before entering fan
con is you have to remove fan from case to clean filter

- On outside of fan -

Pro is the filter can be very easily unscrewed and cleaned
Con is dust is trapped and sitting in fan.

I ask because I wonder what conventional wisdom dictates.

kiriakost · Mar 9, 2009

outside of fan

h3llb3nd4 · Mar 9, 2009

I installed it on the outside...
but dust still gathers on my HDDs :confused:

Nick89 · Mar 9, 2009

h3llb3nd4 said:
I installed it on the outside...
but dust still gathers on my HDDs

You still get dust because your case is not 100% sealed.

h3llb3nd4 · Mar 9, 2009

I know that, but the fan with filter is directly in line with the HDDs

HolyCow02 · Mar 9, 2009

my intake fan has the filter between the case and fan, because the case came like that. The front of the case opens up and I can remove the filter from there and clean it. If I was you I would put it on the outside of the fan, so you can clean it easier. You and cleaning a fan is easy. Either way you do it, your probably gonna have to remove the fan to clean it properly.

TNTTNT · Mar 9, 2009

Thanks for the replies. The consenus seems to be the outside, and I suppose this makes sense, as every 1 or 2 months taking these to clean should be very easy. I started wondering because the mesh in my bottom intake of Coolermaster CM690 seemed to be designed for inside the fan.

I just bought 4 nexus fan filter, so I hope these are ok. I also bought a flat metal mesh plate style filter.

I am trying to avoid dust build up because the after 1 year the fluff and dust was so thick in my laptop, the fan stopped spinning. Coupled with the fact I have 3 intake fans in pc, I am cautious.

To be honest 6 case fans (3 in and 3 out) in my build is overly excessive, but as I have the fans, I thought I would use them.

95Viper · Mar 9, 2009

CM-690 Nice case. I use three in and two out. Just keep the flow good.
Look here for a little direction:http://www.xoxide.com/computer-cooling.html

TNTTNT · Mar 9, 2009

Thanks Viper. I have to agree, because I really like the CM690. I like the fact you can go screwless install and use screws for extra safety if you wish. I also like the flexibilty of fan options and it is good value.

You are a gentleman for adding that link. I think I go for a positive flow system, but may do this by rebalancing the brand of fans. I need to check, but I think my Asaka fans blow more air than my Xilence. I'll make sure there is more Cubic Feet of air coming in than out.

alexp999 · Mar 9, 2009

I have the CM690 too, have three 120mm intakes, a 140mm intake, 2 140mm exhuasts and a 120mm exhaust. Plus the graphics card exhausting out the back!

Dont forget fan filters are not 100% dust proof or air would not be able to pass through, it will still allow a small amount of fine dust, hence why h3llb3nd4 gets dust on the HDD's.

h3llb3nd4 · Mar 9, 2009

the fan filter is spongy... wonder if it will let less dust through if I soke it in water for a bit....

TNTTNT · Mar 9, 2009

h3llb3nd4 said:
the fan filter is spongy... wonder if it will let less dust through if I soke it in water for a bit....

lol, may be if you put another fan opposite it blowing the other way, it will blow the dust back out again.

h3llb3nd4 · Mar 9, 2009

TNTTNT said:
lol, may be if you put another fan opposite it blowing the other way, it will blow the dust back out again.

Yeah nice Idea, but then the dust would choke me and I would not be able to post anymore...

nafets · Mar 9, 2009

If air is getting in your PC, then you're going to also get dust. Plain and simple.

The use of fan filters slows the rate of dust buildup, but won't completely stop it.

Just clean off the filters every few months to ensure your internals are receiving proper airflow.

It also helps to dust and clean up the room in which the PC is located, every now and then. Weekly vacuuming also is beneficial if your PC is on the floor.

Keeping the PC's environment (the room) clean greatly helps in keeping your PC innards more free from those ever elusive dust bunnies...

CDdude55 · Mar 9, 2009

Dust is annoying, i to have a CM 690 case, i have three intake fans and one exhaust fan.(i know, crazy airflow goin on)

I dont have any filters as i normally just clean the fans with my fingers.

RevengE · Mar 9, 2009

My cosmos S has filters as well no dust ever

TNTTNT · Mar 9, 2009

nafets said:
It also helps to dust and clean up the room in which the PC is located, every now and then. Weekly vacuuming also is beneficial if your PC is on the floor.

I agree, and rather than getting fan mesh, I may spend more and get a replacement wife. I'll try newegg.com, probably search under case mods section first.

CyberDruid · Mar 9, 2009

Stretch some fat chicks pantyhose over the whole rig...viola instant fine mesh filter...

kiriakost · Mar 9, 2009

The fan filters are there to collect large particles , not the dust .

There in no anti dust filters or ever will be .

The fan filters have a usability , only when the case are on the ground level (over the floor) .
If its not , ( its over a desk ) there is no need for filters .

Pera Kojot · Mar 10, 2009

kiriakost said:
The fan filters are there to collect large particles , not the dust .

There in no anti dust filters or ever will be .

The fan filters have a usability , only when the case are on the ground level (over the floor) .
If its not , ( its over a desk ) there is no need for filters .

You think so? This is a picture of my CM690 after 10 month on my desk.

nafets · Mar 10, 2009

Pera Kojot said:
You think so? This is a picture of my CM690 after 10 month on my desk.

Ugh, if that's what's on the outside of your case, I'd hate to see what the inside looks like...

hat · Mar 10, 2009

meh... to hell with dust filters. they reduce airflow and get clogged with dust just like anything else

kiriakost · Mar 10, 2009

Pera Kojot said:
You think so? This is a picture of my CM690 after 10 month on my desk.

Thats nothing ..... have you see computers that work at industrial environment ? :laugh:

Machines that controls CNC - plasma cutting - laser cutting ....

Any way , dust does not kill computers ... but it advisable to clean your case every six months.

My case has removable filter , at the front of it .
Every four weeks, i just clean it .
I had a dog at home ..

Now i clean it , every two months .

h3llb3nd4 · Mar 10, 2009

LOL I had half that on my ZeroDegree when I didn't clean it for 2 months

HolyCow02 · Mar 10, 2009

yea definitely just clean ever couple of months... keeps the fan's spinning at top speed and thus keeps things cooler. I blow mine out every 3-4 months. Same with my PS3

System Name	Barry
Processor	Core i7 920
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System Name	My mobo is Laughing at me
Processor	E7400
Motherboard	P5KPL-E Bios flashed to 0601 (Piece of poo!!)
Cooling	Thermalright Ultra 120a
Memory	GENERIC 2 GB DDR2 800
Video Card(s)	NONE!! Beat that!!
Storage	500GB SAMSUNG SATAII, 250GB SAMSUNG SATAII and o'l crappy 4gb maxtor
Display(s)	ACER X223W Q
Case	AEROCOOL ZERODEGREE (planning to mod)
Audio Device(s)	REALTEK ONBOARD
Power Supply	GIGABYTE 460W
Software	Win 7 x86 build 7022
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System Name	Shredder
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Cooling	Noctua U12P
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