Fan Filtration

[stymie222]

Why dont they manufacture an intake fan that has a good replcement or washable filter? I spend a lot of time removing/cleaning components in my PC that are clogged with dust. The intake fans are the culprit. Does anyone know of fans that have good filters ?

[HAL9000]

All you need is a thin piece of foam that can be put in between the fan and case... I used to have that from the factory in my case, but found the majority of the time, you plugged up the foam so fast you were cleaning that more often than blowing out the case.

[Cricket]

I've heard people using all kinds of different materials for filters...old nylon stockings, A/C duct filters, Scotchbright pads, Bounce sheets, aluminum screen material, etc...

I tried fan filters before but found they clog up pretty fast and when they're clogged they reduce airflow by a lot. So now I don't use any filters and just blow the dust out of the case with my small shopvac every other month.

:) Cricket

[MakeYourslf2012]

I use fan filters on my PC, and yes they do clog up every couple of weeks, but its better than having that dust plastered al over your components.

It's amazing how much dust they catch though. I looked at 2 of my PC's - both buildt at the same time. One had the filters and one didn't - as you would have guessed, the filtered machine was MUCH cleaner than the PC with just fan grills.

[HAL9000]

If you want to keep dust out... or at least minimize it... don't keep your computer on the floor.... especially a carpeted one. If it must be on the floor, place a board under it so the openings at the bottom aren't right above the carpet.... it makes a HUGE difference.

[Cricket]

I use fan filters on my PC, and yes they do clog up every couple of weeks, but its better than having that dust plastered al over your components.But that's why I use a small shopvac instead of compressed air in cans...higher air velocity to blow the dust off. I just don't like the way the filters lose air flow after a week or so of stopping dust.

:) Cricket

[Mr.Ferrari]

I've used many kinds of filters, everything from pantie hose (:P) to fiberglass. By far the most easy to clean and best filter to free airflow ratio I found was in this filter:
http://www.petrastechshop.com/12alfanfibl.html

Its a aluminum mesh filter that comes in different sizes, and colors.

[jfk]

I've found filters to reduce airflow way too much to satisfy me. I run with them off and just use a compressor to blow out the PC every 2-3 months.

[Cricket]

I've used many kinds of filters, everything from pantie hose (:P) to fiberglass. By far the most easy to clean and best filter to free airflow ratio I found was in this filter:
http://www.petrastechshop.com/12alfanfibl.html

Its a aluminum mesh filter that comes in different sizes, and colors.That exactly the type of filter I ended up using for a short while. Nice and durable (I used a toothbrush to clean them) and mounting holes match the fan mounting holes. But after awhile the airflow through them was really restricted by dust.

:) Cricket

[Mr.Ferrari]

True :(. The do require alot of maintainence to keep dust free.

[stymie222]

I sent a letter to 3M manufacturing. They make an array of filters for home/commercial applications. I mentioned that we needed a very efficiant filter,not foam, that could be washable/disposable. Even if we had to cut them from larger sheets. I would much rather change the filters than have to go through any more disruptive maintenance. I will keep in touch and let you know of this and other contacts I have made for filters and case/ fan holders for them.