Air filters and animals

[Essence_of_War]

Thanks to some great forum input (particular thanks to mfenn, and sleepingforest) I've ordered all of the components for my computer and come in under my expected budget. I could probably tinker with things to spend a bit more, but I think I'm at a pretty good price/performance spot.

As I have two very fluffy kitties, I was considering spending a little of my budget overage on air filters for my case. I got a Corsair Carbide 300R, which comes with a front mounted 140mm fan (w/ air filter!), and a 120mm rear-mounted exhaust fan. There are additional mounting points for up to 5 additional fans (2 top, 1 front, 2 side).

Without any top or side fans installed, there are open grills that are quite large on both the top and side. I'm worried about the grills as a dust/animal-fluff entry vector, is there a best solution for air filters for these?

 

[mfenn]

A cheap and easy solution is used dryer sheets and magnets (or tape). They're really subtle if you mount them to the inside of the panel.

 

[Deltaechoe]

I've actually done what mfenn suggested several times on lower budget builds for people, you just have to remember to replace the sheets every now and then

 

[Essence_of_War]

Hmmmm...any concerns about chemicals on the dryer sheets, other than the obvious potential perk of having a PC that smells like fresh laundry?

Would cheesecloth also work?

 

[Sleepingforest]

Anything with microscopic holes should work. But dust filters are fine, because the particles in them are covalently bonded and volatile. This means they evaporate easily (that's why they smell nice) and don't dissolve in water or conduct electricity (they're anti-static sheets for a reason).

 

[tracerbullet]

I've used window screen material from the hardware store. It's black and hides well, and is flexible yet also rigid enough to hold its shape. Even the fine mesh screen sold is fairly course for a filter, but when it comes to pet hair, it's been sufficient for me. The case still gets dust inside, but it didn't get pet-hair-furry inside.

Its an option. Maybe a combination of both, if the dryer sheets alone won't hold a shape you want.

 

[Murloc]

I have 3 cats and hair everywhere and I don't have filters.
I have blocks of dust inside the case. I haven't cleaned it out for years, temps are still fine.

 

[bononos]

...... Without any top or side fans installed, there are open grills that are quite large on both the top and side. I'm worried about the grills as a dust/animal-fluff entry vector, is there a best solution for air filters for these?

You could block off part of or all of the top vents by taping them off with aluminum tape. Then use dust filters or make your own with mesh like material for the rest.

 

[mfenn]

Hmmmm...any concerns about chemicals on the dryer sheets, other than the obvious potential perk of having a PC that smells like fresh laundry?

Would cheesecloth also work?

No worries about chemical, there are far more deadly and toxic chemicals already inside every electronic component.

Cheesecloth would be fine too. Basically any material that has the porosity that you want and is light enough to be held in place will work.