Blocking vents

[dguy6789]

I am getting this case here.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811112218

If you click and look at a picture of the rear of the case, you'll see that it has holes in the pci slot area and another air vent above them. I have an air filter to put over the 120mm fan intake.

What I would like to do is find a very cost effective(hopefully free) way to block those vents so that the vast majority of air coming into the case has to pass through the filter on the intake fan. I need to do this because the computer is going to have a very slight negative air pressure setup so air would be likely to go into the case through those vents.

I have considered using duct tape to cover these vents and it would work extremely well but I'm concerned with leaving a sticky residue on my brand new case. I'd like something that wouldn't create any kind of mess if possible.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

[error8]

I wouldn't do that if I were you. That case is so poorly ventilated, so by blocking the extra breathing holes, it will probably heat components inside further. And if that is an intake fan, then those holes, will probably exhaust hot air outside, so there is no dust coming through them.

 

[PCTC2]

Originally posted by: error8
I wouldn't do that if I were you. That case is so poorly ventilated, so by blocking the extra breathing holes, it will probably heat components inside further. And if that is an intake fan, then those holes, will probably exhaust hot air outside, so there is no dust coming through them.

No. There's a fan in the front and a fan in the rear.

As for blocking the holes, if you try to positive pressure, you won't have to worry (IN>OUT) or you can use something like AC foam or electrical tape I guess.

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: PCTC2

Originally posted by: error8
I wouldn't do that if I were you. That case is so poorly ventilated, so by blocking the extra breathing holes, it will probably heat components inside further. And if that is an intake fan, then those holes, will probably exhaust hot air outside, so there is no dust coming through them.

No. There's a fan in the front and a fan in the rear.

I thought there is only one fan. I don't see a second one in those pictures.

 

[dguy6789]

Positive pressure isn't really an option for me at the moment because both my psu and gpu exhaust air. Both of their fan speeds vary as well. Although the overall negative pressure isn't too much.

One idea I had for changing case pressure is having a significantly more powerful intake fan to create a positive air pressure environment. Thoughts on that? Any recommendations for a 120mm replacement fan?

Another idea I have come upon is undervolting the exhaust fan or even disabling it entirely. Temps will rise doing this, but less dust with higher temps(as long as they remain acceptable) is better to me than cooler temps but more dust.

 

[zagood]

I would try a temporary (and basically free) method like duct tape first. Make sure that's what you want to do. To decrease noticeable sticky spots, tape on the inside instead of outside of case - and use goof-off to remove residue.

 

[dguy6789]

I found some foam that came in my 4870 box that I can cut to be the right shape and size to block the vents. This way I could minimize the tape needed by just taping the foam to the case rather than using tape entirely.

 

[error8]

Use tape. It's the simplest solution and any residuals that can remain on the case can be easily removed with medicinal alcohol or acetone.

 

[aigomorla]

this is all to keep dust outside your computer?

im lost in your objective..

normally people want ventilation though there case, not a weak wind tunnel.

 

[Zepper]

I like to block off extraneous venting if it is not working in a useful way. I use a sheet of plastic wrap folded over (2 layers) and taped around the edges with Scotch 600 Transparent (clear) tape (not the "Magic" style as that dries out and falls off eventually). I've also used the colored plastic wrap (Reynolds) on occasion. Cheap and effective

.bh.

 

[Modelworks]

Piece of cardboard or paper and hot glue gun. works well and easy to remove.

 

[dguy6789]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
this is all to keep dust outside your computer?

im lost in your objective..

normally people want ventilation though there case, not a weak wind tunnel.

Different people have different goals. My goal is not to obtain the coolest temperatures at all costs like some people. I prioritize reducing dust over reducing temperatures. My case is unfortunately going to have a very slight negative air pressure for the time being, so instead of allowing air to passively come in through vents unfiltered(allowing dusty air in), I will force as much air as possible to come in through my air filter.

Very good suggestions people, I thank you all for your input. I'm probably going to either use duct tape or plastic wrap.