Case fan filter=5C jump?

[NYHoustonman]

I bought a case fan filter for my side case fan, 80mm, I have one 80mm case fan in the front of my case. After installing the filter, or maybe before, I didn't really look, my system temps jumped to a whopping 38C. What I want to know is, is this due to the filter, which is metal mesh type stuff (The fan still works) or is it not? I have all the fans in my case on quiet mode, the two case fans at ~1300RPM and the HSF fan @~2500RPM, PSU fans are ~1400 RPM all the time (Antec Truepower), but normally my CPU temp stays around 43C idle and my system temp 30-32C, noise is an issue, but not with my machine. I basically just want to know if the filter is doing this or if it is just due to ambient temps rising (summer is coming)? If it is the filter, it's gone, but if not, I'm going to be forced to turn up my case fans :\...

 

[SpeedFreak03]

I'd try taking out the filter. That's really the only way to tell. If the temps rose right after you put the filter in, then that's probably what it is.

 

[NYHoustonman]

Yea, basically what I'm going to do at this point is wait until tomorrow and see if this heat goes away, if it doesn't I will obviously be removing the filter...I just REALLY hate dust. Anybody know of any alternatives? My dad, at one point, mentioned something that you put in a computer that collects dust...Is such a thing possible?

 

[EeyoreX]

I am not sure that 38C would qualify as "whopping"... Unless your case jumped an additional 38C and not just to 38C. I'd go so far as to say that that is a great temp...

You could try something like AC filter material that I used. Cheap, like $2 from Home Depot. I'll be getting aluminum mesh soon, since I think that'll look nice with my CCFL fan grills as backlights to the mesh. I am also not much of a "Temeperature nazi" though, I don't care what my temps are as long as they are not hardware-damaging outrageuos, and so long as my system is stable. So my filter methods are more to keep dust out, and to look good 😉

\Dan

 

[Jeriko]

I'll probably be using ultra sheer pantyhose as a fan filters in my new system. Of all the materials I examined, they seemed to give the best airflow.

-J

 

[NYHoustonman]

Yea, those would have been good ideas-the mesh I got was actually meant for 120mm, so I had to cut it down. I am more than likely going to keep it though, and put the two others I bought in my other computer. But, yeah, I guess I shouldn't be too worried, I mean, even with that temp, my CPU never hit 50C. Thanks for the help (in the form of reassurance).

 

[amcdonald]

I also use the $2 generic air conditioner replacement filters.
I have used the wire mesh filters, but they make a lot of extra noise.

 

[chocoruacal]

Filters hinder air flow, so of course its possible that system temps will rise. Personally, I don't use them. I think its easier to blast everything with compressed air every now and then.

 

[Bluefront]

Filters significantly hinder airflow only if the surface area is too small. So if you have an 80mm fan and the filter is 80mm in diameter, airflow will suffer.....greatly, even if you use panty-hose.

To filter the air without restricting airflow you need to rig up a large filter box, with a large filter....much like an automobile setup. Normal computer filters are worthless if you want a clean case with un-restricted airflow.

 

[SpeedFreak03]

Originally posted by: chocoruacal
Filters hinder air flow, so of course its possible that system temps will rise. Personally, I don't use them. I think its easier to blast everything with compressed air every now and then.

I agree!

 

[EeyoreX]

Filters hinder air flow, so of course its possible that system temps will rise. Personally, I don't use them. I think its easier to blast everything with compressed air every now and then.

Yeah, anything used as a filter will restrict airflow. Generally the trick is finding a balance. I prefer to sacrifice a little airflow to have the insides of my case dust-free. Partially this is because both cases have window mods, but more so because I don't want to HAVE to open my case and clean it. I prefer preventative maintenence to cleaning up after the fact. My temps are generally pretty good (at least good enough that I am stable) My server runs a little warmer at 57C under load, while my main rig tends to stay below 42C. Both currently use AC filter on the intake fans.

\Dan