Side Air Intake Question

[Boyo]

I'm not sure how familiar anyone is with the FilterRight and the A.C. Meshx filters, but I have a question that so far I have not been able to find an answer to.

I have a 120mm side air intake and a FilterRight filter, which fits on the outside of the window and attaches to the fan inside. It's not exactly striking to look at. So what I wanted to do was replace that set up with a grille, and use an A.C. Meshx filter under the grille for dust.

Does anyone know which filter is rated better, or if the A.C. Ryan Meshx is too restrictive? I'm trying to find something that will allow me to add some better aesthetics to my side window. Here is a page that shows both the FilterRight (FR120-CL) & the A.C. Ryan Meshx (ACR-FG0731). Filters

 

[liquid51]

While I can't tell you which filter is less restrictive, I can give some other opinions for you to chew on.

What about no filters and cleaning the house? (j/k)

I have hard wood floors and two cats that shed like crazy. I feel like I'm in a Clint Eastwood flick everytime I walk down the hallway as a cat-hair tumbleweed rolls past my feet.
Flow restriction is important to me as well; that's why I don't use filters. But I don't have that many issues with dust/hair/whatever build up in my case, and when I do, it takes about five minutes to pop the side and clean her out. And thats only 3-4 times a year.

So, just an opinion

 

[Boyo]

So you really don't use filters? I was thinking about not using one on the side intake, but I felt like I was rolling the dice since the fan is right over my GPU. Maybe I'll try it out and see if there is any dust build up. I guess I can always throw it back on.

By the way, I like your rig. Really nice.

 

[HardWarrior]

All of the filters in your link look nice, but IMO they restrict airflow to the point of making a side intake almost useless. I no longer use even a fan on my side intake, mostly due to it not really serving a purpose besides force-feeding my video cards a constant diet of dust. There's just a grill there to keep my cat from pawing around, and the hole allows for exhaust to easily equalize itself.

 

[Zepper]

IMO, all intake fans should be filtered unless you live in one of those ultra air filtered environments. The plastic mesh looks less restrictive. Again IMO, unless the % restriction is stated in the description somewhere, then I wouldn't even bother with it. Whoever made it doesn't know what they're doing... But restrictions in general cause less problem when air is being sucked thru than when blown thru.

.bh.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: ZepperBut restrictions in general cause less problem when air is being sucked thru than when blown thru.

I'd agree with this in general, but that changes pretty quick when the filter starts to clog, which is usually PDQ.

 

[Boyo]

It's hard to tell from the pictures how restrivtive the AC Ryan is, but it does look like it would slow air flow. My computer sits on top of my desk, which is close to an open window (in the warm weather) and I live in Chicago. If you live in a large city, you know how dirty things get and if not, you are reminded everytime you clean your house.

I haven't used the filterRight yet, but I will give it a trial run before deciding. Thanks all.

 

[aigomorla]

the best and i mean best and also cheapest filters i have used are panty hose. YES im talking about the nylon socks girls wear. The holes allow for near unrestricted airflow and at the same time manages to block a lot of dust. I have one over my radiator!!

Only badside is having to goto the store to buy them, the clerks look at you funny unless you can get a girlfriend or a friend thats a girl buy them for you. But then lots and lots of questions will be asked. :X

My suggestion, goto a store, pick up 99 cent pantyhose, cut and apply over the intakes.

 

[pkme2]

Since I've used 2 Ionic Breeze Quadras in my computer room, my dust situation has dropped about 85/90%. I noticed the difference when I wipe the counters and only a faint residue of dust appears. Dust affects my sinuses and the Ionic Breeze has helped my computers keep free of dust too.
I've had 4 IBs in the last 10yrs. through upgrading, and now they offer a 10yr replacement deal on the new units. The air feels super clean and my rigs seem to run better. Never had to clean a fan filter since.

 

[Zepper]

Are you not aware that Consumer Reports found several times that the Ionic Breeze units are expensive shams.

,bh,

 

[Boyo]

I've seen those in Sharper Image and they cost almost $500. I could get a lot of filters for that price.

 

[firewolfsm]

All of the filters will make noise too, I just got a wire finger guard, they work fine.