What type of fan filter do you prefer?

[JediJorgie]

I am aware of the foam and aluminum filters, but haven't seen any other kind if they exist. What do you like best? I'm planning on using it on 120mm intake fan, if it makes a difference.

 

[beatle]

I use foam filters. The one on my 120mm fan came from Directron. The one for my front case fans came with my case.

 

[HardWarrior]

Aluminum works well but also start to clog far to quickly for my tastes. As for foam, the higher grade (meaning not as dense) seems to get the job done without clogging as fast. TBH, I've had better luck just vacuuming my computer room often.

 

[0roo0roo]

none, u either have to clean filter or case... its work either way. filters cut airflow though esp when clogged. to overcome a better filter, u gotta up fan speed or suffer drop in airflow.. more noise less cooling.

 

[JediJorgie]

I'm working on silencing my case as best I can, so I'll be using some quieter, low output fans. I think I'll skip the filter. Thanks for the input.

 

[Zepper]

svc.com has several different types of filters other than the ones you mentioned, but I don't know if they fit 120mm. I use pieces of Air Conditioner filter material and that works well for me.
..bh.

 

[sodcha0s]

An old piece on pantyhose works wonders...

 

[gmcttr]

I have room behind the front cover of my Antec case to use a piece of 1" thick fiberglass funace filter cut to fit. Very cheap and takes forever to clog enough to restrict airflow.

 

[NeoPTLD]

What about a piece cut out from a washable furnace filter?

 

[0roo0roo]

lol i did that before. i just used wide masking tape to attach it to the outside of the case over the vent areas. let it bulge out a bit too so there was space between for more surface area. effective dust trap. but lowers flow a bit. easy cleaning with vacumn, but ugly.

yes u can say wtf http://www.fox302.com/index.pl?s=vf&user=oroooroo&category=cases&file=GhettoFilteredcase.jpg

i use a plain chieftec now.. no filters for lower fan rpm

 

[wkwong]

i'd say, don't use filters. they restricting a lot of the air flow and for small computer fans with relatively low air pressure, it won't be able to effectively push through the filters.

i actaully just reviewed the common black filters u can get from most online mod shops. first of all, i'm not here to spam my site, so dont give me crap about that. i just happen to think that this might be of some help. i do have two funny little video clips at the end of the first page to show you how much air they block.

http://www.insomnia-tech.com/reviews/filter/page1.php

anyways, now that we all know those filters suck. my beantech case did come with this 1cm thick filter that had REALLY large holes. it kinda looked like a messed up spider web. i guess it helps, but i dont think it filters too much stuff out. hth.

 

[JediJorgie]

Those movies definately proved the point. I knew filters restricted airflow, but not that much. Screw filters, I've got a vacuum.

 

[JediJorgie]

Speaking of vacuums, do you guys know of any small, handheld vacuums that would be perfect for cleaning a case? I know they have Dust Busters and the like, but something with hose attachments would be best.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: JediJorgie
Speaking of vacuums, do you guys know of any small, handheld vacuums that would be perfect for cleaning a case? I know they have Dust Busters and the like, but something with hose attachments would be best.

The intakes on those are just too big. I was thinking about getting an air compressor and a fine nozzel to use.

 

[JediJorgie]

An air compressor would work, I know a friend of mine does that, but I'm looking for something a little more portable to bring back to school in the fall.

 

[Zepper]

I got one a while back that was quite nice - I think it was a Bissel stick vacuum, but the handle was detachable and it had a hose and other attachments as well as the floor cleaning head. I got a set of tools specifically for cleaning small places like in computer equipment - Dirt Devil made the tool kit and it was about $10. The kit had several shapes of nozzles, brushes and nozzle extensions. It will fit just about any vacuum with a hose.
.bh.

 

[Slickone]

You can get mini attachments in a set of like 6 at Lowes that attach to the standard size wet vac rigid hose; Good for the car, PC, etc.

Also, as mentioned, I would think keeping the floor vacuumed often would help.

 

[0roo0roo]

dustbuster too weak. i just use hose attachment for nomal vacumn to suck up dust i blow off using can o air.

and yea, case fans are too weak for filters. u need a blower or something to handle that kinda back pressure. or atleast setup the fans in series..basically double em up or more, which is a pain