Dust filter for PC cases

[genkidama]

Hey there folks!

I was just wondering what you guys think about dust filter for your PC cases. As I develped an allergy to dust and see that my PC is twirling around a lot of dust I thought about making some filters myself instead of buying ones.

So the question is, have you any experience with creating dust filters DIY style? I read about making some with old nylons or fly screens and stuff like that. Or do you prefer to buy specially made dust filters for your case? I got some for aroun 4-5$.
Do they really help reducing dust twirling around or is this just a subjective thing?

P.S.: I didn't know where to put this topic, as I just wanted to get some general info from y'all and try to create one some time later.


Cheers,
genkidama

[SpAmRaY]

You can take a piece of cardboard cut it size and pull the panty hose over it. It's better than nothing.

The trick to any dust filter is going to be how much does it restrict your airflow and/or if that matters in your situation.

Obviously to really keep dust out of a PC case you'd have to have some sort of filter at every inlet or not use any fans and have the case completely sealed.

[tp4tissue]

You can take a piece of cardboard cut it size and pull the panty hose over it. It's better than nothing.

The trick to any dust filter is going to be how much does it restrict your airflow and/or if that matters in your situation.

Obviously to really keep dust out of a PC case you'd have to have some sort of filter at every inlet or not use any fans and have the case completely sealed.

The Dust filters that "really work" like pantyhose severely hampers airflow..

Best way to get around that is to have an external water cooling radiator that you can dust easily.

And use only 2 fans near the top of your PC case with very "fine" filters, to remove trapped hot air.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I need a new dust filter for my Hoover MaxExtract PressurePro Model 60...

[genkidama]

The trick to any dust filter is going to be how much does it restrict your airflow and/or if that matters in your situation.

Obviously to really keep dust out of a PC case you'd have to have some sort of filter at every inlet or not use any fans and have the case completely sealed.

In Some of the forums I found the DIY tutorials the people told that the airflow isn't that restricted as the nylons aren't that restrictive for air but for dust.
I don't think that a completely sealed case is good for the temperature and stuff, only if you have a watercooling system or something like that.

The Dust filters that "really work" like pantyhose severely hampers airflow..

Best way to get around that is to have an external water cooling radiator that you can dust easily.

And use only 2 fans near the top of your PC case with very "fine" filters, to remove trapped hot air.

So what about "Organza"? It's a very fine cloth/fabric and can be used as a "very fine filter" if done properly.

I'm just really curious how to get the control of my dust produced or twirled by my PC as my allergies are driving me crazy.

@Computer-Lab in Basement: Real nice, real nice. 

[tp4tissue]

I need a new dust filter for my Hoover MaxExtract PressurePro Model 60...

Can't say I'm a fan of carpet...

It's essentially a "sock"  that you could never thoroughly wash..

You try to, but since you can't really effectively "rinse" the damn thing, there's always gonna be "forever-dirt" stuck in there..

[tp4tissue]

The trick to any dust filter is going to be how much does it restrict your airflow and/or if that matters in your situation.

Obviously to really keep dust out of a PC case you'd have to have some sort of filter at every inlet or not use any fans and have the case completely sealed.

In Some of the forums I found the DIY tutorials the people told that the airflow isn't that restricted as the nylons aren't that restrictive for air but for dust.
I don't think that a completely sealed case is good for the temperature and stuff, only if you have a watercooling system or something like that.

The Dust filters that "really work" like pantyhose severely hampers airflow..

Best way to get around that is to have an external water cooling radiator that you can dust easily.

And use only 2 fans near the top of your PC case with very "fine" filters, to remove trapped hot air.

So what about "Organza"? It's a very fine cloth/fabric and can be used as a "very fine filter" if done properly.

I'm just really curious how to get the control of my dust produced or twirled by my PC as my allergies are driving me crazy.

@Computer-Lab in Basement: Real nice, real nice. 

I gave up on the dust battle a long time ago, I my computer case completely open with low rpm fan.

I dust it once every 3 months.

When I had carpet, I had to dust it every single month..

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I need a new dust filter for my Hoover MaxExtract PressurePro Model 60...

Can't say I'm a fan of carpet...

It's essentially a "sock"  that you could never thoroughly wash..

You try to, but since you can't really effectively "rinse" the damn thing, there's always gonna be "forever-dirt" stuck in there..

It's a Breaking Bad reference, if you're not a fan you probably won't get it...

[tp4tissue]

I need a new dust filter for my Hoover MaxExtract PressurePro Model 60...

Can't say I'm a fan of carpet...

It's essentially a "sock"  that you could never thoroughly wash..

You try to, but since you can't really effectively "rinse" the damn thing, there's always gonna be "forever-dirt" stuck in there..

It's a Breaking Bad reference, if you're not a fan you probably won't get it...

oh.. lol, I am a fan, but I don't pay that much attention to the details.. I remember the reference now... good drop

[genkidama]

I need a new dust filter for my Hoover MaxExtract PressurePro Model 60...

Can't say I'm a fan of carpet...

It's essentially a "sock"  that you could never thoroughly wash..

You try to, but since you can't really effectively "rinse" the damn thing, there's always gonna be "forever-dirt" stuck in there..

It's a Breaking Bad reference, if you're not a fan you probably won't get it...

I'm watching Breaking Bad, but I'm still at season 2 and if my googling was correct I'll come across this reference at season 4.

I gave up on the dust battle a long time ago, I my computer case completely open with low rpm fan.

I dust it once every 3 months.

When I had carpet, I had to dust it every single month..

But.. but... I just....

[DustEND]

Hi all
For my PC case I use the foam material with an open cell (Polyurethane). I recommend thes the dust filter for PC cases.

[tp4tissue]

DustEND,   are you going to try to sell us foam via Ebay ??

[DustEND]

I don't sell, I just love this the dust filter.

[tp4tissue]

A box-fan Airfilter for you room would work better (assuming 24/7 operation) (closed room),

But of course, box fan is a bit louder than most Quiet PCs.


Also, you can get those FPR 7 filtrete filters for ~ $5 each..  20inch x 20 inch

So if you pleat and cut those up.. They're much more effective as dust blocking filters vs the foam sheets.


The foam only blocks very large particles.

[genkidama]

I bought a PC case with filters with them. I'm not sure if this company is known around here but it's this case:

Fractal Design Core 3500 (without the window)
It has stuff like this:

already build-in and the construction is in such a way that cleaning it is quite comfortable.
It also got a filter at the bottom of the case where the power supply sucks in the air, so I had to place the case a little bit higher. I'm quite happy with it, although I still think that there is still too much dust flying around in the room.

[OfTheWild]

Whats your fan setup and cooling needs?

More often than not, you probably could make some adjustments to the setup and fan control to reduce the amount of dusty air getting sucked through your case. I've done a few fan-less builds which you never have to dust and are silent... i've also done the external water cooling as TP mentioned which is also very easy to clean regularly. I currently just gave up and use the long brush vacuum cleaner attachment to suck up what i want and then blast it with compressed air every once in a blue moon.

If you want to reduce the amount of dust in the room instead, I recommend one of these (also an option for those who have pets): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VGIGVY/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_b28iu_g121_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=QXBPDE4J0705C3R3K058&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=18321366-7895-511c-b177-5fff79d1a5d4&pf_rd_i=510192

[genkidama]

I dont have a particular setup whatsoever, I just use the fans I could get from fractal design (from where I got my case) and used the build-in filters and the one I bought myself some time ago.
I dont think that a water cooling system would give me less dust as you still would need to use fans to cool down as with water cooling you dont have any circulation and just cool some parts but not all parts of a component?

I dont have much of a cooling need as a need to have less dust flying around. I try to dust the pc and my room and to vacuum my room regularly (like once a week or so).


With your tipp for dust reduction: Doesnt it make the air quite dry so that you risk to get a cough or something like that due to too dry air?
For me it would be a little overkill as it seems to clean everything out like a soap that kills almost every bacteria ^^

[tp4tissue]

With your tipp for dust reduction: Doesnt it make the air quite dry so that you risk to get a cough or something like that due to too dry air?
For me it would be a little overkill as it seems to clean everything out like a soap that kills almost every bacteria ^^

Hahahahha.  nawh.. only air CONDITIONING makes air dry, because the condenser pulls moisture out of the air.

An air FILTER does not do it, it only removes dust..   The Humidity of your room remains constant.

[OfTheWild]

I dont have a particular setup whatsoever, I just use the fans I could get from fractal design (from where I got my case) and used the build-in filters and the one I bought myself some time ago.
I dont think that a water cooling system would give me less dust as you still would need to use fans to cool down as with water cooling you dont have any circulation and just cool some parts but not all parts of a component?

I dont have much of a cooling need as a need to have less dust flying around. I try to dust the pc and my room and to vacuum my room regularly (like once a week or so).

With your tipp for dust reduction: Doesnt it make the air quite dry so that you risk to get a cough or something like that due to too dry air?
For me it would be a little overkill as it seems to clean everything out like a soap that kills almost every bacteria ^^

I mean like what are your computing needs? are you cranking out video rendering or gaming for hours on end that require lots of cooling to keep hardware within range? If you're just browsing the internet and checking emails, You can probably reduce the fans and airflow to where its manageable and that will keep it from filling up with dust. Ducting airflow to where it is needed helps as well. Like i mentioned, I've built fan-less systems that are essentially dust free since theres no fans blowing dust into the case.

As for the water cooling, I think what we're getting at is that with an external radiator doing the cooling outside the case its much easier to run the vacuum over it than having to pull the case out from where you have it stashed and clean inside.

As for that air filter i linked, no its not for cooling or heating it simply removes dust/pollen/allergens.. and odor from the air. It work way better than buying expensive hvac filters - and using the cheap high-flow filters are better for your hvac system too. Return on investment within a year and you'll be much happier come pollen season too.

[tp4tissue]

Did ya'll look at my Tp4 Air filter thread ? in the Sig ?

[JaccoW]

I know lots of people in the Ncase M1 thread loved the magnetic DEMCifilter filters. Anything that is easy to clean helps.

[tp4tissue]

I know lots of people in the Ncase M1 thread loved the magnetic DEMCifilter filters. Anything that is easy to clean helps.

I think putting air filters on a computer case is the wrong place.. Should build box fan air filter..

[genkidama]

I dont have a particular setup whatsoever, I just use the fans I could get from fractal design (from where I got my case) and used the build-in filters and the one I bought myself some time ago.
I dont think that a water cooling system would give me less dust as you still would need to use fans to cool down as with water cooling you dont have any circulation and just cool some parts but not all parts of a component?

I dont have much of a cooling need as a need to have less dust flying around. I try to dust the pc and my room and to vacuum my room regularly (like once a week or so).

With your tipp for dust reduction: Doesnt it make the air quite dry so that you risk to get a cough or something like that due to too dry air?
For me it would be a little overkill as it seems to clean everything out like a soap that kills almost every bacteria ^^

I mean like what are your computing needs? are you cranking out video rendering or gaming for hours on end that require lots of cooling to keep hardware within range? If you're just browsing the internet and checking emails, You can probably reduce the fans and airflow to where its manageable and that will keep it from filling up with dust. Ducting airflow to where it is needed helps as well. Like i mentioned, I've built fan-less systems that are essentially dust free since theres no fans blowing dust into the case.

As for the water cooling, I think what we're getting at is that with an external radiator doing the cooling outside the case its much easier to run the vacuum over it than having to pull the case out from where you have it stashed and clean inside.

As for that air filter i linked, no its not for cooling or heating it simply removes dust/pollen/allergens.. and odor from the air. It work way better than buying expensive hvac filters - and using the cheap high-flow filters are better for your hvac system too. Return on investment within a year and you'll be much happier come pollen season too.

Thanks for the clarification. I do game for quite some time and code a bit here and there. Photoshopping is somewhat a just a hobby for me, but in all instances the fans need to wind up to keep up with my needs, especially while gaming.

Maybe this air filter system is something to think about as it really gets annoying to clean the pc/room so often. It's as if I clean the room today and after one day you already can see a slim layer of dust laying there and laughing at you for trying to clean up 

[Leslieann]

What I found over the years:

Get it up off the floor. This is the single biggest mistake.
That's where the dust endsup. Getting your pc even a few inches off the floor makes a world of difference. Wheels, cart, bricks, whatever, get it up from the dust bunnies. You run the system it blows dust, dust settled and again gets picked up and spread again.  Get it away from the source of dust and it won;t spread it around.

Forget the filters.
Just use a case with a full mesh front with large, slow fans, or no fans in front at all (large rear only). It may sound wrong, but If you don't pull dust in, it can't be sprayed out. Slow moving air allows dust to settle rather than get ejected. Yes, you may get some dust buildup inside, but we can minimize the effects by getting the dust to settle in the front of the case instead of on your heatsinks and such. Filters sound great, but I'm too lazy to mess with them.

Exhaust
No bottom fans, no blowholes and don't put it backed up against a wall. The bottom picks up dust and the top and wall just send it flying into the air. Room fans have the same problems, the just keep recycling the dust.  Got allergies and a room fan, turn the dang thing off!

Large heatsinks.
Larger surface means larger cooling surface and less airflow is needed across it to cool.  Small coolers mean faster moving air, and noise. Years ago my systems had nothing less than 90mm fans, today, none are less than 120 (the gpu uses a 90 still).

Keep the system clean
This sounds counter to the filters, but if you are not catching the dust at the front, then it can settle elsewhere. if it settles on heatsinks, the system will begin to work harder, and that means fans running faster and moving more air and more dust. It becomes a vicious cycle.


If you do want filters
Pantyhose work, but you need a large area in order for it not to clog fast, and slower, larger fans also keep from not only clogging small areas. Preferably no fans at the filter, this gives you maximum coverage. 

One thing guys that REALLY needs to be said though regarding this technique. It does work and works well, but go ask any woman about how delicate and easy they are to ruin, they are the bane of women everywhere. ANYTHING sharp will ruin them, women who wear them almost always have a spare pair close by (hence the the handy container) because they just never know how long they will last. They may seem cheap, but it will add up fast as you destroy them. I swear if you look at them funny they will tear and they rarely just get a small hole, it causes a run/tear that will run the whole length within seconds.

[Findecanor]

For a fan-filter fabric, I have seen recommendations from local modders for TERESIA curtain fabric from IKEA. It is a polyester gauze.
$9 USD for 39 square feet / 3.6 m² but I think you could also buy it by the yard or metre.