I've got all my new fans etc, & just wanted to know if anyone can recommend any specific filters that do not obstruct the airflow too much.

I have some now, but the grill part that screws to the fan has too much plastic obstructing the airflow.

I have 2 in mind. the links are below.

http://www.thecoolingshop.com/prod [...] ts_id/2423

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.asp [...] &U=strat15

thanks
Darren

If choosing between those two, I'd go for the top one you listed (with the diamond in the center). It appears as if it will obstruct airflow less. I guess its hard to be sure unless you have them in hand to compare though. There have been discussions in magazines, the most recent Maximum PC comes to mind, about making your own filters out of materials you might have laying around anyway.

Could always try that.

How about something of this type?
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/ [...] 36c223s546
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/ [...] 36c223s546
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/ [...] 36c223s549

They are solid mesh so they dont need plastic to support them. The only thing to watch is if your fans dont screw to the case but have a plastic snap-on housing they may not fit.

Didn't know that metal ones existed!

I'll buy 2 different ones, then test them out, since i need 2 anyway

So far, ive received the filter from maplin electronics, but haven't tested it since my 120mm fan hasn't arrived.

The filter itself has alot more fibres than the average filter, but this should be no problem since they are a lot finer & should allow for better airflow, but collect more dust because of the larger surface area. The material also smels as if its been sterilised??

With the filter, also comes a white grill thing (look at screenshots here http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.asp [...] p;U=s)that isn't really needed since it provides no real purpose except to obstruct airflow.

The plastic frame allows you to screw the whole lot to a fan, but once attatched, can seperate so you can hoover it once it becomes clogged with dust. Also, the plastic grills don't cover too much area, so this should allow better airflow.

I'll post test results once my new fan arrives.

Darren

Old T-shirts, cut into appropriate-sized squares, make good fan filters. Just stretch the material out over a frame that fits over the intake side of the fan - and make sure the material is stretched enough that you can see through it.

El-cheapo solution, but strangely effective.

That's... an interesting idea.

*scurries off to set up another testbed*

interesting idea
although wouldnt the material rip if you pulled it tight then had screws going through it?

I use package foam, you know that anti static kind that comes with your new mother board. Works good for my 2- 10 inch motorized fans

I agree with everyone that all filters restrict airflow, but here are the ones that I own.

http://www.xoxide.com/lascutfangri.html

Many colors to choose from and 80mm and 120mm sizes.

For a 120mm fan, cut a 140x140mm piece of fabric. Take some stiff wire - like a coathanger - and make a frame with 4 little loops for the screws. Use the extra 10mm flaps on the sides around the frame to secure the fabric square to the frame - stitching, glueing, whatever works.

if you want to go cheap, you could always use a bounce sheet plus they make your room smell good

i've personally been using these for about two years and they're FABULOUS. i have one machine that has a total of 12 fans, and these are on the four case intake fans and they're great! about once a month i take a big paintbrush and brush the collected dust off of them, and sometimes it's about the thickness of dryer lint. it's GREAT knowing that crap isn't in the cpu!

Valis

You might wanna add that the T-shirt should be washed first - otherwise it could give the computer a bad case of B.O.

Personally I've found the biggest cause of lint and dust is cheap-o carpeting. Just walking around on it breaks the fibers and lofts them into the air. My brother has his PC in a room with the fake hardwood flooring and although his house is usually much dirtier than mine , his PC dust bunny problem is much less than mine.