fan filters

does anyone use them. are they worth it. and how much do they hinder air flow

 

Yes. I use a fan filter. I purchased a 15X24 "cut it yourself" Purolator room air conditioner filter. It's thin foam, and has plastic square gridwork in it. I cut it to the size I needed, and using the picky part of velcro installed around my fan opening, I can just put the filter on like that.
Restriction is minimal, but you need to clean them regularly. I'm a single guy, so my house is a pig sty. LOL I wash the filter every few months. I've cut two of them to fit my fan, so I can just change it, and not have to wait for the other one to dry after I wash it.

Keeps out the large dust, but real fine particles do get thru. So all you get is some very fine dust inside the case, but no dust bunnies. The dust that does get thru, is so fine, it's not enough to create a packing effect in the heat sinks. Gets more like just a thin dust surface film.
Another good supplimental trick is to take a few strips of duct tape, and put them adhesive side up, in the bottom of the case. Tape them down to the case across the ends, and across the center of the strips(you don't want them coming loose and getting attached to a fan !). They do a great job of grabbing the fine dust. Replace the strips when your finger no longer sticks to them !!! If only my house was a clean as my computer. ROTFL

 

I have several PC's all use Filters, all home made, my favorite material is Nylons, it's also the least restrictive.

I wouldnt run without filters

 

Also use filters cut from foam for window airconditioners.

Have taken apart all my PC's and sealed evey little nook and cranny with duct tape and all fans exhaust out the back with filters in the front of Harddrives where the air intake is.

Biggest downside is I have to take off sides and front of PC to clean filters.

 

so how do you do it with the nylons. do you do a sleve over the fans and ports or what.

 

Ive got few ways depends on the case & fans
Lot's of cases have removable plastic cover on top of case fans I have one I just sliped nylon over it, some I just remove the front cover & tape the Nylon on top then replace the front cover, some I just wrap around the fan & little electric tape then mount the fan.
I have 1/2 dozen PC's thier all a bit different, ya just have to be alittle creative.

You can buy filter's for most any fan but I like the my custom work better.
Another thing I like about the nylons they are avaible in different colors, I mostly use black.
I also plug/tape/fill any & holes gapes etc.

 

Here's mine, made with a piece cut from a "universal A/C filter". Also note my clever use of a 99cent buisness card holder, as an air diverter for the P.S. exaust. Keeps the warm air from getting recirculated back in the intake fan that's just below it. LOL