Dust prevention?

[dfanatic86]

So I've read up on how people deal with dust build up. I'm kinda thinking out of the box on this one but what if you built a box that your tower inside? Obliviously adding plenty of intake fans and exhaust fans, with the addition of your intake fans having filters. In theory could this work? And would it be effective?

 

[beginner99]

- Get a case that already has fan filters and clean them regularly

- Never put the case directly on the floor. The higher up is obviously the better

- The more you clean your house / flat / computer room the less dust there will be

And finally you can't completely prevent it and depending on were you live (eg. desert area probably more problematic) a regular cleaning of case will still be needed.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

- Get a case that already has fan filters and clean them regularly

- Never put the case directly on the floor. The higher up is obviously the better

- The more you clean your house / flat / computer room the less dust there will be

And finally you can't completely prevent it and depending on were you live (eg. desert area probably more problematic) a regular cleaning of case will still be needed.

Or positive pressure

 

[dfanatic86]

I was just wondering, my computer is on a desk and sits about an inch and half from the bottom. As far as buying a case, I'll just make my filters. It would be way cheaper that way.

 

[Kukag]

I was just wondering, my computer is on a desk and sits about an inch and half from the bottom. As far as buying a case, I'll just make my filters. It would be way cheaper that way.

Most midrange cases these days come with a dust filter anyway, but if you're looking for a third party solution check out demciflex - also like someone mentioned above maintaining positive pressure is key! Negative pressure will create a small suction of air through small crevasses and openings around the case. Good luck!

 

[blastingcap]

Positive pressure + dense intake filters

If you don't have intake filters, make them out of just about anything, including air conditioning filters or dryer sheets (preferably after they've already been through the dryer, to make them less slippery)

 

[Blain]

Filters.
PC fans aren't designed to create any type of meaningful positive pressure.

 

[dma0991]

I was just wondering, my computer is on a desk and sits about an inch and half from the bottom. As far as buying a case, I'll just make my filters. It would be way cheaper that way.

It'll be the cheapest method but it won't be something that is convenient, easy to maintain or aesthetically pleasing. With my Silverstone magnetic air filters, they are easier to clean since they are magnetically attached to the side of my case.

The plastic frame gives it rigidity which DIY methods can't do if you're placing the filters on the side of the fan that sucks air. If it isn't rigid enough, the filter material will flex inwards due to suction and hinder the movement of the fan blades. I'm a very DIY person but there are just some things that are better left bought off the shelf.

 

[blastingcap]

It'll be the cheapest method but it won't be something that is convenient, easy to maintain or aesthetically pleasing. With my Silverstone magnetic air filters, they are easier to clean since they are magnetically attached to the side of my case.

The plastic frame gives it rigidity which DIY methods can't do if you're placing the filters on the side of the fan that sucks air. If it isn't rigid enough, the filter material will flex inwards due to suction and hinder the movement of the fan blades. I'm a very DIY person but there are just some things that are better left bought off the shelf.

If you have holes punched out in metal, but no filter mesh, then DIY filters should be fine and not intrude on the fan spinning.

Alternatively you could get something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811988017

I do that if there is no punched-out metal plate already there, and slap a dryer sheet over it. The fan suction keeps the dryer sheet in place. No problems so far. If you don't leave your PC on 24/7 then you may also need a few pieces of tape to tape the filter to something.

 

[Synthet1X]

Filters Filters Filters. And routine cleaning. Dust is inevitable, build up is preventable.