I expected this to have come up before, but I couldn't find anything by searching the forum, so here goes:
My HTPC is in an Antec Fusion case, which is nice except for the lack of dust filters. It's not that much of a problem - just clean it out every now and then - but the Antec case does hoover up any dust that wafts in its general direction! There's a wood burning fire in the room as well, which doesn't help at this time of year.
I reckon I've got three options.
1. Keep cleaning out the dust every few weeks (which is what I've been doing up to now).
2. Get a new case with dust filters (don't really want to do that)
3. Add some filters to my existing case (seems like the best option)
The Fusion case has lots of intake grilles and slots, so the obvious thing to do is just cover them all with some dust filter foam. Doesn't have to look too tidy because the machine's in a cabinet and only the front is visible most of the time. There's an annoying narrow intake all around the front panel which may be a problem - possibly could just tape that up without affecting air flow that much as the rest of the case is so airy.
So, has anybody here had any experience with retro-fitting dust filtering? There are the nice-looking (but quite expensive) magnetic filter panels like the ones QuietPC sell (although they'd only be useful for the square grilles), and the cheaper foam sheets - any recommendations on what's good without restricting air too much?
Is it worth the effort, or should I just keep attacking it with the paint brush and hoover every month? Even with the dust from the fire it doesn't get as bad as some machines I've seen from houses with dogs and/or smokers, so possibly occasional cleaning is the best thing.
What do people reckon? Or has anybody actually tried to dust-proof a Fusion?
Rob
My HTPC is in an Antec Fusion case, which is nice except for the lack of dust filters. It's not that much of a problem - just clean it out every now and then - but the Antec case does hoover up any dust that wafts in its general direction! There's a wood burning fire in the room as well, which doesn't help at this time of year.
I reckon I've got three options.
1. Keep cleaning out the dust every few weeks (which is what I've been doing up to now).
2. Get a new case with dust filters (don't really want to do that)
3. Add some filters to my existing case (seems like the best option)
The Fusion case has lots of intake grilles and slots, so the obvious thing to do is just cover them all with some dust filter foam. Doesn't have to look too tidy because the machine's in a cabinet and only the front is visible most of the time. There's an annoying narrow intake all around the front panel which may be a problem - possibly could just tape that up without affecting air flow that much as the rest of the case is so airy.
So, has anybody here had any experience with retro-fitting dust filtering? There are the nice-looking (but quite expensive) magnetic filter panels like the ones QuietPC sell (although they'd only be useful for the square grilles), and the cheaper foam sheets - any recommendations on what's good without restricting air too much?
Is it worth the effort, or should I just keep attacking it with the paint brush and hoover every month? Even with the dust from the fire it doesn't get as bad as some machines I've seen from houses with dogs and/or smokers, so possibly occasional cleaning is the best thing.
What do people reckon? Or has anybody actually tried to dust-proof a Fusion?
Rob