Dust Filters

[ricochet]

I have always used them but recently I have been reading/hearing many top builders/modders do not as they impede cooling and proper airflow I take it...

E.g. Listen at on 01:51 on this Singularity Computers video

It wouldn't be too much of a hassle to vacuum once a week or biweekly if I took mine out. \ However, I can see where in some situations a dust filter is really needed... like for a radiator in a water cooling system... that would be a royal pain in the butt to clean if filters weren't used right? I would appreciate everyone's input and experience on this topic.

 

[confusis]

It's amazing how quickly a PC can collect dust in some environments. I think filters are a good idea for most systems, but your results may vary.

I plan on using them in my next build!

 

[IntoxicatedPuma]

Sadly, I've seen much worse than this. I am frustrated that workstations from HP, Lenovo, Dell, etc.. never have filters.

 

[jeshikat]

The problem I have with dust filters is either they're not too restrictive but let finer dust through that's harder to clean, or they catch almost all the dust but choke the fans.

I like to run my systems with the fans as slow as they'll go without overheating, so I don't bother with dust filters and haven't had much issue.

 

[cmyk78]

Where I live in Alaska is insanely dusty and windy. We have dust storms 5-10 times a year. All the dust is glacial silt, blown off of the glacier and straight into town.

 

[ricochet]

The problem I have with dust filters is either they're not too restrictive but let finer dust through that's harder to clean, or they catch almost all the dust but choke the fans.

I like to run my systems with the fans as slow as they'll go without overheating, so I don't bother with dust filters and haven't had much issue.

So low rpm settings on fans = less dust sucked in... I may try this for a week or so as my filters are magnetic and easy to remove.

 

[BirdofPrey]

I live in the desert and have dogs.
I can't not have filters with how much dirt is in the air.

Filters being restrictive may slightly impede cooling, but it's not to a terrible degree, and it's easier to clean those than have to clean the circuit boards and up under wires and such frequently.

 

[Ceros_X]

Never use filters. No problems yet! If it gets dust that's what canned air is for (or a good set of lungs).

 

[Phuncz]

I hate them and love them at the same time. I wish I could live without them but I'm glad they are here.