Fan grill designs effect on noise and airflow.

[AlexTSG]

I just saw a link to this article on Reddit and thought with the amount of case modding and designing around here, that someone might be interested.

Effects of Grill Patterns on Fan Performance/Noise

Fan grills are a component in a computer that is often underestimated in terms of their contribution to both system noise and airflow. Most often, grills are chosen based on aesthetics with only a small thought towards performance. In this article, we will be examining nine different grills to...

www.pugetsystems.com

TL;DR - A simple wire grill on a fan is best.

 

[Valantar]

Thanks for the link, this can definitely be useful. Particularly for those wanting to design laser cut vents and not use a wire grille, this provides a great guide to the tradeoffs involved with each design. Bookmarked!

 

[StonedTablet]

Wait, if no grill is the quietest and has the most airflow whats the point of the fan grill?

mesh maybe for dust?

 

[CJKerr]

Wait, if no grill is the quietest and has the most airflow whats the point of the fan grill?

To keep fingers and debris out of the fan...

 

[tinyitx]

And to keep your pet from seeing a vet...

 

[Revenant]

Wait, if no grill is the quietest and has the most airflow whats the point of the fan grill?

mesh maybe for dust?

My cat keeps stick it's nose into the fans of PCs....I've tried negotiating with her to stop, but they broke down after she go distracted by the LEDs and a quick moving shadow. I'm afraid I need a fan grill.