Fan filter for Antec P182 rear fan

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UberCool
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Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2007 5:26 am
Location: UK

Fan filter for Antec P182 rear fan

Post by UberCool » Thu May 13, 2010 9:06 am

I have inverted the rear fan to keep the CPU cooler as it was receiving too much hot air from the graphics card. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to install an air filter over what was the CPU exhaust.

Are there easily workable solutions to this problem that don't involve cutting the grille out? :?

What I am after is a system that will allow me to take the filter out and clean it regularly. I can't use the fan screw holes to keep it in place, because that's where the fan is already attached. So something that holds to the metal grill similar to the front filters would be great. The fact that the grille is raised over the surface of the case doesn't help though... Ideas anyone?

lodestar
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Post by lodestar » Thu May 13, 2010 12:07 pm

Could you consider something like this fixed on the inside (case) side of the fan http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Silverst ... Filter-Kit? I see it is also claimed to help turn ".... the airflow into (a) more focused beam...", a bit like the Nexus BeamAir maybe.

UberCool
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Location: UK

Post by UberCool » Thu May 13, 2010 12:43 pm

Thank you, that looks a bit like what I am looking for. I am struggling with how to attach it:

- If I mount it inside, it's difficult to take out and clean regularly. I don't have easy access to the removable side panel.

- If I mount it outside, the four screw holes in the case are already used by the fan's rubber mounts. Again, to clean the filter I would have to open the case and remove the rubber mounts

So something that latches on the existing grille, the way the front dust filters do, would be ideal.

ascl
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Post by ascl » Thu May 13, 2010 12:55 pm

I have been looking at these:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/ ... &cPath=466

They look perfect.

danimal
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Post by danimal » Thu May 13, 2010 5:01 pm

ascl wrote:I have been looking at these:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/ ... &cPath=466

They look perfect.
i have 140mm version of those, the mesh is a little too tight for my taste, but it's about the best fit you'll find for the rear grill... 120mm is too small.

the other way to do it would be to take and stretch some pantyhose or something across the grill, then fasten it to the case with those sticky-back mesh/loop strips.

UberCool
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Location: UK

Post by UberCool » Fri May 14, 2010 12:56 am

That's a great find. Thank you both. :D

ascl
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Location: Sydney, Australia

Post by ascl » Fri May 14, 2010 1:37 am

3m has a 'high air flow' filter, which I am very curious about. Anyone used or seen this?

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... DVHLFVD2gl


My guess is it would be too restrictive... but you'd have a clean PC! :)

KayDat
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Post by KayDat » Fri May 14, 2010 8:31 am

Ah, I had the exact same problem (same case as well). My solution was to go to the local foam specialist store, Clark Rubber in my case, and buy some AC/air filter foam. 12mm thick sheet, cut it up to 120x120 to cover the fan, and grabbed some rare earth magnets to pin the filter to my case. Job done. =]
Last edited by KayDat on Mon May 17, 2010 1:40 am, edited 1 time in total.

ascl
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Location: Sydney, Australia

Post by ascl » Fri May 14, 2010 1:00 pm

Clark rubber eh? I can find one of them.... how restrictive is it tho? 12mm seems pretty thick! Also, what was the cost?

Thanks!

QuietCat
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Post by QuietCat » Fri May 14, 2010 3:07 pm

I've used some air conditioning / vent filters from the local hardware store. Need to go through the inventory to discover the right one. Paper ones are too restrictive. Spent $5 and a few minutes with scissors. Of course, you have to mount them with duct tape being a ducting product and all. ;-)

You could also rummage through the foam filter replacements for some of the home air purifiers.

Worker control
Posts: 126
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Wire mesh filters

Post by Worker control » Fri May 14, 2010 9:44 pm

I like these:
http://www.jab-tech.com/120mm-Aluminum- ... -1501.html

My typical use for them is the 92mm version with the two front intakes of the Antec Solo.

If you want to stand the filter off from the existing guard, you could use one or two of these:
http://www.jab-tech.com/120mm-Anti-Vibr ... -3534.html

Note: I'm not affiliated with Jab-Tech -- just a happy customer.

Alan

KayDat
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Post by KayDat » Fri May 14, 2010 10:21 pm

Ah hah sorry my mistake, not 12mm, 6mm. I used 12mm for another project. =P
I got a roll of 500x500mm 6mm thick foam for $10.65AUD at my local Clark Rubber. You can get smaller rolls if you want though. In any case, I slipped in a square of filter foam behind the case front intake filters, since I have a feeling the built-in filters don't do that great a job of filtering finer particles of dust.
Magnets are good because Antec cases are made of steel, and allow for quick and easy removal. Rare earth magnets, even small ones, hold on quite strongly as well. I have a filter pinned to the top intake of my P183, and the magnets are just holding on to the two screws, and the metal grille itself.

ascl
Posts: 279
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Location: Sydney, Australia

Post by ascl » Fri May 14, 2010 11:53 pm

500x500mm would be perfect for me... and 10 bucks is much cheaper than the 3m stuff (although whats the restriction like?).

KayDat
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Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Post by KayDat » Sat May 15, 2010 4:15 am

With an overhead halogen lighting up my fingers, you can easily see through the filter. Pop in to your local foam specialist store, and take a look for yourself I guess.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/k ... G_0045.jpg

ascl
Posts: 279
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Location: Sydney, Australia

Post by ascl » Sat May 15, 2010 4:19 am

Thanks for that, it looks pretty good! :)

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