Define Cynical Fan Forums

As promised to some people. This is my newest computer which I've been working on for a while:



When I got it second-hand from my uncle, it was noisy, collected a lot of dust, and didn't exactly run cool. Over the past few weeks I replaced the CPU and GPU heatsinks and all the fans except in the power supply. The filter is a furnace filter I got for $7 from Home Depot. Now it runs quiet as a whisper, the CPU/mobo run 15C/5C cooler under full load, and only time will tell if it accumulates any dust whatsoever. My guess is no :V




(Decoration in this last pic was not mine btw)

To show some of the inner construction, here it is without the filter on:

Awesome, I've always wanted to see someone build a computer out of duct tape and cardboard. Very impressive.

That filter is just awesome. May dust never enter your computer as long as ye both shall live.

wow, that's the best idea ever.

Jason Jason why is it so big?

probably, he just couldn't find a slightly smaller filter.

Jason Jason why is it so big?

My goal with all of this was to make the computer as quiet and clean as possible. Mixing these two traits poses a challenge (while still keeping the airflow up/heat down) because they compete. To keep the case clean, you need a filter. But filters tend to restrict airflow, and make your fans have to speed up (ie. get noisier) to provide the same amount of cooling. Worst of all, any "normal" filters you buy for computers are terribly ineffectual when it comes to trapping dust. All they're really good for is trapping larger particles like cat hair. They have larger pores so as not to restrict airflow as much-- which they still fail at while only capturing half of the dust (I've tried numerous brands to compare; some decrease dust and airflow a lot, some decrease both very little, but it's always proportional).

The reason for this is their small surface area. The more surface area you have, the greater volume of air that can pass through travelling at the same speed. My filter is 50cm x 63cm. The filter's surface area is approximately doubled by the folds in it. This provides enough surface area that my case fans can pull as much air as they need at their normal RPMs without the need for a more porous (read: ineffective) filter.

Another major design consideration was to make sure the air pressure inside my case stayed greater than outside (most computer cases are the opposite ). This is to prevent dust entering my computer through cracks and holes in the case, as air will always be flowing out, not in. To accomplish this, I have 3 intake fans (2 120mm, and 1 80mm; two of the fans are hidden in the pictures; there is one on the front and one on the bottom of the case) and I have 1 exhaust fan (the one in my power supply) and 2 open vents. I tested all vents and holes on my case for sufficient outward airflow using a small square of paper attached to a thread. Higher air pressure inside the case may have some small cooling bonus as well since higher density theoretically means higher thermal transfer. Just an idea, but it's doubtful that it's of much significance in this case.

In summation: Huge filter = zero dust and zero reduction in performance.

Aaah physics. <3

That is fantastically makeshift. Love it.

Aaah physics. <3

this to a T.

awesome project is awesome =D

My dad has a completely sealed water-cooled computer at work. It's really weird looking.

I find out if I can get pics of that.

Anyways, nice going!

I think I already commented but still, may dust never get in your computer innards or up your nose.

(How the hell did I miss this until now?) Damn, that thing just gave me a geek-gasm. I am in awe.

Tyvm guys \(:/

(How the hell did I miss this until now?) Damn, that thing just gave me a geek-gasm. I am in awe.

Haha thanks :D I told Liz yesterday I was especially looking forward to your comment because I know you're the kind of person that can appreciate this type of geekery.

Also waiting in great anticipation for Tai's insightful post.

All of these comments are full of VICIOUSNESS and VENOM and is proof that DC has gone to hell.


(Also how do you do these things Jason? =()