Cleaning Fortress Fan Filters

[OLDPHART]

Right just cleaned my FTO1 fan filters for the first time, built August/09, filters were well clogged up with dust. The front fan filter is no problem at all, off with the left hand side panel, pull filter out. Clean the thick off with a paint brush both sides, a quick blast of air(Air Duster) good as new.

The rear top filter is cleaned by removing the fan assembly,
Removal guide link click on Q1-

http://www.silverstonetek.com/qa/qa_contents.php?pno=FT01&area=usa

But I also took out the screws out of the two locking bars which hold the side panels in place and gently ease them out to one side. To me it makes the job a lot easier-

A- you can see the two screws that have to be removed, easier to get at with screw driver.

B-easier to remove fan assembly.

Again remove filter from the fan assembly, clean the thick off with a paint brush both sides, then a quick blast of air. Then cleaned the fan assembly, put fan assembly back in place and locking bars, I just turned the screws till they stop and no more, makes them easier to get out next time as one or two were very tight. Then brushed the whole case interior down, again a blast of air all over including the radiator of my H50, put front filter back and side panels. All told the job takes about half an hour, result a cooler running PC, clean filters every two to three months .

Tools needed-

1- Screwdriver, make sure it's the correct fitting head, also do not use cheap screwdrivers as the metal tends to be soft and the tip of the screwdriver gets easily chewed if the screw is tight which slips and chews the head of the screw....

2-Paint brush(30cm l also taped over the metal shroud to prevent shorts) loosens the dust off makes a better job after being blasted with air...

3-Air buster, remember to keep the can up right as much as possible when using to avoid possible discharge of liquid gas...

 

[Diggsy]

If you have a decent vacuum then you can do the top filter from outside the case. I used my Dyson upright and it worked perfectly.

I would advise doing this with the system switched off, but it worked a treat for me.

 

[OLDPHART]

To the above, l use to do that got a very good hoover one designed for pets. You might pull some dust of the filter but not a 100%, so it will still build up over time. Even blasted filter from inside with Air Duster before using hoover still do's not do the job. l know as l removed the fan assembly to check, best method for cleaning is to remove the fan assembly pull filter out and clean. All for the sake of about ten minutes to remove, clean and replace fan assembly to do the job properly every two to three months, depending on how dusty your room gets where you keep your PC.

 

[C64]