Need an ingenious PSU fan filter solution

IT Troll · 12 Mar 2015 at 17:27

I need an ingenious PSU fan filter solution for a future HTPC build. The case I am using is an all aluminium Lian Li PC-C50. It takes a full size ATX PSU which is mounted fan down to suck in cool air. The trouble is there is no filter, or obvious way to fit one.

The case foot gets it the way some what and the aluminum means magnetic solutions won't work. I have seen a post where someone just gaffer taped a filter into place. I am hoping for a more elegant solution that would make it easier to clean the filter. Any ideas?

IT Troll · 12 Mar 2015 at 18:49

setter said:
Could you not use a few of those small velcro adhesive pads?

I'm not sure how these would fix to the filter, but I'm liking the idea of using Velcro.

IT Troll · 12 Mar 2015 at 18:53

mushtafa said:
Is there enough gap between PSU and case to slide a filter in?

I think there is (if it was thin) but I think you would have to remove the PSU to clean it.

A pair of over the PSU would work, but would be a pain to clean.

Pair of tights? Yeah that would be pain.

Or, move that rear foot.

That could work, if I can move it right into the corner a more standard filter might fit.

IT Troll · 12 Mar 2015 at 19:23

setter said:
You can purchase rolls of velcro with a peel of backing that exposes the adhesive side...

Yeah I get the sticky Velcro bit. But do you mean stick this direct to the filter material or would I still need some kind of filter holder? I can't see the adhesive sticking to the filter too well.

Also. In lian li cases the psu sits on raised rubber coated rails so you wouldnt need to remove the psu to clean the filter.

I think once the filter was in position between the PSU and case and the case filled with components it would effectively be trapped. It might be a case of just sliding the PSU out of the way a little to gain access which wouldn't be so bad I guess.

IT Troll · 14 Mar 2015 at 08:18

Apem said:
Could get one made to fit by Demciflex

Wow, I didn't even know this was an option. This would result in a very neat solution with easy access for cleaning. They actually show an example of a bottom filter shaped around a case foot. And they offer adhesive magnetic frames for aluminium cases.

Sounds perfect, I suspect it's going to be expensive...

IT Troll · 14 Mar 2015 at 08:30

C64 said:
velcro pads would be best idea without using tools

I am still struggle to understand how I could use Velcro. I could cut some filter material to the correct shape but then I can't see Velcro sticking direct to the filter. If the idea is to stick Velcro to a standard filter holder then I would have to move the foot.

IT Troll · 19 Mar 2015 at 10:31

Thanks for all the input guys. I though I would update you on the winning solution.

I looked at moving the foot but even if I moved it as far as possible into the corner I still wouldn't be able to fit a standard square filter. The only other option would be to move it into the middle which seemed a bit weird.

So I got in touch with DEMCifilter SA about a custom DEMCiflex filter. I was amazed by the price. Price is calculated by area and so it is no more expensive than a standard off-the-shelf filter! The gotcha though is the international postage charge which makes a single filter quite expensive. However if you are also buying 2 or 3 others at the same time the cost balances out. International snail mail also adds a few weeks onto the delivery time.

Hopefully this isn't classed as competitor talk. I just thought it would be of interest to others looking for a similar solution.

IT Troll · 22 Apr 2015 at 19:28

Well it took a little while to arrive (economy delivery from South Africa), but I now have my custom DEMCiflex filter. I thought I would complete the circle by posting a pic of the end result for others considering this option.

IT Troll · 28 Apr 2015 at 09:43

Yes, magic in the form of a matching self-adhesive ferrous outline.

This sticks to the aluminium case then the magnetic filter frame attracts to that.

IT Troll · 28 Apr 2015 at 16:52

Mmmm, silky smooth.

Wouldn't work so well for my scenario though. No existing filter, nowhere to fit one and a non-standard shape/size.

IT Troll · 1 May 2015 at 09:10

Yes I could have mounted the PSU with the fan inside the case but that would make it difficult to the control air (and therefore dust) flow into the case.

Also as this is a HTPC I want to minimise noise. Giving the PSU a direct supply of room air should hopefully keep the fan spinning at a low speed.

IT Troll · 1 May 2015 at 09:12

C64 said:
try it for yourself maybe i just used the wrong denier but all i know is my temps went way up

Perhaps they were thermal tights? Might be better off with fish nets.