Yes, dust filters are worth it! As the name implies, they are designed to prevent excessive dust build-up inside the chassis.
While most argue thatthey impact airflow, know that this isonly at a minimum level.
Most modern PC cases areequipped with multiple dust filters, mainly at the top, front, and bottom.
Even if your case doesn’t offer any, you may easily purchase compatible ones online. Just ensure theirwidth and height match your PC case/fan size.
Well, manufacturers wouldn’t include themif they weren’t necessary, would they? Allow me to explain why dust filters are worthwhile.
Reduces Dust Buildup
Dust filters are made up offine nylon/thermoplastic mesh materialwhere every bit of dirt, hair strands, and dander is collected.
The thing is – dust always finds its way into the chassis whether it be with or without the filters. But in the latter case,the amount is greatly reduced.
Also, dust filters are the best when it comes topet-proofing your PC.
I understand that placing your PC out of their sight is quite impossible. By adding filters, youcreate a barrieragainst the abundant amount of pet hair and dander.
Thenylon ones are comparatively betterat capturing the pollutants, thanks to their finer mesh.
Don’t underestimate the plastic counterparts though! Even they are more effective than not placing any filters at all!
Doesn’t Require Frequent PC Cleaning
With less dust accumulation, it calls forcleaning the inside of your PC less often. That’s because the dust filters filter out every bit of dirt,allowing only clean airto enter inside.
However, you should also keep in mind thepressure inside the chassis, thePC’s placement, and your surrounding’s cleanliness.
In case your room collects too much dust, these filters can be of help but you’ll notice that theybecome dirty much sooner(especially those at the bottom).
Minute Airflow Restriction
Without dust filters, there would be no air obstruction at all.This sounds good in theory but in real-world scenarios, imagine howclogged your fanswould become!
That’s the reason PC cases are equipped with front panels (someinclude ventsfor better airflow while othershave a solid panel). You see, these are going to affect the airflow with or without the filters anyway.
After adding extra dust filters, the airflow is certainly restricted, but this isin a very minimal amount.
You’re going to notice only afew degrees increase in CPU/graphics card(maximum 5 to 10°C). This is also when the components are under heavy load or if you’re using poor-quality plastic filters.
In case it’s too concerning for you, there are other ways tocool down your rig. I recommendadjusting the fan speedandshifting the PC to a cool environmentfirst.
If nothing goes your way, considerinstalling an additional case fan. Since dust filters add resistance to the airflow, it’s better to opt forhigh-static-pressure fansas they work better in pulling air through the filter.
The only time airflow obstruction isconcerning iswhen the filters are clogged. When this happens, the mesh holes are filled with particles and no air can get in. You see, the importance of cleaning/washing them can’t be underestimated!
Slight Increase in Noise Level
The dust filters go right in front of the fans. This means theintake fans need to work harderto draw cool air, producing alittle more noisethan usual.
But again, this slight increaseisn’t much of a concernand only becomes worrying when the filters get clogged.
You could very wellreduce the fan speedto control the noise level. Just ensure the temperature inside the chassis isn’t impacted too much.
Should I Use Dust Filters?
Based on the above reasons, you probably got your answer – yes, you should definitely go for dust filterseven if your PC case doesn’t offer any.
Engineers have designed them in such a way that the air sufficiently passes through. Thus, the filters havenegligible differences in terms of airflow. Just ensure you clean them from time to time.
Purchase online or you may even create DIY dust filters. Get yourself amesh materialandmagnetic tapes. Measure the case/fan size andcut the meshaccordingly.
Place the dust filters near your intake fans (at the front and if possible, beneath the power supply) as well as the uncovered vents.
The exhaust sides don’t really require one. Even so, I recommendplacing a filter at the topas this is the main spot where the dust settles down and can enter from the nooks and crannies.
