Some Wire Mesh/Filter/Fan Grill Testing...

[ScottAllyn]

I originally posted this to Cutless009's Project "Formal Black" (http://www.xtremesystems.org/FORUMS/showthread.php?t=204469) thread but a few people have suggested that I make a stand-alone thread out of it, so...

I'm working on a new build and plan to use wire mesh for my fan filters. I've had good results with store-bought wire mesh filters in my current Antec900 build (which uses the filters in column #12 in the table below) but I wanted to see if I could find something with a finer "weave" for trapping some of the smaller dust particles that still get into my system. I have some 100 x 100 copper mesh here at the office, which I'm sure will filter out all but the finest dust particles, but it's pretty restrictive on the air flow and creates a *lot* of wind noise. Fan noise BAD! I have become more appreciative of silent computers in recent years. :D

McMaster Carr has a huge selection of wire meshes, so I ordered a bunch of 12" x 12" mesh samples from them, created a wind tunnel (or sorts) out of old/junk 120mm fan bodies (can you say "SilenX"?), and went about testing the meshes once I received them. Here's the results:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/mesh-data.png

...and a few photos of my crude little wind tunnel and the meshes/grills (click on 'em for larger images):

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/meshes-thmb.png (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/meshes.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/tunnel-front-thmb.png (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/tunnel-front.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/tunnel-rear-thmb.png (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/tunnel-rear.jpg)

For each mesh/grill, I noted the anemometer reading with the filter installed on the intake side of the wind tunnel and then again immediately after removing the filter. There's some turbulence inside the tunnel which caused my anemometer readings to bounce around a bit, so I just averaged out the numbers over a period of a few seconds and noted the before/after numbers for each mesh.

As I mentioned above, the main thing that I wanted to check with these meshes is their noise level with the Scythe S-Flex fans but figured that, since I actually have a little anemometer, I may as well check the air flow. Almost all of the meshes/grills are noisy when installed directly adjacent to the fan body, so I used an extra fan body as a shroud - made a world of difference, especially with the Ultra Kaze.

Here's a close-up of some mesh swatches to show (more or less) their "transparency" level (Click the image to see *all* of the swatches in the full-size photo):

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/mesh-swatches-thmb.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/mesh-swatches.jpg)

I didn't have any time to set that photo up, but it looks about right. The swatches are the first 10 meshes in the table above, in order from left to right, top to bottom.

Here are some shots of the various store-bought filters/grills (click on the thumbnails to see a larger version):

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no11-sm.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no11.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no12-sm.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no12.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no13-sm.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no13.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no14-sm.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no14.jpg)
http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no15-sm.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no15.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no16-sm.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no16.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no17-sm.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/fan-filter-no17.jpg)

If you're wondering about filter #13, that's the filter from the bottom of a Cosmos S case and it is yet another casualty of the Ultra Kaze fan - that thing is a menace!

I'm probably going to go with the 43 x 43 mesh for my own case (mostly because I already have 12 feet of it). It's a tight enough weave that it should keep most of the pet fur and much of the dust from entering the case, yet it still allows for good airflow and won't create any extra wind noise in my setup. If I didn't already have all of that 43 x 43 mesh, I'd probably go with the 60 x 60 (or the 70 x 70), which'll catch even more dust and still allow for decent air flow.

That copper mesh is too restrictive - even without looking at the numbers, you can just *feel* the difference at the end of the wind tunnel. With that weave as tight as it is, it won't take very long to build up an accumulation of dust and fur, which'll make the mesh even *more* restrictive - it'd probably require daily cleaning and I'm waaaay too lazy for that!

I'm sure there are flaws in my setup and test procedure but it told me what I needed to know - maybe it'll be useful to you guys. :)

11-Dec-2008 Notes:
I added the MeshX FanGuard, the fabric softener sheets, and the pantyhose. I can safely say that an Ultra Kaze has no trouble tearing a Snuggle fabric softener sheet to ribbons; at least it wasn't my finger this time.

The fabric softener sheets are more restrictive than the wire meshes and, after looking at them closely, I really don't think they'll do as good of a job at keeping dust and pet fur out of the cases. The sheets look a bit like a sheet of cob/tangle web that's been soaked in fabric softener "goop". There are areas full of relatively large openings and then areas where the "goop" clogs the openings. I'd worry about that stuff getting sucked out of the sheet and blown into the case. Then there's the smell... I know some of you guys like the smell, but it makes me sneeze. I tested them about an hour ago and my nose is still running. :wth:

The pantyhose performs quite well, tho it's very dependent upon how much you stretch it. If you don't stretch it at all, it's way too restrictive and'll probably kill your fans in no time. For my test, I stretched it to the point that the openings between the threads were approximately the same size as the openings in the 70 x 70 wire mesh (as judged by my eyes). I have no doubt that this will stop dust, but so will that 70 x 70 wire mesh and I think the mesh looks nicer (at least on the case).

13-Dec-2008 Notes:
Vapor made a comment that he thought the fabric softener sheets were supposed to be used (run through the dryer) before using them for fan filters. I was wondering about that when I tested them since they were clearly clogged up with the fabric softener, but some of the guys had mentioned liking the smell... so I figured I'd test them fresh out of the box. I've since soaked sheets from both brands in hot water, rinsed them thoroughly, and let them air dry. This, obviously, isn't quite the same as running them through the clothes dryer but it's about as close as I can get - I'm not going to throw them in with my clothes since fabric softener makes my skin itch.

The "used" sheets are now completely free of fabric softener (yay... no more stinky aroma!) and have actually shrunk a little bit. There's a much higher percentage of open areas now which are slightly smaller in size, due to the sheet fibers tightening up. I'd say they'll do a good job at trapping dust and pet fur. Both the Bounce and the Snuggle sheets look the same after washing out the detergent, so I only tested the Bounce sheet - check the chart above for the airflow numbers.

[Eddie3dfx]

Scott, these are the ones that I'm using.
Any idea where these would fall into the category above?

http://www.jab-tech.com/product_images/detailed/d_1076.jpg

Excellent test btw.

[ScottAllyn]

Eddie, that looks like the A.C. Ryan Alumino filter - same thing that I'm using in my Antec900 right now and #12 in the table above. I like those a lot - they do an excellent job of keeping out pet fur and also stop a decent amount of dust. They don't create much wind noise, even when mounted directly on a 1500 rpm fan, tho they do make an annoying whistle when attached directly to the Ultra Kaze at 3000 rpm. I think that "whistle" is a result of the ripple in the mesh because the 30 x 30 mesh I tested (which looks to be the same mesh density) doesn't make that noise.

[j.almonte]

excellent info...
in the chart which one is the silver with a dome ??

[Eddie3dfx]

Hmm... After looking at this picture, I think the ac ryan one is different from similar ones that have the same metal edging.
I'd have to take a look at mine again, but I believe these ac ryan ones have thinner mesh. These look much more air friendly than standard filters.
Hmm.. I may pickup some ac ryan ones :)

http://www.planetcomputerpisa.it/images/large/_Modding/Filtro-Ventola-AC-Ryan_1_LRG.jpg

As opposed to this (what I have

http://intamod.com.au/images/b59a_1.jpeg

[ScottAllyn]

excellent info...
in the chart which one is the silver with a dome ??

That'd be #11. I was really surprised when I first tested that one, as I thought it'd be pretty restrictive, but it doesn't hinder the airflow much at all. It is kinda noisy, though.

That's the filter that prompted me to make a shroud out of one of the extra fan bodies. With the shroud and a low/medium speed fan, it barely adds any noise. With the Ultra Kaze, that filter makes a *lot* of wind noise and the shroud doesn't really help.

[septim]

good info.

[ryan92084]

Q: did you use the regular or the hexx version of the ACryan meshx?

[ScottAllyn]

Q: did you use the regular or the hexx version of the ACryan meshx?

It's the Hexx version.

[Pellepel]

I know all are wire mesh you've tested, but what do you think of this (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_92&products_id=246)? Don't know if you know, but they're foam like. How restrictive are they compared to the wire ones? Great info :up:

[ThugsRook]

nice testing ~ thx :clap:

[ScottAllyn]

Pellepel, your link is broken; here's a good link (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_92&products_id=246). I actually have a bunch of those foam filters from a previous build - 'dunno why I didn't think to test them. I'll dig one out this evening and update my test table tomorrow when I get back to the office. My gut feeling is that they're going to be fairly restrictive, but we'll see...

[skinnee]

Excellent testing project! I've always wondering what the impact was on the mesh filters I use.

Thank you for testing and sharing! :up:

[Pellepel]

Pellepel, your link is broken; here's a good link (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_92&products_id=246). I actually have a bunch of those foam filters from a previous build - 'dunno why I didn't think to test them. I'll dig one out this evening and update my test table tomorrow when I get back to the office. My gut feeling is that they're going to be fairly restrictive, but we'll see...

Ah cool you figured it out. Yup I agree with you on the restrictive part.

[riccardo]

Hi Guys,
I'm new and I'm currently Building a custom Cosmos S Tower with a quad radiator on the top and a dual on the bottom.
I was thinking of buying Fan Grills and Filters and then had an idea while I was looking out of the Window. I saw the Window Screen and I thought I would use this instead of a Fan Filter.
It is pretty good and I can post some pictures if you like.
The Screen Mesh is easy to work with and very flexible and cheap :)

[ScottAllyn]

I know all are wire mesh you've tested, but what do you think of this (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_92&products_id=246)?

I tested one of these last night and have added it to the table in the first post - item #16. The one I tested is not *exactly* like the one in your link, but it's very similar and I suspect that all filters of this type will perform about the same. It blocked 25% of the air flow, which wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. It's definitely one of the quietest filters that I've tested - I couldn't hear any difference with the filter on or off when using the S-Flex.

I'm willing to bet that no animal fur is ever going to get through a filter like this and it'll likely keep out all but the finest dust, too. It'll probably start to get clogged up pretty quickly, tho - it'll need to be cleaned frequently so that it doesn't become even more restrictive.


I was thinking of buying Fan Grills and Filters and then had an idea while I was looking out of the Window. I saw the Window Screen and I thought I would use this instead of a Fan Filter.

Hi riccardo. I'd actually considered using window/patio screen when I started thinking about the meshes. The main deterrent for me was that I want a shiny silver color and those types of screens are usually dark gray or black. They also have a fairly open weave relative to most of the meshes that I've been looking at - good for airflow and larger debris (pet fur and large dust particles) but not as good for preventing the smaller dist particles from getting into the case. Still... I bet it's as good or better than many of the screens that come with the cases these days.

[HESmelaugh]

Wow, what a cool idea to test these different fan-grills!

Thanks for the testing! :up:

[Pellepel]

I tested one of these last night and have added it to the table in the first post - item #16. The one I tested is not *exactly* like the one in your link, but it's very similar and I suspect that all filters of this type will perform about the same. It blocked 25% of the air flow, which wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be.


Hey that isn't bad at all, I guess I'll keep mine. Thanks for testing Scott.

[zlojack]

Great test Scott.

It would be awesome if you took the time to show a photo of each type of filter you tested.

I know it's a PITA, but it would really make this review complete!

Good work!

[alacheesu]

Great job, thanks for sharing :up:

[Utnorris]

Nice job. Any idea where these would fall in your testing?

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=2333

They don't list a space size in the specs, but I am thinking #4.

Anyway, great job, should be a sticky in the guides section. :D

[demonkevy666]

Nice job. Any idea where these would fall in your testing?

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=2333

They don't list a space size in the specs, but I am thinking #4.

Anyway, great job, should be a sticky in the guides section. :D

my telstar case came with filters similar to that but the holes are way smaller and not shaped either just flat.

[Utnorris]

I got them for the looks. Keeping the dog hair out of the case was a bonus. :D

[ScottAllyn]

Nice job. Any idea where these would fall in your testing?

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=2333

That filter/grill is #11 in the table - I have about 20 of those in silver and black (impulse buy before I really knew what I wanted... even then I didn't know which color to get, so I got both). The hole size is actually larger than the openings in the 24 x 24 mesh, so I wouldn't expect it to keep a lot of dust out, tho it should do a decent job with pet fur. A nice layer of pet fur over the filter will probably help with the dust. :D

[Fairydust]

If you still have the setup up and running, please test some pantyhose/stockings. Great budget solution, with very easy and fast installation, in my experience better filtering than metal mesh.

[MomijiTMO]

I greatly benefited from this testing. Thanks.

[Utnorris]

That filter/grill is #11 in the table - I have about 20 of those in silver and black (impulse buy before I really knew what I wanted... even then I didn't know which color to get, so I got both). The hole size is actually larger than the openings in the 24 x 24 mesh, so I wouldn't expect it to keep a lot of dust out, tho it should do a decent job with pet fur. A nice layer of pet fur over the filter will probably help with the dust. :D

Here kitty, kitty, kitty....


If you still have the setup up and running, please test some pantyhose/stockings. Great budget solution, with very easy and fast installation, in my experience better filtering than metal mesh.

I have always wondered about whether it would work or cause too much restriction.

[ScottAllyn]

I'll test pantyhose and fabric softener sheets this week. I was hoping to do the fabric softener sheets this evening, but I forgot to get 'em while I was at the grocery store. One of these days I'm going to make a list... :D

[ScottAllyn]

I'll test pantyhose and fabric softener sheets this week.

Dear God! Did I just write that? :ROTF:

[Sadasius]

I'll test pantyhose and fabric softener sheets this week. I was hoping to do the fabric softener sheets this evening, but I forgot to get 'em while I was at the grocery store. One of these days I'm going to make a list... :D

What I find funny is that you did not mention picking up pantyhose at the store.....Anything we should know about? :rofl: Then again never mind....I don't want to know....:rofl: Just joking!

[Serpentarius]

how's the panty hose going? those are old school modder methods .. i wonder it still stands today ...

you know ... sometimes, the best method often found in the most common, unexpected way

[ScottAllyn]

how's the panty hose going? those are old school modder methods .. i wonder it still stands today ...

Well, they're not as tight as I thought they'd be and they have a really nice slimming effect but... oh wait, did you mean on the wind tunnel setup? :rofl:

I should have some numbers later in the week.

[Pellepel]

Well, they're not as tight as I thought they'd be and they have a really nice slimming effect but... oh wait, did you mean on the wind tunnel setup? :rofl:

I should have some numbers later in the week.

busted! :rofl:

[ScottAllyn]

I'll have the numbers for fabric softener sheets (bounce and snuggle) as well as pantyhose later this evening. I snapped some photos of all of the manufactured filters and will add them to the thread, as well. Just from "eyeballing" the fabric softener sheets, I can tell that they're not going to perform as well as the meshes as far as dust/fur intrusion goes - they have larger percentage of open areas than the meshes. I'd also worry about the fabric softener gel/goo getting sucked off the sheets and blown into the computer.

[Sadasius]

Yeah that's what I was thinking about the fabric softener sheets as well. I don't think it would be good for a rad with the detergent that is on there to get rid of static cling. It would coat the fins of the rad I believe anyway and just do more harm then good. Panty hose is where it's at....Good airflow, cheap and can be custom stretched over almost anything and you can get them in every color too to match a build. Kind of hard to beat!

[veedubfreak]

I run with these, although they are black, and its just the filter, ignore the fan. For some reason the webpage doesnt have the actual part i have listed online. They do get gummed up pretty quick, but i just take the vacuum to them every week or so. Seem to keep out about 90% of the dust. I rebuilt last weekend and the fans only had a very small buildup of dust, and the internals of the machine were spic and span.

http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0283132

[ScottAllyn]

I updated the table and added some notes at the bottom of the original post. My computer room reeks of fabric softener now! I don't know how you guys can stand that smell.

I'll add some more photos a bit later this evening.

[Vapor]

I thought you were supposed to use the dryer sheets first? :eek:

[ScottAllyn]

I thought you were supposed to use the dryer sheets first? :eek:

I was wondering about that but some of the guys have mentioned the smell, so I figured they must have been using them fresh out of the box. Plus, after tumbling around in the dryer for 30 mins, the condition of the sheet will be deteriorated by quite a bit - doesn't seem like it'd make a good filter at that point. Maybe I'll let one soak in hot water for a while, rinse it a few times, and then let it dry overnight before testing it with a fan tomorrow. Tho that seems like more trouble than it's worth...

[ryan92084]

It's the Hexx version.

: / ohh well, figured as much given the numbers

i assume #17 is close if not identical to the regular meshx then

i already liked the amount of dust it keeps out and knowing its not a complete cfm killer is an added bonus

[ScottAllyn]

i assume #17 is close if not identical to the regular meshx then

I haven't seen the regular MeshX panels, but you're probably correct about it being the same as the MeshX Fanguard. Text on the A.C. Ryan website backs that up:


...Available in MeshxPanel™ for free-form modding or as Meshx™ Fanguards.

[Serpentarius]

I updated the table and added some notes at the bottom of the original post. My computer room reeks of fabric softener now! I don't know how you guys can stand that smell.

I'll add some more photos a bit later this evening.

you know ... actually epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) can be used as fabric softener as well as relaxing sore mucles

and it doesnt have the fragrant (or smelly) smell of the fabric softener


you know ... some panty hose has some elaborate designs sew on it ..

[Fairydust]

Thanks a lot for the update.

[OldChap]

Did anyone ever try the mesh used in tumbledryers? (at least european ones)

[Mech0z]

What is fabric softener sheets, anyone have a danish translation or a picture :p ? It seems to be a better alternative than using nylon socks (Panty hoes) which I planned on, but 26% is a big hit on cmf :(

[Sadasius]

Hard to find a pic of a box open but here it is...
http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50217569/Dryer_Sheets___Fabric_Softener___Static_Control.jp g

[Quels]

One question I have is, I've used these in my last build and plan on using them on my current build also. I was only planning on using 3 of them on the front triple panel as those are the only fans that will be sucking air into the case. Would It be as usefull using them on the fans blowing air out, or would that just be restricting air flow? I made a mesh cover for the PC when its not in use so I wouldn't have to worry about dust settling in when the PC is off.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Desaunct/these.jpg

Thanks, Quels

[Mech0z]

Hard to find a pic of a box open but here it is...
http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50217569/Dryer_Sheets___Fabric_Softener___Static_Control.jp g

Is that the stuff you wipe baby bums with? :D or just the stuff you dry dises with?

[Sadasius]

Is that the stuff you wipe baby bums with? :D or just the stuff you dry dises with?

Neither. You put it in the dryer for your laundry to keep static down.

[Mech0z]

Neither. You put it in the dryer for your laundry to keep static down.

Have never heard of that

[jbsteeves]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm looking for 120mm and 140mm-sized fan grills, and I'm trying to find the least (air flow) restrictive grills I can. From these tests, it looks like the hex-mesh provides the best air flow (least air flow restrictive), but I was hoping a circle wire grill would have been included in the tests, to see how restrictive it is.

To the OP - would it be possible to test a circle wire grill, to see how it compares to the hex-mesh for air flow reduction (which is more air flow restrictive)?

[ScottAllyn]

jbsteeves, are you referring to this style of grill:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/120mm-wire.jpg

??

The restriction to airflow with that style of grill is going to be negligible - I seriously doubt there'd be any impact on cooling. They're not going to keep anything out of the case except fingers, pets and tumbleweeds, tho! :D

[DustPC]

Hi ScottAllyn
The very nice post about the dust filter materials for PCs. But today is 2016, on the market there are many other filters: DEMCiflex fan filter, DustEND fan filter (http://www.dustend.com/), etc. Can you make new testing with the new fan filters and materials?