The best Desktop Computer Fan Grills: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

If you want to stick your fingers between fan blades and recently sharpened steel edges be my guest but PLEASE don't do this if you have children or pets.

Cutting out the honeycomb steel and replacing them with wire fan grills can be a good middle ground for safety and airflow.

something like this: https://www.amazon.com/140mm-Black-Grill-Guard-Screws/dp/B01M2YI7BM/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=140mm+fan+grill&qid=1600663487&sr=8-2

I’m a fan of these. They’re a plastic mesh and they take paint very well and are easy to heat form into shape.

ThreeBulls 12 Pcs 140mm PVC Black PC Cooler Fan Dust Filter Dustproof Case Cover Computer Mesh https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N950ZB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vQZyDbH1PT1NK

Could take a sewing needle or something about the same thickness and punch them out..

Edit: Failing that these look like a good match, just check the sizes: https://www.amazon.com/MoKo-120240mm-Computer-Magnetic-Dustproof/dp/B07R4WWX4W

I've never painted something like this before but the thought I just had was some kind of putty on the bottom side that fills the holes. Like 3d masking tape. Paint the top then peel the bottom layer off and you should have really nice clean holes.

Not one I use, just an example; https://www.amazon.co.uk/280mm-Computer-Filter-Grills-Magnetic/dp/B08HX4PZ4Y/

Check the reviews, as some can be bad. Also, if part of a Maine coon Facebook page, ask there; someone may know of a filter that allows airflow, but not cat hair.

Some filters are great at stopping cat hair, but doesn't let much air in. You have to find a balance.

Not OP. But this is the one that I've bought and this has been recommended to me from this sub.

You will have to do some modifications by cutting into it and redoing some of the magnetic strips. But it fits pretty well on the back of the NR200 and definitely gets the job done.

I put fan screens on all of my fans (10pk $7), keeps all hair out of the motor and can be screwed on.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6BFVKO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XAV2RM7J2YKH37RQQKBH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You have a nice looking Bucket!

I build "L" shaped vents from cardboard to cover the fans thus reducing light leak. You might want to put a dust filter on the intake fan, well worth it in my opinion.

Correct, they would only prevent the tubes from dislodging and obstructing the fans. The bend pressure won't go away and I would still route the tubes along the fan casings to be safe.

The only reason I didn't orient the fans that way is that I wanted to maximize the amount of space for the tubing. Fans-inside orientation gives the radiator's thickness as additional space, but I'm not sure it really matters all that much.

I would keep the AIO set to intake. Machines & More did pretty extensive testing with the NR200's many fan and cooling configurations and I believe the consistent winner was top exhaust, bottom intake, AIO intake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcMI-mP1Aw0

Here are the grills I ordered (and have yet to install, so I can't recommend either way): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M2YI7BM/

This is what I have saved on my Amazon that I got from somebody else on this sub.

MoKo 120 x 240mm Dust Filter for Computer Cooler Fan, [2 Pack] Magnetic Frame PC Fan Dust Mesh PC Cooler Filter Dustproof PVC Cover Computer Fan Grills - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R4WWX4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ENHSRZEYB9SP48NC3J87?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Yeah, the one in the back and maybe the top left as well if possible, just to even it out. These help with dust.

AIYUE 120MM Magnetic Frame PC Fan Dust Filter Computer Case Fan Magnetic Frame Dust Filter Fine PVC Mesh https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077CR74LL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YV9JWPQ0Y8NCJ4PEPS2Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You definitely can mount them externally! If you are thinking of mounting them as intake fans, I would definitely invest in a magnetic dust filter to place on the inside of the case, as this case has a design flaw where dust can easily enter the system through the bottom if you don't use a filter such as the one I mentioned, which can lead to your beautiful system getting dirty very quickly.

I'm not sure how Razer's design engineers have overlooked such a significant entry point for dust and critters, but as long as you use something similar to what I mentioned to keep foreign particles out and clean it every few weeks or so, you should have no issues with mounting the fans below the case. Hope this helps!

Your graphics card will always protect itself from overheating by throttling it’s own performance when it gets hot. So no worries about damaging it because it’s built with only one fan.

You can always buy a 120mm fan, put some grill guards onto the fan to prevent the blades from cutting your fingers, then point the fan at the graphics card to cool it.

Silverstone 120mm Grill Guard (Amazon)

You might want to stick a magnetic filter on the outside of the back vent. With negative case pressure it'll suck in a lot of air/dust from there.
https://www.amazon.com/MoKo-120240mm-Computer-Magnetic-Dustproof/dp/B07R4WWX4W
There's a shitload to choose from that one wont fit.

Where? There’s this little thing called Amazon, ever heard of it?

https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-120mm-Filter-Grill-FF121/dp/B0036WTDHK

That’s just one of many options, there’s literally hundreds of fan filters to choose from. Do you honestly think my PC is the only thing I prevent from getting dusty? 🤦🏻‍♂️

You could sandwich the filter between the rad and fan or put a dual filter behind the rad. Slightly reduced airflow but will keep your pc nice and clean

MoKo 120 x 240mm Dust Filter for Computer Cooler Fan, [2 Pack] Magnetic Frame PC Fan Dust Mesh PC Cooler Filter Dustproof PVC Cover Computer Fan Grills - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R4WWX4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wdCKFb6ZD6RZM

120mm Computer Fan Filter Grills with Screws, Ultra Fine Aluminum Mesh, Black Color - 4 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYY6641/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ddCKFbEKYB0MK

Your described fan arrangement is acceptable, and it keeps all the intake on the front. I think you will be fine with most fan configurations.

For the lowest CPU temperatures, I would get a 120/140 mm magnetic filter for the top ($13). I would then make the top an intake with the second Noctua A12X25. The back fan (from the 212) and the graphics card area are exhaust.

https://smile.amazon.com/Silverstone-Filter-Magnet-Cooling-FF143B/dp/B00ARB5E8A/

I would also get two packs of two 120 to 140 mm conversion plates from Noctua. They will reduce vibration on the two front and one top fan. The price keeps going up, $24 sorry.

https://smile.amazon.com/Noctua-NA-SFMA1-mounting-watercooling-radiators/dp/B07CCGS9V2

Even if you do not find your fans vibrating, these plates are useful. They prevent local backflow.

Preventing backwards airflow in the grill area around the fans could also be done with care and some strips of quality packing tape. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol to promote adhesion.

>constant RPM or variable speed

I do not like the fans changing tone all the time. I usually use a the BIOS/UEFI speed control. One trick is to make the fan RPM curve have stair-steps: idle, gaming, benchmarks. Some fan control systems have a hysteresis feature, or another way to reduce fan responsiveness.

Try this one https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Filter-Grills-Screws-Aluminum/dp/B07FYY6641/ref=sr\_1\_4?crid=2LMR4YXSAGGI&keywords=fan%2Bdust%2Bfilter&qid=1666721874&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0Ljg5IiwicXNhIjoiNC4zMyIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzMifQ%3D%3D&s=electronics&am...

If you are handy, you could try to cut the front of the case and put something like this on it.

But it would be 100% easier at that point to just spend an extra $10 on a different case.

Very interesting data. I like using these SilverStone filters since the mesh is a lot finer and is more effective at, well, filtering dust compared to the black PVC ones. Would have been nice to have those included in the comparison; from what I have seen they should perform pretty well.

In that case(pun) I would take the top 360 rad, and place outtake fans. And outtake at back. For the front I would personally go with cooling performance(mesh) but if you go for design you can Go for glass. And still at the bottom intake, but you can theoretically buy extra filters here its not totally necessary, but I personally think it's cool you don't have to clean so often.

Perhaps this would work, might be a bit too slim though. Id use it in combination with the noctua noise dampening nubs.

SilverStone Technology SST-FF121 120mm Ultra Fine Fan Filter with Magnet Cooling https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036WTDHK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XTF309KSDA6CMAPMSFWV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I’d suggest getting these dust filters or something similar. They saved me so much time when I was in a dusty apartment. once a week I just carefully vacuumed the front of the dust filter and I never had to touch the inside.

You can find magnetic dust filters on Amazon that are sized for common radiator/fan sizes (e.g. 280mmx140mm for your case).

You can buy rolls of the mesh foam filter, but it will cost more and might not look as pretty.

EBOOT 120 mm Dust Filter Computer Fan Filter Cooler PVC Black Dustproof Case Cover Computer Mesh 10 Packs with 40 Pieces of Screws https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6BFVKO/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_VW7JZE42XPGB6KZFKQXQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Moko brand from amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MoKo-Filter-Computer-Magnetic-Dustproof/dp/B07R4WWX4W/ref=asc_df_B07R4WWX4W/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=205227241339&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6359861814382828621&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvq...

Fractal cases have a floor vent for PSU intake and mounting the PSU fan down is generally the best option for watercooling because it minimises the risk of a leak coming into contact with the AC side. How much space do you have between the PSU and the shroud? As long as they're not jammed in tight that rad should still work.

You can add a filter like this or this on the rear fan.

I got it off amazon, they are no longer available sadly.

Heres an alternative listing

MoKo 120 x 240mm Dust Filter for Computer Cooler Fan, [2 Pack] Magnetic Frame PC Fan Dust Mesh PC Cooler Filter Dustproof PVC Cover Computer Fan Grills - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R4WWX4W/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_DEX12NQWF9XF1JJ78HZ2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This should work ✌

You could probably use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/MoKo-120240mm-Computer-Magnetic-Dustproof/dp/B07R4WWX4W/

Not really. Dust accumulates in your computer because the fans pull in a large amount of dust filled air. When it's powered off, the only way dust will enter is if your PC has open vents on top where dust can settle downward. Covering it with a sheet will do little or nothing more than simply turning it off. And if you do have open vents on top, there are better solutions such as magnetic dust filters.