How to Build a Filtered Computer Cabinet

Computer components need to be cooled down to prevent system crashes and hardware failure. Fans and heat sink are used to cool down the various parts that need regular cooling. Dust can easily clog the heat sink and significantly decrease the efficiency of the entire cooling system. Owners of computers operating in dusty environments can protect the computer from dust by building a sealed, filtered cabinet.

Things You'll Need

• Two 120-mm fans
• Cabinet or plywood
• Paint (optional)
• Dust filter and frame
• Rubber weather stripping

Instructions

1. Build or repurpose a cabinet and cut two 4-inch circular holes. You can cut those holes anywhere as long as one is on the upper part of the cabinet to get the hot air out. The holes can be on any side that is not against a wall or another cabinet. You will also need a 2-inch hole for the power cord and video cables if you need to have a monitor outside the cabinet.

2. Depending on what material the cabinet is made of, you may want to paint the inside of that cabinet. If the cabinet is metallic or plastic you do not need to paint it. If the cabinet is wood you can paint it with a latex paint. Wood will give off dust and if the computer stays in a place without physical maintenance (like in the case of many industrial computers used in a shop, for example) the cooling system can lose its efficiency.

3. Seal the door of the cabinet with rubber weather sealing. Heavy duty weather sealing will prevent dust from entering through a crack between the cabinet and the door. Secure with door with a latch or other system that will safely lock the door in place and prevent any accidental opening.

4. Install two 12-centimeter fans on the inside of the cabinet, securing each fan with screws. Secure the dust filter on the outside of the cabinet and seal the support frame of the filter with caulk. Sealing the frame will prevent dust from being sucked in under the frame when the filter is dirty. You are installing the filter on the outside because you need easy access to clean it. You can use a number of means to seal the 2-inch hole used for the cables, such as heavy duty tape, foam or weather sealing.

5. Plug the fans to the power supply of your computer and plug in the computer using the power cord you installed. Turn on the computer and close the cabinet.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a computer with a "wake on USB" option to be able to turn it on with the keyboard and avoid having to open the door to do it.

• Clean the dust filter when the computer is off so the fans do not suck dust in.

References

• Filtering material
• Dust protection