Can you use a coffee filter instead of one designed for PC?

[Ykcud]

I already built a PC inside of a pizza box. I am just wondering if I can use coffee filters over the fans to reduce dust while maintaining airflow and cooling. It will give it that premium ghetto look (and save money).

[jaslion]

Yes you could but the airflow would be beyond abysmal and it would overheat like crazy. If you want a very diy air filter. Use some medium coarse filter pads (usually blue colored) for aquarium filters. That would leave some airflow and still give you your "ghetto look"

[BobVonBob]

All traditional filters are too fine to allow the airflow required by a computer fan. Some sort of mesh will be your best bet. Rule of thumb is if you lightly blow on it and don't feel most of your breath on the other side it's too restrictive.

[Master Disaster]

If you built it inside a pizza box then why not go full modder and ghetto an automotive air box on to it? Would suit the build much more than covering it in cheese cloth plus the filter would be easily removable for cleaning.

[Bombastinator]

A coffee filter is a water filter not an air filter

[narrdarr]

How about a cheese cloth?

[LogicalDrm]

Pantyhose are the DIY version of dust filters. If you can breath through it, then it works.