"AK" wrote

| I previously placed a filter over the intake to minimize the dust buildup
on the motherboard etc.
|
| But I removed it thinking it impeded air flow.
|

I use filters. I've got the power supply fan plus
a larger one (4"?) at the back of the case. On the
front and side, behind the grilles, I put a low
resistance furnace filter. It's a large green pad
with carbon backing and a plastic grille. Both the
pad and grille are easy to cut to size. I attach them
with plastic ties. Typically they can be cleaned by just
running a vacuum cleaner over the outside of the box.