I would think a hepa filter would be restrictive on pc fans. Most are pretty weak, as in they just provide gentle airflow not powerful suction. Even the small pastic mesh filters inhibit airflow a little. If the case's fresh air intake is reduced it won't slow the fans down it will just cause them to keep recirculating heated air. That's how dust settles inside a case in the first place, if fans were truly that powerful there wouldn't be a dust settling issue.
A lot of it has to do with the conditions too. A pc on the floor is liable to get dustier than one on a desk. Regular housekeeping plays a role in it. I was surprised at the amount of dust under that guy's case lol. Doesn't he move it and run a swiffer around once in awhile? I'd be curious as to what his temps were although I think he had sheer size of the case working for him. I agree, spraying the dust out can be a bit messy. Although if regular maintenance is done, it's not bad.
I kind of see it like cars in terms of trying to keep them clean. People killing themselves to use rainx on the windows, waxing the heck out of them, protective coatings so the dirt doesn't stick etc etc. You know what else works? Take 10min and wash it once in awhile lmao. Does wonders. I'm still surprised that hepa filter worked as well as it did. For an out of the way htpc it looks like a good idea. I just wish fans were easier to clean, dust/dirt invariably sticks to the blades no matter what.
You may want to be careful using a pancake compressor (definitely make sure the pc is off). 80-100psi is a bit strong if you get too close and my experience with regular utility compressors is the condensation build up inside even if they have a drain. I used to work with air tools daily and the water making it's way to the end of the hose sucked. Another good option is a small vacuum/blower, they usually sell them for cleaning office equipment. I picked up some crappy offbrand vac from walmart and it does ok. Originally the idea was to use it as a vacuum (to avoid the dust everywhere) but it has several small filters that clog up easily and cause it to overheat and shut off. I've taken to switching the hose around to the exhaust and using it as a blower. Not ideal but still cheaper than canned air (which also sprays water from time to time).
If you feel like a juggling act, you can use the hose from a regular vac and pull it off to use like you would with an attachment - hold it near the opposite side like a dust collection hose and spray compressed air from the other side 😛
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