Big Carbon Filter vrs Smaller "Car Type" Filter

So I was wondering if anyone has experience with the smaller filters that look like intake manifolds for a vehicle. Not the big old white carbon filter, but the smaller baffled ones.

My op doesnt really have an issue with smell, but I do want to decrease the CFM/noise of my fan using a filter (figure it would only help) space is limited at the end of the cooltube, so I want to go with one of the smaller filters, but some creativity could fit a full size carbon filter in there if need be.

You mean, like, a carbon filter vs. a K&N filter?

Yes however; I have seen them in hydroponics stores and catalogs, they are built with hydroponics as the end-use in mind, not vehicles. I used the "intake manifold" analogy just because I couldn't think of a different way to describe it. The reason I ask is because they are much smaller, but can be put through higher CFM's.

If it were me and the only thing I wanted to accomplish was decreased noise, I'd build a wooden chambered muffler. Maybe with some padding or foam lining the inside. With no filter involved, there's no regular maintenance required.