Airflow and dust prevention questions

Devrij · 19 Nov 2009 at 13:26

Hi there, having recently built myself a gaming rig I'm trying to think of the best way to keep it cool and dust free at the same time.

My NZXT Beta classic case atm has 2 unused 120mm fan slots next to the gfx card and cpu (the black squares in diagram).

Should I put 2 120mm fans pushing air in, potentially bringing dust in with them, or have them pulling air out of the case, leaving the only intake through the filtered front of the case (and probably reducing air flow)? Or just put dust filters on both and deal with it? My main concern is dust intake, as my temps are fine for now, but I'll be upgrading my gfx after xmas so may need to have good airflow over the new card. Thoughts?

UnworthyBean · 19 Nov 2009 at 14:41

In theory, Putting the two fans on the side w/dust filters as intakes and having positive pressure to push air out at all available points will reduce dust more.

Having them blowing out will mean negative pressure and sucking air, and dust in at all available points.

Although in testing, I dont think it will make that much difference.

Devrij · 19 Nov 2009 at 16:54

Think I might try that with the dust filters blowing in. Cheers

Muel · 20 Nov 2009 at 09:41

I've read that it's better to have a good strong air flow with positive pressure runnng through the case, as this helps to stop dust from settling? I'm currently sorting my airflow out, replaced the fans, just got to control the roof fan somehow because it's powered by a molex plug at the moment so it's running flat out, so I think this may be dropping the pressure a bit.