Case cooling.

MikeHiow

MikeHiow

MikeHiow

Permabanned
Joined
26 Oct 2004
Posts
7,540
Location
Isle of Wight
Not something I've particularly paid attention to before, but feel its something I ought to.

All fan placements are 80mm.


This is my theory on how things should be setup; (please bear in mind I only have three fan mounts).

There should be two intake fans at the front (they are behind a dust filter), and one exhaust in the top slot at the back. My thinking is that two in and one out should create positive air pressure inside the case, and thus help with keeping the dust out.

Does that sound right? I was thinking of buying two of these - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-000-ZA (I already have an old 80mm Silen-X fan). Silence is paramount here, as I want it to be as quiet as possible.
 
I'm not sure there is a guaranteed way of keeping dust out..... except maybe sealing the case completely, but i woudn't recommend that ;)
 
Oh, I know it isn't possible to keep all of it out, but I believe providing positive air pressure via a filtered intake is going to be the best way to minimise it in my setup.

Ps. Thanks mod :)
 
I would put in as many fans as you have fan mounts and block off any side vents in the case, as well as the open space in front of unused 5/14" bays, and rely on the intake filters to keep dust out. Personally I would also cut a blowhole in the top of that case and fit a 120mm minimum fan. You could also mod the front intake to accept 120mm fans if you have a dremel.
 
I was contemplating blocking the side vents, so that's a useful tip.

As for the blowhole at the top, I'm not too sure about that. While I'm no stranger to DIY stuff, I don't really fancy sitting there drilling a million holes that'll probably look ****ed, and I'm not keen on a 120 grill sticking out, either. Surely the PSU will act as a decent enough exhaust for the top?

The front could be modified if I drilled the rivets out and removed that lower HD tray, but I wanted to leave that in place in case I ever have the need for more HDs in the future. I guess I could just drill some holes rather than cut out a section, allowing me to rivet the hd tray back on at a later date. Seems like a lot of hassle, seeing as one 120mm fan is unlikely to move more are than two 80s, is it?
 
Last edited:
i have filtered intakes,, i have to remove them and clean them every 6 months(ish), and theres very little dust inside mine, ive also blocked off the side vents and bays on my case as mentioned above, ive also removed the fan guards all rd my case and psu, i have 2x 80mm in and 2x rear and 1x top going out
 
Have a look at Coolink 80mm fans if you want it quiet. I have one of their 92mm fans and it really is very quiet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom