PSU air intake

noj · 4 May 2012 at 10:55

In my non stop quest to make my system quiet I realised that the PSU fan was revving up quite high and getting noisy.

I know this obviusly meant the PSU was getting hot and looking at the case layout and where the case is situated I've put this down to lack of airflow to the PSU because the intake on the 650TM case is at the bottom, standing my case on the carpeted floor seemed to limit the airflow into the bottom intake (naturally)

Since I dont want to stand the case on top of the desk I've simply turned the PSU round so that it draws air from inside the case. Is this a terrible idea?

I've removed the HDD bays not in use to improve the airflow from the 200mm front intake, the top 200mm is an exhaust and the gfx card already exhausts out the rear of the case.

This has certainly stopped the PSU fan spinning up so loud which I'm assuming means its not getting as hot....

Does it really matter which way round the PSU draws air from?

Plec · 4 May 2012 at 11:45

I have my PSU seated upside down[sic] as well (facing up) - for the exact same reason. It's not a problem but obviously be sure to be extra careful when working on the system as it's easy to drop things in the fan vent...

I too found that it was cooler drawing air from inside of the case rather than on a carpted surface. However, i have very good airflow throughout my case so it's not much of a problem.

The other option is to cut a peice of wood/laminate to the exact size of the base of the case - then the carpet wont interfere with your temps - as, in theory, it should be cooler drawing air from the outside of the case.

If you still find your PSU's fan is kicking in too much (in your quest for silence) you could consider investing in a larger wattage quality PSU - i.e. more than your wattage needs as the fan will kick in less.

ThomasTheTankEngine · 4 May 2012 at 11:56

What he said. ^^

They're fine either way up, just don't drop screws into it!

noj · 4 May 2012 at 12:03

cool

perhaps some kind of mesh over the psu then, will see what I can rig up.

shadowscotland · 4 May 2012 at 12:36

Don't bother with the mesh - just use a book to cover the vent when your tweeking.
A post-it to remind you is a good idea.

Or the hardboard / vinyl tile / chopping board / offcut / book / 4 plastic bottle tops / two bricks / 4 cotton reels / stack of beer mats under the case (feet) will also work.