The best fan configuration in PC case?

[Tomi_s]

I was wondering which of these case/fan setups can I get the best/adequate cooling power in terms of airflow and low noise production.

[Cpt.Crappy]

if i remember right..the 2 up front or 1 should be intake and so should the one on the side..and the too at the back should be exaust..as for the top im not sure..am i correct here??

[The__tweaker]

Front and side = intake
Rear and top = exhaust

Remember that the heat rizes up towards the top by itself.
One can therefore manage good with a low cfm fan in the top to suck it out of the case.

[Tomi_s]

Front and side = intake
Rear and top = exhaust

Remember that the heat rizes up towards the top by itself.
One can therefore manage good with a low cfm fan in the top to suck it out of the case.

That much I already knew. :thumb: :) I would just like to know how much the different fan placements will affect to the overall cooling efficiency. :confused:

[Darthtanion]

It depends on the amount of airflow being pumped through the case. If the amount of total airflow is minimal, the differences will be larger than if there are gale force winds being produced.

The whole purpose of having the low/front fans work as intake is so that nature can handle part of the work for you. With the natural movement of heated air being to rise, this helps in the overall cooling of the system.

Not only that, but when you have air flowing in from the lower front portion of the case, you help alleviate the stagnant air that likes to sit toward the lower PCI slots. This hot spot has claimed more than one peripheral device before.

[Tomi_s]

...but is there really any point to put six fans to your case or can I get good airflow with only four fans? (e.g. if I want to do some overclocking) :?: :) (in another words, should I buy a case with six fan mounts or is four mounts enough?) :confused:

[Wiggo]

I find 5 fans the best (2 x front intakes, 1 x side AGP/PCI intake and 2 x rear exhausts, all 34cfm) combined with the PSU (32cfm) gives me a bit more intake than exhaust (this stops dust collectin' along the seams as well as good temps).

[Cataclysm]

Same as Wiggo - 2 x Front intake, One side intake, 2 x rear exhaust.

But noise can be a problem on hot days...

[Wiggo]

It's because of noise factor that I pick 34cfm fans as they're quiet and bein' surrounded by a dozen PC's I'd notice a loud one real quick.

[Tomi_s]

So are the two rear fans better that one rear fan and one top (roof) fan? (in addition of 2 x front intake and 1 x side intake) :?:

[Wiggo]

A lot depends on the case but the main thing is to have a good balance between intake and exhaust as I've already stated. One of my UNEEC clone cases has a blowhole but this is really inaffective as the PSU clears the top of most cases pretty well (full towers with the PSU mounted low in the case benefit most with blowholes as well as a lot of those cases with only one rear exhaust fan).

<img src="http://forums.tweaktown.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=179451">

[Tomi_s]

Now I got the information I was looking for. THX! :cheers: :thumb:

[Tomi_s]

http://www.antec-inc.com/pro_details...p?ProdID=81600

[Malabooboo]

just thought I'd post my pic :)

<img src="http://www.timches.com/files/caseflow.jpg">

[Wiggo]

just thought I'd post my pic :)

<img src="http://www.timches.com/files/caseflow.jpg">

Sorry but that configuration would give ya negative case pressure which will suck dust into the case thru any seam available or would need some high speed (high noise) intake fans to balance the airflow out (and slightly positive is needed).