MagGoT_4_liFE
New Member
Hey everyone, since I've been here, I've noticed a handfull of posts about the position and maintenance of fans in cases. I have mentioned a few things in these posts, but I would like to restate a few things and add some more. Also, any other comments would be good, because I'd like to help people with their concerns. Here we go...
Tip 1: Heat Rises!
1a. If you have a spot (grill) for a fan(s) on top, put one there, and make sure it's exhaust. This will help blow the hot air out.
1b. Same as 1a for your rear fan(s) because the front bottom fans blow in so it continues the motion.
1c. Your front bottom fan(s) should be blowing intake. These are almost always on the bottom, and as the tip reads, "Heat Rises!"
1d. If you have a side fan(s) (on the door), put it to intake, especially if you have an ATX case, because it will be blowing on the cpu (Which also usually has a fan, so, more cooling!). Be sure, though, that your side fan (case door) is not blocked by a wall, desk, or other object because you want your fan to have air to suck in.
1e. If you have a big case (Full Tower, ect.) you may have upper front fans. I don't, but if you do, I would recommend making them exhaust because they will blow the hot air out.
Tip 2: Cpu Fans
2a. Make sure if and when you apply your fan fan/heatsink that you apply it properly. If done incorrectly, it may cause burn-outs with your cpu.
2b. Some CPUs need a replacement (non-stock) fan/heatsink (I've heard some horror stories about Pentium D stock fansinks). It may be wise to invest in a new fan/heatsink for your processor. They cost around $30 US. It may also be of interest to purchase some cooling compound (Artic Silver 5 is what I go with).
Tip 3: GPU Fans
3a. This is starting to transition out, because MOST newer high-end video cards have fans and heatsinks with them, but if you are buying a high-end vidcard, make it of importance to check that it has a coolingsystem of at least a cooling fan and a heatsink. I (usually) build higher-end, gaming pcs so I always do this.
3b. The other option is to buy a new cooler for your videocard, but these (in my experience) never seem to match a specific card. It's your choice.
Tip 4: PS-U
4a. This tip is more about the buying of a psu and the fan(s) it comes with. When I buy a psu for high-end PCs (Sli, Crossfire, ect.), I make sure it has at least 2 fans. These things generate alot of heat, and the more cooling, the better.
Tip 5: Other Fans
5a. If you have a REALLY high-end pc (w/ Sli, Crossfire, Dualcore, ect.) may consider other fans (like a PCI slot fan). This helps with dual-videocards, but only do it if you have a slot free. Most people switch over to Liquid Cooling, but these fan alternatives can be a cheaper way out.
5b. On some mobo's, the northbridge/southbridge get EXTREAMLY hot even if they come with a stock cooler. It may bring down internal tempature if you invest in a new cooler for them.
5c. I have seen fans for 3.5'' trays to keep the tempature of the Hds down. I have not personally used these, but Hds do get very hot, so this may be a good investment.
Tip 6: Controllers
6a. It would be a good choice to buy a fan controller for all or most of your case fans if you have a space open. It also helps if the controller has a tempature gauge on it, so you can ajust to your needs.
Tip 7: Cleanup
7a. About once a month I check all my fans for dust (and clean them!). This includes the psu fans, the gpu fans, the cpu fans, and any other fans I have. This may seem duanting, but all of that dust can build up and reduce the power, or even worse, cause malfunction. If you plan to have your pc for a while, and are planning to upgrade it, this is nesicarry.
7b. I also take the time to check all the wireing, and make sure they are all working correctly.
I hope all of these tips help you, and I also hope that people will give their advice. Thx!
Tip 1: Heat Rises!
1a. If you have a spot (grill) for a fan(s) on top, put one there, and make sure it's exhaust. This will help blow the hot air out.
1b. Same as 1a for your rear fan(s) because the front bottom fans blow in so it continues the motion.
1c. Your front bottom fan(s) should be blowing intake. These are almost always on the bottom, and as the tip reads, "Heat Rises!"
1d. If you have a side fan(s) (on the door), put it to intake, especially if you have an ATX case, because it will be blowing on the cpu (Which also usually has a fan, so, more cooling!). Be sure, though, that your side fan (case door) is not blocked by a wall, desk, or other object because you want your fan to have air to suck in.
1e. If you have a big case (Full Tower, ect.) you may have upper front fans. I don't, but if you do, I would recommend making them exhaust because they will blow the hot air out.
Tip 2: Cpu Fans
2a. Make sure if and when you apply your fan fan/heatsink that you apply it properly. If done incorrectly, it may cause burn-outs with your cpu.
2b. Some CPUs need a replacement (non-stock) fan/heatsink (I've heard some horror stories about Pentium D stock fansinks). It may be wise to invest in a new fan/heatsink for your processor. They cost around $30 US. It may also be of interest to purchase some cooling compound (Artic Silver 5 is what I go with).
Tip 3: GPU Fans
3a. This is starting to transition out, because MOST newer high-end video cards have fans and heatsinks with them, but if you are buying a high-end vidcard, make it of importance to check that it has a coolingsystem of at least a cooling fan and a heatsink. I (usually) build higher-end, gaming pcs so I always do this.
3b. The other option is to buy a new cooler for your videocard, but these (in my experience) never seem to match a specific card. It's your choice.
Tip 4: PS-U
4a. This tip is more about the buying of a psu and the fan(s) it comes with. When I buy a psu for high-end PCs (Sli, Crossfire, ect.), I make sure it has at least 2 fans. These things generate alot of heat, and the more cooling, the better.
Tip 5: Other Fans
5a. If you have a REALLY high-end pc (w/ Sli, Crossfire, Dualcore, ect.) may consider other fans (like a PCI slot fan). This helps with dual-videocards, but only do it if you have a slot free. Most people switch over to Liquid Cooling, but these fan alternatives can be a cheaper way out.
5b. On some mobo's, the northbridge/southbridge get EXTREAMLY hot even if they come with a stock cooler. It may bring down internal tempature if you invest in a new cooler for them.
5c. I have seen fans for 3.5'' trays to keep the tempature of the Hds down. I have not personally used these, but Hds do get very hot, so this may be a good investment.
Tip 6: Controllers
6a. It would be a good choice to buy a fan controller for all or most of your case fans if you have a space open. It also helps if the controller has a tempature gauge on it, so you can ajust to your needs.
Tip 7: Cleanup
7a. About once a month I check all my fans for dust (and clean them!). This includes the psu fans, the gpu fans, the cpu fans, and any other fans I have. This may seem duanting, but all of that dust can build up and reduce the power, or even worse, cause malfunction. If you plan to have your pc for a while, and are planning to upgrade it, this is nesicarry.
7b. I also take the time to check all the wireing, and make sure they are all working correctly.
I hope all of these tips help you, and I also hope that people will give their advice. Thx!
