CPU fan direction

[demonikal]

I realize now that my 2011 build which is the pc I use now, upgraded a bit since then, might have the wrong configuration for the way the air is supposed to flow for the CPU fan.

My case panel side has a circular vent with a "thick short pipe" aimed at the CPU fan. It says it's supposed to pull in air from outside and blow it on the CPU. I'm still trying to figure out if I can attach a small 80mm fan to the panel side.

Right now and how it's always been, the CPU fan is attached so that it pulls air over the heat sink and "onto" the CPU.

However, doesn't it seem like it should be the other way around? Shouldn't I have the heat that the CPU builds up be leaving the heatsink and CPU fan instead of being cooled by air that the fan is pulling in? Shouldn't the fan be pulling air away from the CPU and heatsink?

I'll add a photo of the "pipe" attached to the inside of the panel later.

 

[voyagerfan99]

No. The way you have it is correct. Air should be blowing down onto the heatsink.

No need to add a picture of the "pipe". Those were popular back when and are depending on who you are. I personally find them stupid and pointless. As long as you have good airflow you don't need the CPU fan shrouds.

Also as a side note, 80m fans don't pull a ton of air anyway, which is why I don't get cases with 80mm fan side panels. A decent front intake and rear exhaust is fine (though I personally like my front intake, two top and single rear exhaust on my case).

Example of OP's side panel:

 

[demonikal]

Yeah, it looks quite a lot like that, only the vent is more like a fine mesh screen, but heavy duty enough not to get dented.

I'd like a different case only because my tastes change. Everyone's tastes change over the years. I got the case in 2011 and I don't know when it was originally manufactured. I think it was part of my barebone kit.

I'm glad I've had it right all along, because that would otherwise mean that I've been putting strain on my CPU ever since my build