Do HDDs need to be cooled with a fan?

JohnJSal

JohnJSal

Active Member
I'm using my old components (with a few new ones) to build another PC that hopefully I can sell later. I'm curious if it helps to put the internal HDD in a position where the front intake fan blows air across it. The uppermost and lowermost HDD slots are just above and below the fan, respectively, and so don't seem like they would get much air. Is it good to have some air blow over it, or would this just be blocking more air from getting into the case itself?

Thanks.
 
Short answer. No.

But you don't want them baking in a metal box. Any airflow in the case will move enough air to keep them cool. Mine's right behind the intake fan on the front but it never goes above 82 degrees Fahrenheit, just a few degrees above room temperature.

I wouldn't worry if I were you.
 
Denther said:
Short answer. No.

But you don't want them baking in a metal box. Any airflow in the case will move enough air to keep them cool. Mine's right behind the intake fan on the front but it never goes above 82 degrees Fahrenheit, just a few degrees above room temperature.

I wouldn't worry if I were you.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I just realized that all but the topmost HDD slot will receive some intake air, so I decided to put the 2.5" expansion tray up there (out of the way) and I'll probably put the HDD in the slot below that one. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about since you have this case too. :)
 
Most OEM computers don't even have a front fan to cool the hdd's. However, I will not build a system without a front fan. Some will tend to get a little hot so thats why I always use a fan.
 
I honestly don't think they need them. They will get a little hot sure, but modern drives don't really get hot to the touch I find, at least after hours of use on a Seagate 1TB 7200 RPM drive.
Also think on it that laptops have HDDs and no active cooling at all to them most of the time.
 
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