What to do for better airflow/temps?

[kevlee89]

Hey guys, I've been thinking lately, and I decided that maybe my case needed some more airflow. At the moment, I have the CM Centurion 5. It's a pretty good case for the money I suppose. I mean, I'm not getting bad temps at all, 40ish degrees on my 8800 and 25ish on my Caviar. But still, I want better airflow!

So, I was thinking that maybe adding another 80mm intake fan at the front of the case would possibly be a good idea. I really don't have any idea on how all this airflow business works, so I'd appreciate if someone could point me to the right direction. The case already has a 80mm fan at the bottom front, and 120mm at the back.

So what should I do? It seems 80mm fans are cheap enough, and if it's going to be effective at all, I want to buy one or two

EDIT: It's the Centurion 5 with the window side panel btw. I've heard some things about some air duct or the like? What's that all about?

 

[porterjw]

Airflow depends on a few factors: getting cool air in, getting hot air out, and inside case layout. Naturally, the more cool air you can move in and the move cool air you can move out will have the greatest impact, but don't overlook the other areas. If your front can support a 120mm intake, I'd spend the money and go for it.

Internal layout is something to be considered, too. The less turbulence inside will ensure a nice flow from front to rear. Do you have wires everywhere inside the case? If so, try to bundle them up or use zip ties to sort of hide them away. You always want to stay away from conflicting airflow, meaning a front and rear fan both sucking in air. Stick with Front = Intake and Rear = Exhaust.

Here is a link that discussed a few more ideas: http://www.computerforum.com/112962-do-front-fans-help-airflow-entire-case.html

 

[kevlee89]

hmm, alright, seems like I will be purchasing a 120mm intake fan.

One more thing. The front part of my case has a sponge like cloth that protects the case from dust, I think at least. Should I remove that, at least where the fans will be? Or remove them completely?

 

[Joe2005]

I have that case and I don't see how you can put a 120mm fan in the front, how are you going to do it?

 

[porterjw]

One more thing. The front part of my case has a sponge like cloth that protects the case from dust, I think at least. Should I remove that, at least where the fans will be? Or remove them completely?

Correct, it's a washable filter that helps keep dust out. It's super-porous and lets a lot of air in; I'd leave it be. The marginal loss of airflow will more than make up for the amount of dust it keeps out.

hmm, alright, seems like I will be purchasing a 120mm intake fan.

I have that case and I don't see how you can put a 120mm fan in the front, how are you going to do it?

Joe's right - that case can only support an 80mm Front Intake. It also has a CPU duct - you can remove the duct and add another 80mm fan there, also if you'd like. Depending on the style of HSF you have, it will act as sort of a 'ram air' effect. It's only good for a degree or two though, and is a bit loud, but works.