Top Exhaust vs Side intake

[the.chad]

Hi All

Just purchased myself a 200mm fan to install onto my case.
It's a ThermalTake Chaser MK-1
http://www.thermaltake.com.au/products-model.aspx?id=C_00001719
Case came stock with front intake, top/rear exhaust.

Which of a side intake or second top exhaust would give me the best cooling to the system?

Cheers!

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Article

Probably side intake especially if you have a hot dedicated GPU or SLI/Crossfire

 

[lehtv]

That case already has so much cooling that I can't think of any reason why you'd want more cooling. Just slap it on somewhere and be happy I guess?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

That case already has so much cooling that I can't think of any reason why you'd want more cooling. Just slap it on somewhere and be happy I guess?

If I manufactured computer cases, I'd design it for options feeding multiple strategies of consumers. I think folks think they need to install a fan at every vent with mounting holes, but that's not the optimal strategy.

I didn't like the ~80 CFM capability of my CM 200mm fans bundled with my HAF cases. If I were to replace the LED 200mm's, I'd look for a Bit-Fenix unit sporting a spec between 120 and 140 CFM. I tried -- and still use -- an NZXT fan in the side-panel with a spec of 166 CFM. This latter had unexpected drawbacks: It doesn't fit the mounting holes, so I did some "modding" without drilling the case-panel -- with noise-deadening improvements that make the NZXT a real asset.

Now I'm spending $50 just so I can further tame and control the NZXT fan by putting it into the mix of motherboard thermal control. I don't need to further control the fan because of noise -- it's quiet. I just want to cut down on kruft build-up and maybe give the fan some extra life: the first of the two I'd purchased crapped out last month after running full-bore 24/7 over 30 months.

But I also blocked off two fan vents in my case with black foam art-board. And I reduced a total number of fans from six to four. My overclocked CPU now runs 5C cooler at LinX load.

 

[Aikouka]

Probably side intake especially if you have a hot dedicated GPU or SLI/Crossfire

I'd probably go with a side intake as well. I prefer keeping my cases fairly quiet, which usually means reducing the fan speeds. Unfortunately, the drive bays in the front usually end up blocking a lot of the nice, cool air from getting to the rear of the case. That means the video card doesn't really get the air it deserves. I've actually been looking for a good case with a side-mount for a fan, but I prefer a boxier look, which I can't seem to find.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I'd probably go with a side intake as well. I prefer keeping my cases fairly quiet, which usually means reducing the fan speeds. Unfortunately, the drive bays in the front usually end up blocking a lot of the nice, cool air from getting to the rear of the case. That means the video card doesn't really get the air it deserves. I've actually been looking for a good case with a side-mount for a fan, but I prefer a boxier look, which I can't seem to find.

I've known colleagues who went totally bazoobas and put four fans in the side, two in front, one on top and one in the back. The computer was very well-ventilated. We had to shout while discussing it in that room. . .

The large 200mm fans may put off some folks -- I can't say.

I can only say they're great for air-cooling -- quiet with plenty of airflow -- especially for the Bit Fenix and NZXT offerings. The NZXT falls short, though. Not for noise, but for longevity and fan-hole compatibility.

So the problem that remains with HAF midtowers: how easy it will be to install the preferred water-cooling solution. In my view, the best bet is the top of the case. But there could be a crowding problem . .

 

[the.chad]

Article

Probably side intake especially if you have a hot dedicated GPU or SLI/Crossfire

Wow, that side fan definitely makes more of an impact to the GPU.
Should've mentioned, been getting into mining scene and am essentially looking to keep the videocard a little cooler.

Cheers!

 

[CHEMEMAN]

The beauty of those large fans is that they spin slow and are practically silent. If you have air cooled GPU's, the side fan helps to feed them with fresh air.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

The beauty of those large fans is that they spin slow and are practically silent. If you have air cooled GPU's, the side fan helps to feed them with fresh air.

The only down-side: the case must be made for them or you must mod the case. they only come in the 3-pin flavor -- although some would see that as a positive factor over choice and options.

I doubt that these fans have the longevity of smaller units; I can only say that my NZXT 0.70A unit failed after 30 months. But even for its 166 CFM airflow, that fan doesn't get rave customer reviews.

Just digressing -- noticed something else recently, with my replacement NZXT. Background: you have to mod or innovate using the fan other than NZXT cases -- either drilling four holes for rivets (or [ugh] screws.

I wrapped the feet of the fan in Spire foam rubber strips and used black wire ties wrapped around the rubber to secure the fan. I used foam-art-board cutouts -- cut to the fan shape -- to block off vent-holes that fan can't use. I sealed any leak points with more strips of Spire.

Took the side-panel off the other day to look at something while the computer and fan were running. Amazing! There is a motor-whine or whirring that comes directly from the fan motor. Apparently my mounting and "insulating" eliminates that noise entirely: it can't be heard from the case exterior.

 

[CHEMEMAN]

Everyone seems to be going away from the HAF932's but they come with the large fan on the front, side and top, with a smaller one pushing out the back. I remove the top fan to install the radiator and that gives me spare for the front/side. In over 5 years I have not had to replace one.