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Side case fan bad idea?

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billstuck

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
I read a review that said having a case fan blowing in on the side actually raised temps because it distrupted air flow.

My problem is I have an Antec 3700 with 2 120mm fans intake and exhaust.

When I put the side of the case on my CPU load temps go up 5C. I want to drop this and was thinking of buying a window side panel with a fan, but don't know if it will help.

For now I just leave the side of the case off.
 
As long as you have very good positioning, I think a side fan would be a good idea.

Usually side fans are located directly over the CPU - to provide direct room-temperature air, or directly over the video card.

I wouldn't worry about disrupting airflow, as the inside of a computer case is anything but aerodynamic.

I would try to have a balance of intake/exhaust fans though.
 
Well, if the side of your case is removed your airflow is already completely disrupted.

I'm a big fan of side fans though. You'll hear people gripe about their disruptive properties from time to time, but if you have well balanced intake/exhaust and, as mattspalace mentioned, position the fan correctly, it can be very beneficial. Basically, you are feeding cooler room temp air directly onto your mobo/CPU, which it's needed the most. Front intake passes through most of the case before hitting your crucial components; absorbing heat all along the way.

Another wonderfully efficient side-fan method is to use a duct leading from the HSF on your CPU, right out the side of the case. This way the CPU is feeding directly off room-temp air, it only comes in contact once it passes over the HSF.
 
If you're willing to do a bit of work, you can cut out a cardboard box and put a fan on there to see if it really makes a difference. If it does, go for the new side panel. If it doesn't, stick with what you've got.

-Bobby
 
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