cooling problem

[Joebeem]

Hi,

I have an amd athlon 1.1ghz 200mhz fsb and an abit kt7a motherboard being cooled with a millenium glaciator II. My temps on full load are around 53C and idle at around 43C. I have this case (http://www.markonecomputers.com/cases_supercase_htfh100f3.asp?OrderID=772804898398 40334653853), i think that i have a ventilation problem. When i take the side off of it, my full load temps are around 40C and my idle temps are at around 27C. Is it safe to leave the side off or is there a better way to ventilate my case. I have 2 fans in the upper rear blowing out and 1 fan in the bottom front sucking air in. Thanks for your help.

Joe

[CrystalMethod]

Welcome to the forums! Sounds like you definately have a air flow problem. What case are you using?

[Hoot]

That is one big case!

I recommend finding a spot to add at least one more intake fan. A good choice would be a Sanyo Denki 92x32mm Mini Ace 32. I believe you can get them here:
http://2cooltek.safeshopper.com/27/198.htm?616
Since you don't have any more fan openings, its time to start hacking on the case. The best place to mount it is to cut an accomodating hole for the fan in the side panel, right above where the CPU sits on the motherboard. This is referred to as a "Blow Hole". Done with care, it looks nice and your case cooling woes will be over.

Hoot

[Diggrr]

One thing more to add to the others....okay 2.

Throw out that plastic cage on the front bottom fan, or at least cut the plastic bars from in front of the fan blades...these things kill air flow. Also cut out the perforated metal fan grills where the case fans mount. These too will kill a good fan's performance and add noise too.

Good luck to ya.

[Dissolved]

that would be a great case to mod in a few side fans and a window :)

[Joebeem]

Is it possible for me to leave the cover off the side and not risk any damage? Is there a way to keep dust out? I thought of an idea... instead of leaving the side off, i can put screen on the side to keep my silly cats out of it..lol. Thanks.

Joe

[CrystalMethod]

I have the sides (well, top and sides, seeing as it's all one piece), off on my second system. It won't hurt the system, but you don't really want your cats poking their noses in you're HSF either. Also when you have cats, there tends to be a bit more dust/hair floating around. So you may have to hack up your case like Hoot suggested, and install some filters. On my other case, I use the material from vacuum cleaner bags, and cut the pieces to fit. Keeps most of the air flow, but catches all the dust. I change the filters every few weeks, and it keeps me from having to dust out the inside of my case every other month.

[UserName]

That things big enough to put a hoot inside it.

Hey hoot do you think that would work? Mount the fan inside sucking in through a hole in the side?

[Joebeem]

what do i use to cut the case? Is there any other way... im not to sure my father would be to approving of doing this. I tried a case mod once and it turned into a disaster. Luckily he bailed me out and bought me the case i have now. Thanks again.

Joe

[UserName]

Didn't you get your Dremel when you registered?



Hoot (http://www.overclockers.com/tips461/index02.asp) used a piece of wood to get it all right. The artical is a great read.