Configuring fans

[Dr Nick]

Because I am going to overclock my graphics card a bit, I brought a system exhaust thing, one of these - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2735319093&category=3673.

The thing is that my power supply fan also blows out, so I have two fans blowing air out. I'm thinking that the ventilation would be a lot better if I had one blowing out and one blowing in, so I was wondering if there is a way of configiring the power supply fan to blow the other way? Thanks in advance

[Daleon]

I had one of those things... it did jack. Only thing I can think of to reverse your PS fan is to take it apart. I wouldn't suggest it b/c the PS fan is not there to just cool your PC but your PS. If you reverse it you could burn it up.

It would be best to have intake from the front of your case. If you don't have any side or top fans then maybe look into just better cooling on your video card. Like a heatpipe and memory BG heatsinks.

[powdahound]

I have my vid card very overclocked with no extra cooling... They don't always need it, especially if they're a good brand to begin with. :) Some companies don't put very big heatsinks on, while others do.

[Agathon]

Hello,

Fans are supposed to be installed with air coming IN from the front and bottom and going OUT at the top and back. Blow hole fans and expansion slot fans are usually just extras and mostly for looks. The main air flow you want to accomplish is in the bottom front and out the top back. The reasons for this:

1. Hot air rises.
2. The air at the back of the case will be hotter than the front of the case typically.

This means you make the most efficient cooling with air by doing the above. I've see a lot of goofy things done with fans. For example, blow hole fans blowing air out at the bottom front (on the side of the case but towards the front) defeat the major air flow you want to get. They are counter productive. Blow hole fans should be on the top of the case (literally on the top level area in the back) or on the top side on the back to make then effective.

I hope this helps. I've built hundreds of machines but didn't always understand the concepts behind cooling as much as I do now!

Good luck,

[powdahound]

^^^ Very true ^^^

:)