case fans

[Hadou Ken]

I was wondering which way to install my case fans? Blowing in or blowing out. I want to keep my computer as cool as possible.

[PCC-Jon]

The general convention is blow inward in the front of the case, and outward in the rear. That's creates a general flow from front to back.

I've also heard a few people say "always blow inward"....that positive pressure is good -- I'm interested to hear anyone's theories on this! We've always just seen the best temperatures with the "front to back" approach.

[TheMattrix]

Negative pressure will reduce dust in the case. That's what big servers use.

[RamenNoodleGod]

I'm with Jon on this. One of the best fan configs I've encountered was the front-to back. But I find that an exhaust fan on the top works well too, since heat rises.

[PCC-Jon]

Negative pressure will reduce dust in the case. That's what big servers use.

Makes sense! Never tried that...

[TheMattrix]

Right now the only fan I have blowing out of my case is the PSU fan :shock
Man it's toasty in there.

[RamenNoodleGod]

Heh, the PSU is the only fan NOT blowing out of my comp right now. It's one of those Enermax whispers.

[TheMattrix]

Nice, how quiet is it?

[RamenNoodleGod]

Well, the power supply's very quiet, though I can hear a couple noisy fans in my box, but the whole system's quieter than I thought it would be.