Blow holes and CPU temp...

[NiroTToriN]

Anyone have any good webpages or resources about modifying cases for fans? For example, side fans and blow hole fans? I'd really like to put a blow hole fan in my rig, but I don't have any idea where to start...

I have case almost exactly like Dragon ATX Full Tower aluminium case DA-01WD, but mine has 4 x 5.25 bays, 2 x 3.5 bays.

I'm running 4 case fans currently, pulling air in the approved fashion; in the bottom front, out the top back. My problem is that my CPU (Athlon XP 1800+) temp seems pretty high; 35C. That's even without significant processing going on. I'm running a thermaltake volcano 7 cpu fan.

Any help/info is greatly appreciated!

[BigBlue66]

35C is actually a pretty good temp, especially for an AMD processor, and it's about right for the HSF you're using. A Thermalright AX-7 with a 53cfm Mechatronics fan would cool that XP even better, but there's really nothing to worry about.

If you really want to cut up the case a little, I suggest a 92mm blowhole in the top of the case, inbetween the topmost 5 1/4" drive and the PSU. Use a low cfm fan set to exhaust.

Additionally, and this works very well for me, you could cut a hole in the side of the case directly over the HSF. You can get black plastic fan ducts at places like www.pcmods.com, www.plycon.com, www.directron.com and possibly http://bestbyte.net.

Don't cut the hole until you get the fan duct so you can measure correctly. Then, cut the fan duct to length so it butts right up to the fan on the heatsink. Considering you're running the Volcano 7, the fan is probably set to exhaust air away from the heatsink. The fan duct will provide a tunnel for that hot air to be blown out the case, without it recirculating around in the case and ultimately getting sucked back through the heatsink.

I'm using the AX-7 so I'm drawing in fresh air to be blown onto the heatsink with my fan duct. Works very well. As I'm typing this, I'm running at 35C with an XP 1900+ on a KT3 Ultra.

The main thing to remember when you're modding your case; Have fun doing it. :D

[Whyzman]

35C at idle seems pretty respectable! :) What are you getting under load?

[mjc]

35°C.....a nice warm summer day.

You might drop a degree or two, but with out something like a waterblock or a peltier you probably won't make a deep dent in it.

[NiroTToriN]

Thanks for all the input! I was thinking my temp needed to be around 32C for some reason... Oh well. Under load I probly get up a few degrees. Definitely don't break 40C.

BigBlue, thanks for the info about the mods. It's all about fun and performance! Hehehe; aka. more ways to spend $$ on my comp. You're right about the Thermaltake Volcano 7; exhausting air away from the heatsink. The duct sounds like a great idea. Would I just want a duct there? Or would I also want another fan? Too redundant? What about a grill for the duct and securing it?

As to the blow hole fan... Just a generic 92mm one? Does it matter what brand? Esp if it's low cfm? Other the dB of course...

Also, just a general question, what should I be using to cut the case when I do start the mods? (drill, saw, what?) I'm a total newbie to case modding... hehehe.