To start, here's the exact case that I have:
Lian Li PC-7B Plus:
http://www.svc.com/pc-7bplus-47.html
I really like the build quality, etc, but my CPU, motherboard and video card tend to run a little on the warm side, in my opinion. I have a quiet 120 mm fan in the front, and a slighter higher CFM 120 mm fan on the back. I've been using an Opteron 165 on an Asus A8N32 mobo in this case, with an 8800 GTS 320.
I also have a slot cooler installed under the video card (Antec Super Cyclone blower fan, shown here: LINKY
My CPU heatsink is an XP-90, with an 120 mm fan mounted on top. Overall, the system is pretty quiet, I can hear a low hum through the front filter, but nothing noticeable.
My temps have been a little warm. With the side closed, My mobo temp is ~47-48, CPU 47-48C idle. Video card is at 65C on idle. I mounted the slot cooler under the CPU, no temp changes; I mounted it under the video card, the 8800 temp went down 4-5 degrees C. My question is how I can improve airflow/cooling, outside of adding noisier fans. I was thinking about adding a side intake 120 mm fan, cutting out a hole in the window; does anyone have any advice on what tools to use, how to cut the hole, etc? Is there an easier way?
Sorry for the lengthy post, and thanks for any help.
Lian Li PC-7B Plus:
http://www.svc.com/pc-7bplus-47.html
I really like the build quality, etc, but my CPU, motherboard and video card tend to run a little on the warm side, in my opinion. I have a quiet 120 mm fan in the front, and a slighter higher CFM 120 mm fan on the back. I've been using an Opteron 165 on an Asus A8N32 mobo in this case, with an 8800 GTS 320.
I also have a slot cooler installed under the video card (Antec Super Cyclone blower fan, shown here: LINKY
My CPU heatsink is an XP-90, with an 120 mm fan mounted on top. Overall, the system is pretty quiet, I can hear a low hum through the front filter, but nothing noticeable.
My temps have been a little warm. With the side closed, My mobo temp is ~47-48, CPU 47-48C idle. Video card is at 65C on idle. I mounted the slot cooler under the CPU, no temp changes; I mounted it under the video card, the 8800 temp went down 4-5 degrees C. My question is how I can improve airflow/cooling, outside of adding noisier fans. I was thinking about adding a side intake 120 mm fan, cutting out a hole in the window; does anyone have any advice on what tools to use, how to cut the hole, etc? Is there an easier way?
Sorry for the lengthy post, and thanks for any help.