Air flow question

[Shambler]

I typed way too much on this one.
-edit-

Rear 120 set for exhausting
Side 240 set for intake
Front 120 set for intake

Would I see any benefit in cooling if I switched my Front 120 from intake to exhaust? Keep in mind this fan is directly in front of my two Raptors. I'm thinking this would be a good decision overall.

 

[styx0r]

Shambler:

In general, equal intake / exhaust CFM is ideal.

You've listed the fan sizes, but not their effective air displaced.

You may also be forgetting the fan in your PSU, which probably draws air from inside the case, and exhausts it out the back.

In general, you want the air stream to be as simple as possible - in other words, you don't want fans competing for air (pulling in opposite directions, for example).

That said, keep in mind that the front fan, which cools the raptors will be cooling them with pre-heated case air, if you switch the fan from intake to exhaust. I don't know the flow situation you're dealing with, but I'd be inclined to keep the front fan as intake - general airflow being:

Front -> Side - > Rear, where the side intake serves to introduce even more cool air directly to the cpu/gpu region, mixing with the somewhat warmer air from the front, post raptors. Just make sure your rear fan(s) can keep up with the CFM, and you'll be set!

 

[Shambler]

Sometimes I forget when I post outside of Genmay. That was well thought out, and informative. Thank you for your thoughts on this matter.

And you are definitely right about the front intake fan. I think I will leave every thing as it is right now. Front intake, Side intake, Rear exhaust.

Thank you!