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Strange airflow

P

phlegm

n00b
Joined
Aug 21, 2004
Messages
27
It would seem that having my top fan blow in produces lower cpu/case temps than having it blow out. This (obviously) seems backwards to me.. can anyone help me explain this and re-assure me that if it's working better I should do it?

Oh, I have 1 blowing in at the front, 1 at the side, one blowhole top going out, and my psu fan blowing out.
 
Very tricky question, if your a freak like me. :D

There is just a possibility that it could be blowing cool air right over the cpu or mb sensor.

The top of the case is the dead zone. It is where the stale hot air goes if it has no way to escape, if there is no fan to blow in or out.

I think most of the time designers think in terms of physics as far as fan placement goes, heat rises so therefor to get it out pulling it out the top would be the best method. That's their logic, I think. Some do lots of testing to get it right, most don't.

If that fan were turned around and blowing in it could cause turbulence, making another part of the case the dead zone, maybe in a good place, maybe not. Most people just say, well the sensor says my stuff is cool, ok but how are you hard drives, how well is that air moving from beneath your video card or bottom pci or isa slot?

There are a LOT of different opinions for general air circulation of the entire case.
Example:
  • Positive pressure
  • Negative pressure
  • Upward flow
  • Downward flow
  • Back flow
  • Front flow

I tend to lean towards fluid dynamics when it comes to fans and their placement. I like all the air to flow, not having any cross turbulence or dead zones.

In the end it comes down to personal preference. If you like it like that, leave it like that.

Hope this is all not to confusing, lol :p
 
If the airflow in the case sucks to begin with, normal logic (e.g., heat rises) no longer applies, as it'll be a thermally spotty, turbulent mess inside.

As a matter of fact, I'm currently putting the final touches on a modification to a standard ATX case which divides it into 4 or 5 thermal zones (depending on how you count), solving problems such as those the OP is having.
 
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