I'm considering buying a side fan for my computer. I already have 2 front mounted ones and 1 rear mounted fan. I know that the airflow should go from the front to the back of the case, and the fans are set up in this way. My question is this: is a side mounted fan sucking air into the case, ie blowing cold air onto the motherboard, or is it blowing hot air out of the case?
Thanks
In these forums people will most likely tell you NOT to have a side fan. If you are adamant on one. I don't think it matters whether it sucks or blows. FYI, mine blows. P4 3.20HT 800mhz FSB
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I have a case with a 4" fan in the rear and I have checked it both ways, blowing in and blowing out, and can tell no difference in the temp.
It has a side fan and I removed it and still no difference.
I can tell a little difference in temp if I leave the side panel off as I do a lot while changing things inside but that is only a couple of degrees C.
My cpu runs from 32 to 38 C depending on the temp of the room. The cpu is the Lima 2.4 Ghz.
I had another computer that I installed a side panel of plexas(?) glass with a hole directly in line with the cpu. I put a fan and a funnel directed straight into the cpu fan and it lowered the temp about 5 degrees C. That was with a 2.4 Barton which ran in the 40's.
Rear fans should blow out (exhaust), front fans should blow in (intake). Side panel fans are generally disruptive & should be avoided. AMD recommends a rear fan only.
Jam is 100% right. All you needs is one 120mm front fan and one 80 or 92mm back fan. Side fans can disrupt the air flow current.
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