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I have been running several searches on Google and other sites for a side panel for my midtower. My current tower is a basic beige setup, nothing too pretty, with a single fan slot in the back. This was fine with the PC that was originally in it, but now that I upgraded both the processor and the vid card, temps have jumped at least 10 C . So I find myself needing to add more fans. Right now I am viewing replacing the case as a last resort. If possible, I would like to replace the side panel with one that has a couple fans. Cutting the slots myself is not an option. Never done it, don't have time to learn. So, anyone have any ideas where I might start looking for a beige side panel with 1, possibly 2 fan slots? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
What CPU did you have, what CPU do you have now, & what is it's temp (idle & load)?
There's been discussions on here before about side panel fans...some for, some against. I'm on the 'against' side. I believe they're disruptive to the front-to-rear airflow
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I had a 2200XP and geforce FX 5200. I upgraded to a 2800XP and 7800GS. Idle is currently 56 C, and my PC crashed last time I played Oblivion so I wasn't able to get a load temp. Pre-upgrade, my load temp was around 52 C. I will not downgrade back to my FX card, so what are my options?
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"so what are my options?"
Make sure your HSF is installed correctly. Did you buy a new one or are you using the old one? Thermal paste or pad? If paste, did you use a small dab, approx the size of a grain of rice, & spread it thinly & evenly over the CPU core? More is not better.
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The CPU fan is installed correctly. I purchased a new one because my old one was barely enough to handle the 2200+. I used arctic silver 5 paste on it, applied exactly as the directions said. The fan is operating at 2400RPMs. But since I only have one case fan, I'm looking for other cooling options.
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Does your power supply have good air flow through it? Check for dust bunnies blocking the input vents. It might be a good idea to take it apart and give it a good cleaning.
You didn't mention your case temp.
Do yourself a favor BACKUP!
Sorry, I do not check for private messages
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Case temp idle is 48 C and it's a new PSU I purchased with my 7800GS, as my old 200W PSU was woefully inadequate for my gaming needs.
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48 is pretty high for a case temp. Did you check the power supply air flow?
Do yourself a favor BACKUP!
Sorry, I do not check for private messages
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Yes. As I said before, my main issue is I only have one case fan. One. There is no front to back circulation because there is little circulation at all and no place in the front to add a fan. Can anyone offer a solution? I already know the problem. I'm looking for a solution. Again, every fan in my PC is functioning perfectly. My problem is there are not enough of them and I want to play Oblivion without overheating my PC.
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I would honestly scrap your case and buy a better-designed model. I assume your case is an old one (200W PSU?), so I don't know if you'll even be able to find a compatible side panel with pre-cut fan holes. If you're not worried about your epenis, get a reliable, inexpensive case with good airflow. The Antec SLK-1650 is a good example of what I mean--inexpensive, a rear-mounted 120mm exhaust fan that moves a lot of air, and a fan mount in the front in case you want to add an intake fan. Yes, it also has a pre-cut hole for a side panel fan... I don't normally like side-panel fans (usually counterproductive), but the case has great airflow anyway.
"If it ain't broke, upgrade anyway."
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Hi
a big yell for beige cases!Sounds like the hsf you have isnt doing its job or is hampered by no air flow, buy/borrow a bimetal hole-saw & cut your self custom cooling hole in the side panel, attach a 80mm fan extraction fan , powered by psu not mobo.
obviously take the panel off to cut the hole.
see cooling pics , an easy mod to do.http://www.thermaltake.com/xaserCase/Damier/v5000a.htm
invest in a better hsf ?
http://www.arctic-cooling.com/cpu2.php?idx=80
regards
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If the case temp is 48C (& it's an accurate reading), this isn't a HSF issue, it's a case cooling issue. Lower the case temp & the CPU temp will follow.
Hopefully the one case cooling fan you have is blowing out? Does your PSU have dual fans? You don't necessarily have to have a front intake fan, but you do need some sort of opening for fresh air to enter the case.
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Hi, Most cases today also have a fan position in the lower front. It is usually a snap in for the fan and exhausts or blows from the bottom of the front panel. Best cooling is about 1/2 your fans blowing out and the rest blowing in.
Take a look, Jim
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Well, I decided to go and buy a new case for my beefier PC. After much searching on Newegg, this is what I decided on - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811196019.
It's big, black, blue backlight, has one big fan (bought a second fan for the rear) and space for 2 panel fans if necessary. This should cover my cooling problem and look good too.
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Interesting looking case. The perforations in location for the rear 120mm fan looks highly restrictive though...you should either enlarge them or cut out the hole completely & cover the fan with a grille. You can go plain or fancy:
http://svc.com/fans-fangrill120.html
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