How to Improve Air Flow in Your PC

In summary: If you have two fans and one of them is used for intake, the other should blow out the air and be designated as the exhaust fan.
  • #1
vincentm
323
3
Another guide i decided to post here made by moi :)

Your PC case should consist of at least 3 fans( 1 intake, 2 out take) we are going to use my PC as a reference. (pics are crappy so bare with me.)

your front of your case should posses the intake fan this will suck in air to be properly circulated within your case. later to be distribute outwards via the exhaust fans.
Overall direction you want to achieve.
http://img230.exs.cx/img230/2493/picture0196lh.jpg
Above you can see what your going to need to achieve.

as stated earlier your intake should consist of at LEAST 1 fan, I have 2 but you get the idea.
http://img185.exs.cx/img185/259/picture0215yj.jpg
When installing this fan, remove the front panel by way of the 4 screws located behind the face plate itself. this will enable easy install and a hassle free experience. (Do not be in a rush to build your system )
secondly, as stated earlier as well your going to want at least 2 (depending on the size of the case, fulltower cases will let you have 2 outtake fans. Besides the PSU fan, like i have pictured )
http://img177.exs.cx/img177/5225/picture0207cc.jpg
As indicated by the arrows, this is the direction of the air being removed by these fans.( it has to go somewhere it cannot remain in your system, or your components will slowly bake over due time.)

side intake
As an added bonus( mostly depending on the type of rig) it is recommended that you have a side-intake fan.
This is used to provide an additional amount of coolair and help in the overall airflow within your system
(see the pic below)
http://img177.exs.cx/img177/6036/picture0232lm.jpg
the next pic(s) will further show you how your going to want it to be moved throughout your system.
http://img230.exs.cx/img230/6587/picture0252ar.jpg
http://img230.exs.cx/img230/4571/picture180ia.jpg
http://img37.exs.cx/img37/8516/cooling1bm.jpg
Thank you for taking time to review this guide, and hopefully this will help you :)
As always you can post and I, or the helpful folks here will point you in the right direction. Good luck and happy building your killer rig. :)
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Filter...

It is also recommended that you install a filter over any intake fans, unless you want your motherboard and daughterboards to become your room's dust filtration system. :smile:
 
  • #3
Depends, on how much fans and how well your airflow is. I never had to use a filter nor dust out my system.. once in a blue moon but not regularly. Filter are used more for noise reduction than dust filtration although there are end users that use them for both purposes.
 
  • #4
Depends on the condition of the environment. My older builds used to get full of dust bunnies every month or so, and with my latest build, the filter gets pretty clogged every couple of weeks.
 
  • #5
3 fans? pff, more like, 15 ;)

Or well, that's how many i got on my system :D. Its water cooled too so i have water blocks where my cpu and gpu fan/heatsink would normally be :D. And 3 fans are the water coolers fans...

Its relatively quiet too :D
 
  • #6
One note to add is that if your only running one fan, you want it to blow out air for cooling reasons.
 

Related to How to Improve Air Flow in Your PC

1. Why is air flow important in a PC?

Good air flow is crucial for keeping your PC running smoothly and preventing damage to its components. When air flow is restricted, heat can build up and cause overheating, which can lead to decreased performance and even permanent damage.

2. How can I improve air flow in my PC?

There are a few ways to improve air flow in your PC. First, make sure all air vents and fans are free from dust and debris, as this can block air flow. You can also add more fans or upgrade to more powerful fans to increase air flow. Additionally, organizing cables inside your PC can improve air flow by reducing clutter and allowing air to flow more freely.

3. Is liquid cooling necessary for good air flow?

No, liquid cooling is not necessary for good air flow. While liquid cooling can be more efficient at dissipating heat, it is also more costly and complex. With proper fan placement and management of cables, you can achieve good air flow without the need for liquid cooling.

4. How often should I clean my PC to maintain good air flow?

It is recommended to clean your PC every 3-6 months to maintain good air flow. However, the frequency may vary depending on the environment and usage of your PC. If you notice an increase in fan noise or your PC running hotter than usual, it may be time to clean the air vents and fans.

5. Can overclocking affect air flow in my PC?

Yes, overclocking can have a significant impact on air flow in your PC. Overclocking increases the heat output of your components, so it is important to have good air flow to prevent overheating. If you plan on overclocking, it is recommended to have a well-ventilated case with adequate cooling systems in place.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Medical
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
706
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
16K
  • General Engineering
Replies
2
Views
7K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
7K
Back
Top