Can I have a cpu tower fan when my case doesnt have a front intake?

[andretoniste]

I want to buy a CM Hyper TX3I to replace my stock Intel cooler, but since my case is quite old it doesnt have a front intake or a top one. Would the new cooler work fine?

 

[Tolis_GR]

The cooler will work as long as your case can support its height so you 'd better check the specs of the cooler and your space in your case. Lack of intake and proper exhaust will decrease the tx3i efficiency proportional with time as the generated hot air won't be replaced with fresh cool air. Still you will see cooler temps compared to the stock Intel cooler. You can place two 92 mm fans on the CM and direct the air towards the back of the case to help ventilation.

 

[Karadjgne]

AT style cases have been used forever it seems, it's not that it's cheap, just not a aftermarket gaming case style. Very common in 3rd party vendors like Dell or Sony or HP. But there is a rear exhaust fan. Swapping over to a tower cooler is a benefit for the cpu and the case as a whole as instead of that cpu generated heat being blown all around inside the case, it's directed at the rear exhaust. This'll create a low pressure vacuum at the front of the case, which pulls in outside air through various gaps/vents. Better airflow = lower case temps = lower cpu temps.

The TX3i is decent, as is the Raijintek Aidos (136mm tall) and the Cryorig m9i is fantastic for its size (125mm)