How can these cases have good airflow?

[Colin Hartigan]

Hey guys I have a question, I want to know how cases like the Fractal Design Define R4 with window, NZXT S340 and other cases have good airflow or do they. From the look at some of these cases they only have rear and top exhaust fans, a side window, and the a full plastic front panel, so how do they intake air, is it something simple I am just not seeing or are these cases not good in airflow.

 

[Gam3r01]

They intake air from under the front of the case, or around the sides of the front.
Take a look at something like the 900D, it intakes air around the flat front panel.

Overall, they have less airflow than an open front case, but they still can intake air.

 

[Darkbreeze]

It's something you're not seeing. They all have front intake fans hidden behind the front panel with air inlets to the sides and bottom.

Example, FD R4 below:

 

[doubletake]

Yeah, you missed the vented sides on the Define R4 that run vertically on the front panel, and the S340 has top and bottom openings on the front panel area for intake.

 

[Colin Hartigan]

Thank You guys gosh now if feel stupid.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Don't feel stupid, it's a valid question. There are a lot of cheap cases that DON'T have any front intakes or top exhausts.

 

[Gam3r01]

I also wondered the same thing years ago when I was researching my first build.
Most manufactures such as Dell or Gateway dont even have an intake fan on their cases. My old DX-4300 has a single 80mm exhaust.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Exactly. And there are some popular cheapo brands that have cases that "look" like higher quality cases or have flashy looks, but are extremely cheap and have very little cooling expansion. For the most part though, companies like NZXT, Fractal Design, Cooler Master, Corsair, Rosewill, and Antec all have at least some decent entry level cooling options even on their most budget cases.

 

[Colin Hartigan]

Thank you guys so much.