How to improve PC Cabinet airflow?

[Jatish Tyagi]

I have a computer with a crappy cabinet without fans. I was thinking to buy a new GTX 660/GTX 960.......so i am thinking to buy fans with it because i have heard people complaining of heating after adding a Graphics Card. I wanted to improve my computer cabinet airflow to keep it cool. Please suggest me some tips and ways to improve airf;low. I willl be buying some fans too.

 

[leo2kp]

Can you provide a picture of your setup, and the model of case you have?

In general, you want more exhaust than intake (negative pressure). Install fans at the rear top of the case and blowing out. If you have a spot for a fan on the side, have that as an intake so it blows cool air over the board and GPU.

 

[Whateverworks_19]

I have a computer with a crappy cabinet without fans. I was thinking to buy a new GTX 660/GTX 960.......so i am thinking to buy fans with it because i have heard people complaining of heating after adding a Graphics Card. I wanted to improve my computer cabinet airflow to keep it cool. Please suggest me some tips and ways to improve airf;low. I willl be buying some fans too.

Best thing you can do is cable manage. Since we do not know your case, or anything for that matter, helping in your specific case can prove to be difficult. Write your current set-up and our advice would be based on enlightenment instead of complete ignorance about your set-up.

For now, cable management is extremely important for good airflow. Pinpoint where you are going to install your fans. Either you'll have 1xintake and 1xexhaust or two of each. Imagine the flow of the air-particles when going into your intake and out of your exhaust. Make sure that the trajectory from intake too exhaust is not complicated by cables. Get them away from that airflow.

That is the best advice I currently can give.

 

[boosted1g]

Why don't you buy a proper case then.
If the case is crappy then it likely only supports 1 or 2 small 80mm fans which is not sufficient.
Seems a lot smarter to just spend $40 on a new decent case vs $20 on fans that are still crippled by the poor airflow of the case.

 

[AdviserKulikov]

Keep your cables tied up nicely so they aren't creating dead air around important parts, make sure you have your pc sufficiently away from walls so that vents are uncovered.

Place an intake fan towards the bottom front (side panel) preferably (this will bring in cool air and probably cleaner air since you can clean the front area more easily). Be sure to include a dust filter for intake if you do not regularly take apart and vacuum your pc.

Place an outflow fan at the rear top of the pc, this will create airflow through the entire case.

Those are the basics to air cooling.


As another note, PC cases are pretty standard, it's worth getting a nice one with cable management and ventilation support. You can keep cases over many builds. Even if Motherboard standards change, usually you can get a printout of the screw specs and drill your own holes for an older case. I've done it for a friend who had an ancient case that he really liked.

 

[geofelt]

1. Pick the GTX960, it is a cooler running card of more modern design.

2. The cheapest cooling solution is to simply remove the covers from your case.
For added cooling aim a house fan at the innards.
Not a great idea if kids or cats are around.

3. If you have only 80mm fans, it is time to buy a new case. A cheap one will not cost much.

4. A good case will have at least two 120mm intake fans behind a washable filter.
That gives you positive pressure which will keep your case cleaner by allowing in only filtered air.