PC case fan

[paromlin]

Hello,
I have a Elite 370 Coolermaster PC case. It has 4 empty optional spots to install 120mm fans; 2 at the side and 2 at the top.
While gaming, the top of the box gets hot, towards the back.
For starters I'm planning to put an exhaust fan at the top, where it gets hot. Is that a good idea?

 

[TheDualshock]

Well of course it's a good idea. Exhausting the hot air will help keep your temperatures cooler.

 

[paromlin]

Thanks for the answer. I just wanted to know, since I plan to install only 1 fan for now, if the top spot is the place to do it (where it gets hot).

 

[paromlin]

Hello again.
So I installed the fan to the side, near the top and opposite to the CPU as an exhaust fan. Top was too crowded.

The top of my PC case doesn't get nearly as hot as before so I'm happy about that, though reading the intrawebs I found that many people recommend side fans as intake.
Is it ok to keep my only bonus fan as exhaust? The other 3 optional spots (2 on top and 1 at the side) are empty.

 

[TheDualshock]

Side fans are usually for intake. Rear and top for exhaust. Reason why is that fresh cooler air is drawed in from the side to help provide cooler air to the components.

 

[paromlin]

The thing is, when the computer is under load (playing a game), the fan blows out warm air. When idle or doing other non-gaming stuff, it exhaust cold air. So I guess that's good, right? Less hot air in the case.
Also, I've read that fans as exhaust are less loud than as intake.

Also, yes, I read the general rules, top exhaust, because hot air goes up etc., but this fan is really close to the top, it's just on one side instead of the roof.