side air duct vs additional case fan

[scubaslim]

I currently have an air duct that lines up pretty well with my CPU, but I was wondering if a better cooling option would be to take that out and add an additional 70mm fan?

Any opinions would be welcomed. thanks!

 

[terry4536]

I would probably not for several reasons. A 70 mm fan isn't going to add that much cooling plus a a small fan like that is commonly a high RPM fan (for it to do any good cooling at all) so it is likely to be noisy. So you have a noisy fan that doesn't cool very much. The side air does allow ventilation and it is quiet.

 

[mickypheonix]

hi scubaslim
i'm asuming you mean an 80mm fan , yes replacing the duct with a fan isn't a bad idea but not an 80mm fan , as terry4356 said it will be noisy and not produce much airflow however there is no reason you cant get a 120mm to 80mm fan adaptor and install a 120mm fan that way such as this ;
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7921/duc-47/Akust_8092mm_to_120mm_Fan_Adapter_-_Black_FG01-0100-AKS.html?tl=g47c121s262&id=ZYVCp4D6

 

[scubaslim]

The screw holes that the duct is attached to are 70mm apart, and I have 2 70mm fans on the back, so I'm pretty sure it'd be 70mm. The 2 on the back of the case are quiet enough for me and seem to moving a good amount of air.

 

[terry4536]

Have you considered moving the system to a better cooled case?

 

[scubaslim]

I have, but as it is things aren't really getting that hot. I just figured that a little improvement for $10 or so wouldn't be a bad idea. Not really looking to spend a lot for something that isn't completely necessary at the moment.

 

[terry4536]

In that case why not. You are already awre of the noise.

Good luck.

 

[mickypheonix]

more airflow would be a good idea , 70mm hole spacings , aprox is for a 80mm fan
http://www.quietpc.com/faq/27
The 80mm refers to outside to outside measurement of the fan

 

[terry4536]

Measure one of the existing fans from side to side along an edge.

 

[scubaslim]

good catch! they are 80mm. Will the fan adapter to get a bigger fan make a difference? I mean, the opening is still the same size

 

[terry4536]

Not much difference, there is more hub than fan blades.

 

[mickypheonix]

yes i believe it will make a difference because even though the fan will be slightly resticted on intake it will still push way more cfm into your case and will be a lot quieter , better than 80mm airflow