Question What way should my fan face when mounted on my cpu cooler?

lifestylecs

Reputable
Oct 6, 2017
19
0
4,510
So I just bought a new fan to replace my old one which screws into my cpu cooler I have the Corsair hydro h60 so it uses a single fan

I am aware of the arrows that are on the fan but I just wanted some clarification to make sure on the way it should be facing?
 

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
Fans are usually oriented like this in most systems:
  • Front, Side, and Bottom: Pull cool air into system (intake)
  • Rear and Top: Pull hot air out of system (exhaust)

When used with radiators, the direction is generally the same.
 

lifestylecs

Reputable
Oct 6, 2017
19
0
4,510
Fans are usually oriented like this in most systems:
  • Front, Side, and Bottom: Pull cool air into system (intake)
  • Rear and Top: Pull hot air out of system (exhaust)
When used with radiators, the direction is generally the same.

Thank you! I always presumed you wanted the air to come in when used with radiators but thank you I appreciate it
 

lifestylecs

Reputable
Oct 6, 2017
19
0
4,510
Fans are usually oriented like this in most systems:
  • Front, Side, and Bottom: Pull cool air into system (intake)
  • Rear and Top: Pull hot air out of system (exhaust)
When used with radiators, the direction is generally the same.
Also is exhaust side the one that looks like the front of the fan?
 

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
Thank you! I always presumed you wanted the air to come in when used with radiators but thank you I appreciate it
Optimal cooling is largely a factor of airflow. You want cool air to come into the case, while removing hot air from it.

If you have the fan/rads going the other way, you can dump hot air inside the case. This may not be the optimal airflow from a top mount perspective.
 
Radiator orientation on an AIO cooler is a catch 22 situation.

If you orient the radiator to draw in cool outside air, your cpu will be cooled better.
But, the hot exhaust will not be so good for motherboard and graphics card cooling.

OTOH.
If you orient the radiator to exhaust the hot air, your cpu will not be cooled as well, but your inside parts will fare better..
On balance I like the latter best.

If you are shopping for a cooler, I would favor a tower type air cooler.
 
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