9500 installed, case fan needed?

[mr moab]

I have an old Sonata case. I recently upgraded to a C2D spec per my sig. I was getting high case temps (CPU temps dropping 5-7c with side removed). I went ahead and made some mods on the case to improve airflow; opened up the front bezel, added an 120mm exhaust fan to the top. Now I am getting good case temps, within 2c of side removed.

As I look at my setup and see my 9500 pointed directly at the fan at the back of the case, I am wondering if that case fan has any value? The 9500 blows air right at that hole. Is there any downside to removing the fan on the back of the case?

 

[PCTC2]

well, there's probably a grill behind that fan, right? if you remove the fan, then the 9500 might not have enough airflow to push it out and exhaust as well as if the fan was there.

 

[Skott]

I would think the rear fan would help make the exhausting easier especially since the 9500 is pointing at it and pushing the air in that direction.

 

[mr moab]

thanks for the feedback. I gave it a shot- 2c higher w/o the rear case fan. so now I know. Fan is back in.

..but then I started thinking some more (bad thing) what about a duct from the 9500 straight to the opening....hmmmm

one less fan, less noise. May give it a shot this weekend.

 

[PCTC2]

no ducts, because, despite having the top vent, a lot of the heat from the mobo/graphics is sucked out by the active fan. a duct removes exhaust airflow from the rest of the mobo.

 

[Skott]

Yeah, I dont think a duct would be a good idea. If you want to increase exhaust take out the grill for that rear fan. That'll allow for more exit airflow. Its an easy mod to do too as far as mod cutting goes.

 

[mr moab]

thank- grill was removed when I opened up the cowl in the front. But I understand what you are saying about rear fan sucking more air across mb. Guess I should just be happy with what I have, stop modifying the thing start using it. got nice avg OC going, temps in the mid 30's idle, low 50' maxed. time to play some games, heck maybe even file that tax return......

 

[MrK6]

If you're going to duct, duct air coming IN over the 9500, it'll cool it down some.