Bad Fan Setup

[JosephBAdams]

Hello,

I have a custom-built computer in an Antec Solo mid-tower case. Recently I noticed that it's getting extremely warm in the computer, particularly around the RAM (located "behind" CPU heatsink in relation to the case fan on the back of the computer). Here's the problem: I don't think my case fan should be blowing air directly into my computer.

As it currently stands, my case fan blows air straight into the computer and the CPU fan is blowing air straight back at the case fan. In other words, I have a bunch of hot air being trapped inside my machine by these conflicting fans.

Should I change the direction of the fan on the case, and if so, what's the best way to do so?

 

[Eureka]

Well, it might help to describe how your fans are set up.

The usual setup is that the front, side, and bottom fans are intakes. The CPU fan blows into the heatsink, no matter what direction it is. The top and rear are exhausts. Usually the CPU fan will be directed towards the top or rear exhausts.

 

[yh125d]

It sounds like the rear fan is pulling air into the case, which is definitely not right. flip it around if this is the case

 

[starams5]

+1^. Flip the exhaust fan, it's in conflict with your CPU cooler if this is the case.

 

[zagood]

In addition, you should add some 92mm fans to the optional front mount (as intake).

 

[Ballatician]

Originally posted by: Eureka
Well, it might help to describe how your fans are set up.

The usual setup is that the front, side, and bottom fans are intakes. The CPU fan blows into the heatsink, no matter what direction it is. The top and rear are exhausts. Usually the CPU fan will be directed towards the top or rear exhausts.

Doesn't the CPU fan usually pull warm air away from the heatsink?

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: Ballatician

Originally posted by: Eureka
Well, it might help to describe how your fans are set up.

The usual setup is that the front, side, and bottom fans are intakes. The CPU fan blows into the heatsink, no matter what direction it is. The top and rear are exhausts. Usually the CPU fan will be directed towards the top or rear exhausts.

Doesn't the CPU fan usually pull warm air away from the heatsink?

Not really. Most set-ups I've seen pushes it into the heatsink. If I remember correctly a fan pulls in air from the edges and pushes in into the center. So if it was facing away from the heatsink, it'd be pulling the air all around it, not from the heatsink directly.

Either way, direction isn't as important as the fact that there is airflow going on.