Case Fan Question

[sactoking]

Building a new PC, first time doing something other than a budget computer. I'm using a Corsair Carbide SPEC-01 ATX mid-tower case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139041). There are five fan slots: 2 in the front, 2 on top and 1 rear. Case comes with a 120mm fan in front. I've bought three more 120mm fans and can get a fourth. One will be installed in front blowing in over the HD rack. I'm only going to be using a SSD mounted in a 3.5" bay so incoming airflow should be fairly unimpeded.

My question is should I configure the two top and one rear fan for exhaust or should any do airflow in? I do have a NZXT Sentry Mix 2 fan controller as well.

 

[Bearmann]

Many people prefer a positive pressure configuration with more pressure coming in than going out (more fans on intake or higher RPM on the intake fans) which theoretically helps expel dust from the computer rather than suck it in. If you want to use all of your fans, I would put two in the front, one in the rear, and one on the rear top. If the case will go under your desk, not using a top fan will likely make it quieter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OmkmluAYAQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh6F2eccMec

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8EN3K-eaVA

 

[DSF]

This assumes that the intakes are filtered though. If you are sucking in a bunch of unfiltered air you're going to get dust no matter what.

 

[Bearmann]

This assumes that the intakes are filtered though. If you are sucking in a bunch of unfiltered air you're going to get dust no matter what.

Of course! I haven't seen computers with unfiltered intakes, but I've only looked at good quality cases.