Computer Cooling

[BigJimZ28]

Originally Posted by rjstaaf

The fan does blow out. Not a big fan of intake fans as they suck in a lot of dust and most fans aren't strong enough to overcome the restriction of a filter.

sorry the pic looked like you had it setup as an intake fan, my bad

[Picus]

I think the best thing you can do re: cooling, is pick the right case. I am a huge fan of *quiet* computers, so I looked around forever and finally found this:

Antec.com - Performance One

It's pricey, but it's designed to be quiet and keep stuff cool. I have two fans in mine, both blowing out (one out the rear, one up), both 120MM and very quiet. Seems to work very well. My computer is in a desk too and my video card is passively cooled.

[BigHonu]

I agree with Picus that having the right case and developing a system built for cool and quiet computing is the ideal way to go. It would eliminate the need to look for a way to cool off your cabinet.

Unfortunately, Dell uses (or at least used to) use quite a bit of propietary components, so transfering what you have to a new case may be problematic.

Maybe position your fan a little higher? It may pull cooler air from the bottom and exhaust the warmer air more efficiently.

[tyymm]

No matter what you do your computers will be a higher than normal temp. because you are not providing any cross ventilation.

One simple solution that would not cost you any money and would help to cool your PC's would be to open one, if not both, of front doors while you are at the computer. Just the simple fact that the PC's can suck in cooler air from the front will drop your temp. ratings.

[rjstaaf]

Originally Posted by tyymm

No matter what you do your computers will be a higher than normal temp. because you are not providing any cross ventilation.

One simple solution that would not cost you any money and would help to cool your PC's would be to open one, if not both, of front doors while you are at the computer. Just the simple fact that the PC's can suck in cooler air from the front will drop your temp. ratings.

That would make sense but, the reality is that when the front doors are open the temp actually goes up by the same amount as turning the fan off.

[ZoranC]

Your only solution for such layout is water cooling with something like Zalman Reserator that will be taking lines outside the cabiner through the back. Doesn't need fans, it is remote, exactly what you are looking for. If you want suggestions from hardcore mod geeks go to forums hosted by ArsTechnica and HardOCP as starting point.