I'm building my first mATX PC using a DarkFlash DB330M case, which is a single chamber design with a non-modular PSU. The case allows for up to five fans: one rear, two top, and two bottom, but there's no option for front or side fans. My PSU fan is positioned at the bottom as the case has a vent there. I'm wondering what would be the best configuration for airflow. I'm considering having three exhaust fans at the top and rear, with my CPU cooler aligned with the rear fan. I'd also like to have two intake fans mounted on the PSU shroud. However, I'm a bit concerned about the non-modular nature of my PSU. Since all the cables will be stuffed in the shroud, could that interfere with the intake airflow? Additionally, as I plan to cable manage the shroud, where's the best spot to place the PSU cables? Currently, I have older components installed to test airflow, and it's been a helpful learning experience. My new motherboard has a standard PCIe slot, enabling me to fit bottom fans too!
1 Answer
If I were you, I'd set your bottom fans as intakes and the top/ rear fans as exhaust. This creates positive pressure in the case, which helps keep dust from sneaking in through any potential gaps. Plus, it keeps the dust from settling down from above, which can accumulate over time. For the CPU cooler, I recommend putting it on the rear fan since it looks cleaner to have a 120mm AIO in the back rather than on a bracket meant for a larger cooler.
Just a heads up, my case doesn’t support side fans, so I'm stuck with bottom intakes and top exhausts too!