I have a budget gaming PC that I gradually upgraded—it's got a GTX 1660 TI, an i3 9100F, new RAM, and an SSD. The case is really basic, only featuring one rear exhaust fan slot and a small ventilation opening on the side which I usually leave uncovered. However, there's absolutely no intake for air at the front. My question is whether installing an exhaust fan at the back would actually help with cooling. My components aren't high TDP, and as long as I keep them clean and replace the thermal paste on the CPU, they're typically fine. But when I game with the side panel on, the case does get pretty warm. Would adding that exhaust fan make a difference?
4 Answers
For sure, and if you can manage to add a bottom intake fan later on, that would be awesome too! But at least get that exhaust fan for now.
Definitely, adding an exhaust fan can help lower your temps and might even let your components run quieter since they won't have to speed up as much. Even with limited airflow, a rear exhaust fan can pull fresh air from the side vents.
Thanks for the tip! I'm thinking of getting a PWM fan. Does that mean it won't run at full speed all the time? That would help with noise since my motherboard only has one fan connector.
One concern I have is the PSU being at the top without any ventilation. It’s pulling air from inside the case, kind of like an exhaust fan itself. Do you think adding another exhaust fan below it would cause any issues with airflow?
Wait, so do you have no intake fans at all? That's pretty restrictive. An exhaust fan will definitely help. What’s your current fan setup right now?
Currently, I have zero intake fans. The case is just a metal shell with some holes punched in it. I know I should probably consider a new case, but right now, a simple fan upgrade is a lot more doable for me. Here's hoping it helps with the heat!
Did you mention that you leave the whole side panel off, or just the little vent? That could make a difference too!
I wish I had bottom intakes too! I guess I'll just have to rely on those little holes in the side panel to bring in some fresh air while the exhaust takes out the hot air.