Desk build Airflow Question

Benjamin Hodges

Honorable
Aug 7, 2013
4
0
10,510
I am building a PC inside of my desk.. not one of the super cool ones I have seen on this site, but something I've been wanting to do for a while.

Anyway, my question is about airflow. Should I go with the all air flowing in one direction model where my board is turned 90deg so that the CPU cooler is headed the same way as my intake/exhaust (IE straight through).
Or would it be better for me to have the mobo straight up and down so that the air is made more turbulent (i heard this can help cooling)

For reference I am planning (will test but this is the plan) for a negative pressure system, as the space is very open and will be easy to clean with canned air and a tiny vacuum.

Thank in advance!
 
Solution
You should have the airflow in a linear pattern if at all possible. Temperature is in direct relation to pressure, therefor more pressure, more temperature. Creating turbulence will create excess pressure and temperatures. (Jet engine mechanic is my day job :p)

thewisdomp

Honorable
Jul 18, 2013
105
0
10,710
You should have the airflow in a linear pattern if at all possible. Temperature is in direct relation to pressure, therefor more pressure, more temperature. Creating turbulence will create excess pressure and temperatures. (Jet engine mechanic is my day job :p)
 
Solution

vertexx

Honorable
Apr 2, 2013
747
1
11,060
In general, directional flow is more efficient, except for components that might get missed with the directional flow. For a negative pressure system, you have less to worry about turbulence. You'll want intake vents that ensures fresh air flows over components that need to be cooled.

In addition, you'll want intake vents low and the exhaust up high.