More intake, or more exhaust?

Redvenomm · Aug 20, 2015

Hello! I'm building my pc in 2 weeks, this is a first time build

One question however, I'm using the Corsair Carbide Spec 02. This case already has 1 120mm intake fan in front, and 1 120mm exhaust in the back. I'm wondering, my pc will be under my desk, and just above the ground, my desk has a little shelf to hold my PC. I'm putting it there, as my desk is too small to have my PC, KBM, and Monitor all on it. Now. On this little "Shelf" Behind the case will be a wall, it's a closed back shelf (Sorry so hard to explain this without pictures •~•) There is actually a square opening, which brings it to my wall, just behind my desk, my desk is a good maybe 6 or so inches away from the wall. Would it be a good idea to exhaust it back there? I don't really have any other choice. My room is already hot, going to around 80° degrees just by playing the ps4 (I bet it's defective though, it's really loud and putting the hand on top of the ps4 will literally hurt your hand) So exhausting it out front would just make my room a sauna. Anyways, Which side should I put my extra fan to? Exhaust or intake? Sorry for noobish explanation, I have the weirdest desk. Recommend me a website compatible with mobile in which I can link a image for help!

Specs, If at all needed

I5 4690k
Asrock H97M
GTX 970
1 TB HDD
600w Thermaltake TR2 power supply
8 GB DDR3 Ram

Thanks!

RageGamingZone · Aug 20, 2015

I would say an extra exhaust would be better for the simple fact that creating a vacuum effect inside the computer will be more beneficial. Just make sure that you computer has enough space to breathe and exhale so it can benefit from a good airflow.

atheus · Aug 20, 2015

Intake. You want to draw as much of the cooler air from the front of your case in as possible. It will find its way out the back and upward on its own.

In general, it is preferable to run positive pressure in a case because of dust. Your case isn't really filtered, but there is a wire grill on the front which will catch some dust. If you run positive pressure, the dust will enter from that one point only. If you have negative pressure, you will get dust sucked into your case anywhere there is a tiny gap to let air in. It sucks. Literally.

My last thought, though, depending on how much you're going to overclock that 4690k, is don't put your computer in an enclosed space. Put it on your desk, or next to it. It will run better.

QSV · Aug 20, 2015

More exhaust. Think about it.
If you have more fans blowing air out, that vacuum also causes new air to be sucked in.
Right now I am actually using a case with 2 exhaust fans and NO intake fan. Much quieter (since the intake fan would be at the front), and the air temps didnt rise at all, because of the effect I just explained.

atheus · Aug 20, 2015

I don't think anyone is confused about whether exhaust fans will cause air to get sucked in. The problem is where the air gets sucked in from. The answer, if you don't have any intake fans, is from everywhere it can, including any gaps in your case right next to your exhaust fans. If you have any interest in controlling where the air comes from, use intake fans and positive pressure, and fewer exhaust fans up high and in the rear of the case.

Redvenomm · Aug 20, 2015

1. No space for PC on desk
2. Cat likes to knock stuff over, and my room would get hot. So not too sure about being next to desk

;-;

RageGamingZone · Aug 20, 2015

My answer might not be totally right as Atheus explained in his tread. ''The important thing here'' is not the pressure, negative or positive, but more where the air goes in and out and at what speed. The best configuration is fast airflow and equal amount of air going in and out so the air doesn't come in from the case gaps and that the fans don't cancel their own speeds out due to internal air pressure.

Redvenomm · Aug 20, 2015

Well, looks like I can mount the fan in other locations. Would the top be a good exhaust? The case has about 12 inches free above it

If i'm not mistaken, I can mount it on top!

QSV · Aug 20, 2015

atheus :

Through the biggest hole, which are normally at the front, AKA intake. Small gaps, tiny holes dont matter much if there are big enough holes. Else you would see lots of dust in all gaps everywhere in vacuum systems. But I have never seen that. Air always finds the easiest way, and that is not through tiny gaps and holes, if there are huge ones.
As I said, it even works perfectly without any intake fan. Of course you will have to close any big holes near the exhaust fans, which is another reason why cases with holes everywhere are just stupid, especially side holes for fans.

madmatt30 · Aug 20, 2015

Mention of a cat makes me advise to keep at worst neutral & if all possible positive pressure - negative pressure with a cat knocking about will honestly mean a caseful of very fine cat hair!

Take the front fan out ,put it as another exhaust top/rear.
Get your self 2x140mm fans for the front.

That's the best option by miles IMO.

2x140mm filtered intakes,2x120mm unfiltered exhausts.

Redvenomm · Aug 20, 2015

I wish this didn't have to be so complicated! If only I could magically control temps.. But in serious talk. I want to be able to game without having to open the door every 15 minutes to replace air. And if I keep door open, more cats get in. (Mom is a cat lover, well... more like a damn cat hoarder! I guess that's what It's gonna be until I can move out though. It's literally sad when you have to play in just damn shorts and no shirt because it's so hot LOL.

QSV · Aug 20, 2015

madmatt30 :

Positive pressure also sucks in. There is no difference.
The only way to prevent this would be filters, but I have tested lots with those too, they increase case temps drastically.

atheus · Aug 20, 2015

Sounds like you would do well to think about using some fans to direct the air flow in your room, too.

Redvenomm · Aug 20, 2015

Do you guys not have this problem? Why do I see so many youtubers or gamers in general with their beefy Titans and 980 TI's... I7 4790ks... etc and they just put their pc right next to them, in their small bedroom or recording room. Does it just not get hot? Damn! Most don't even have luquid cooling! They keep the door closed, especially streamers.... UGH.

Redvenomm · Aug 20, 2015

The thing is, I like to game with the door closed. We have a really small house, and walls that can breathing can be heard through -.- I make slight noises or talk to friends, they tell me to quiet down. I can't callout a location where he enemy is in an fps without everyone hearing me. The door being open would make it worse.

ugh.

QSV · Aug 20, 2015

I sometimes have 90F in here. The PC doesnt care, temps are all fine. Maybe the HDDs get a bit too hot (nothing I would start to worry though), but thats only because in my case they are not sitting in the way of the air flow.

atheus · Aug 20, 2015

Yeah, the more power your computer dissipates the more heat it generates. If you're drawing 1000 watts and turning that into heat inside your computer, that's no different from just running a 1000 watt heater in your room. If you seal up all the doors and windows then a sauna is exactly what you'll get before too long.

I haven't had much to worry about this summer, as I've got some nice big windows I can open in my room and it hasn't gotten beastly hot so far this year. There have been plenty of summers where 100 degree heat comes right inside whether I like it or not. On those days, at least the heat from my computer can still escape out the window, or I'd be sitting in a 120 degree room.

Still, there's a lot to be said for building green. Just overclock on 1.2 vcore, and a GTX 970 has some of the best performance/watt out of all the cards out there. It's good for your power bill, good for your too-hot room, good for your peace of mind (lower power means lower fan noise) and it's good for the planet. Good times.

Redvenomm · Aug 20, 2015

Well, I guess I can use this thing as a heater in the winter xD

But it easily gets 80+ degrees here... I have 3 windows right next to my pc. I guess that could help on days where it's not as hot outside.

madmatt30 · Aug 20, 2015

QSV :

Theres a big difference when the case already has front filters fitted,& I know they stunt airflow which Is why I suggested some big 140mm fans for intakes.

QSV · Aug 21, 2015

No, there wont be a difference. The sucked in dust will always be the same if the total amount of fans stays the same, no matter if there are more intake fans or more exhaust fans. Simple physics...

atheus · Aug 21, 2015

This thread is ... exhausting.

More intake, or more exhaust?

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