Advice on custom case cooling

dkempel

Prominent
Apr 1, 2017
3
0
510
Hello guys,

I am planning my first build and need some advice.

The plan is to build a custom case out of wood in order to make as small a case as possible. I aim for a simple design to make it all easier. I want to ask about placing fans, and about choice of harddisk (M.2 or 2.5”) in relation to cooling. I have attached an illustration of my intended lay out.

Here are my questions:


  • What is the better placement of fans to ensure good airflow and cool components? Is it better with a more intake or exhaust (considering I want the simplest solution)? My idea is to put a big fan on top of the case and create a vacuum. Then I could make air holes for intake. For example, a big hole with dust filter under the motherboard to create a flow from top to bottom and through every small opening.

  • Can I use a SSD with M.2 form factor in this lay out or will it be too hot? On this particular motherboard the M.2 slot is on the bottom of the motherboard. If not, I will use a standard 2.5” SSD.

Lay out

Here is a list of the components:
Motherboard: ASUS B150i Pro Gaming
Processor: Intel Core i5-6500"
GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Phoenix – 2GB
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 2x4 GB
Harddisk: Samsung Evo 850 500gb M.2 or 2,5”
Power supply: Corsair SF450W

 
Solution
For your build, you have a CPU cooler and a GPU cooler, need to get rid of hot air from both:-
I would have a 120mm exhaust fan plugged into the motherboard for speed control.
I would make the PSU suck air out of the case.
Then I would have 2 air intake holes (with filters on them if you want), both 100mm square.

lodders

Admirable
Look at the size of the cooling fan you will have inside the case.
Make sure the holes you have in the case letting cool air IN are bigger than the fan.
Now make sure the holes you have in the case letting hot air OUT are bigger than the fan.
Now use a fan to blow cool air in, OR a fan to suck hot air out. You don't need both.
Hot air gets sucked out from near to the top.
If your CPU is not a very power hungry one, you can use the power supply to suck out the hot air from the top, and you will need no additional fans
 

dkempel

Prominent
Apr 1, 2017
3
0
510
Thanks for the reply.
BY cooling fan inside do you mean the CPU cooler or a case fan?

I don't know if I can get away with just the PSU cooler, it seems I need a case cooler to be safe.
 

lodders

Admirable
For your build, you have a CPU cooler and a GPU cooler, need to get rid of hot air from both:-
I would have a 120mm exhaust fan plugged into the motherboard for speed control.
I would make the PSU suck air out of the case.
Then I would have 2 air intake holes (with filters on them if you want), both 100mm square.
 
Solution