Can I have a side fan blow air directly on the CPU fan?

destinywarlock55

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Sep 20, 2017
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Hello,

In my recent build im trying to get the fans set up in the case, but for some stupid reason they don't allow 2 intake fans on the front, so instead I put 1 intake on the from. But my question can I have a 120mm fan blowing air in on my CPU fan (Ryzen 3 1300X Stock Fan)?

Thank you!
 
Solution
Why would you suspect this would be a bad idea? I guess what I'm saying is...as long as you can keep things cool it doesn't much matter. I can't imagine you causing much mechanical damage to the cpu fan by blowing on it. You may alter the loads on the bearings a bit, but I wouldn't think they are designed to take some loading.
Why would you suspect this would be a bad idea? I guess what I'm saying is...as long as you can keep things cool it doesn't much matter. I can't imagine you causing much mechanical damage to the cpu fan by blowing on it. You may alter the loads on the bearings a bit, but I wouldn't think they are designed to take some loading.
 
Solution
Sure you can, so long as your case has a suitable fan mount spot. This used to be a common thing to do. If the fan mount is not directly above the CPU you can even use a little ducting to get it there. However the extra cool air usually does more good on the GPU.
 

greenmrt

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May 19, 2015
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You want the side fan to exhaust and help you get rid of the heat generated by your CPU. If you blow air right on to it, the hot air will rise up in the case. Can it exhaust from there?
 

destinywarlock55

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Sep 20, 2017
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Well, like you mentioned I was afraid that the fan may be damaged if there was air blowing on it while it's trying to do the opposite by blowing the air/heat away from the CPU.