CPU Fan Side Intake Duct

[RussianMissile1]

by how much would a side duct going solely to the cpu fan lower my temps if i have on average 21C room temp and Smart fan 2 w/ slk-800U with current temps of 44C ilde and about 55C load on a P4 2.4B processor?

[robbie]

I'd guessdamate about 5-10 degrees.
rob

[cloasters]

Ducting air directly from outside of the case to the CPU is one of the smartest things one can do to cool the processor. Motherboard temperature also decreases.

[RussianMissile1]

what kind of tools would i need to accomplish this?

[robbie]

Got a dremal!??! How about a tape measure?!?!
Rob

[cloasters]

Originally Posted by RussianMissile1

what kind of tools would i need to accomplish this?

If your tool chest isn't well populated, the requisite new hole in the left hand case cover for a fan can still be made. All you must have is a 3/8" power drill and two or three 1/8" drill bits.

A Half-Round file for metal isn't an absolute must, but the edge of the hole where the fan will be mounted will be dangerous without one!

If you are short in the tool department, I'll be happy to explain how to make a hole with a paucity of tools at hand.

[MiGGinZ]

I used a dremel, cut 2x 120mm holes, 1 over SB one over CPU and NB put 2 90cfm 120mm fans in, removed CPU fan.

Temps dropped about 5c on the CPU and I can now do 200mhz fsb on the non ultra n-force2 with no V-mod and no sound crackling.

[RussianMissile1]

what is a dremel and where can i get one?

can this dremel cut through an existing side window?

[robbie]

Try Wal-mart they usually have a cheap one for cheap. Or try a local hard ware store. (expect to pay a bit more though)
Rob

[MiGGinZ]

or try ebay for "dremel style" rotary tools.

[SteveI]

The performance boost of a duct is inversely proportional to the current case ventilation. If you have good air flow, with a minimal increase in case temp over ambient, the benefit of a duct is diminished significantly... With excellent case air flow, the work will probably net you 2-3c. If case air flow is currently bad, 10c or more.

[MercutioUK]

Originally Posted by SteveI

The performance boost of a duct is inversely proportional to the current case ventilation. If you have good air flow, with a minimal increase in case temp over ambient, the benefit of a duct is diminished significantly... With excellent case air flow, the work will probably net you 2-3c. If case air flow is currently bad, 10c or more.

Whats the noise like with a side fan? im considering it. My case is kind of stuffed tween bed and desk so moving on its own might help anyway but worth enquiring about

[SteveI]

Originally Posted by MercutioUK

Whats the noise like with a side fan? im considering it. My case is kind of stuffed tween bed and desk so moving on its own might help anyway but worth enquiring about

It depends.. If you have a solid case without side vents, there will be a pretty dramatic increase in noise level just by adding ventilation on the side. I just upgraded cases from an Antec1030 (clone) to a Xaser3 (clone). The new case has a vent on the side, and I've noticed a pretty major increase in noise. I used to run my SF2 @ 4000 rpm, but had to slow it down to 3000rpm. Since I lost a little there, I'm upgrading the HS from an SK7 to SLK900, and I'm going to do some mod work to add a fan (or 2) to the side panel.