Airflow Question

[Lars]

When I have my case closed the difference between the board and the CPU temperature is 13 degrees, but when I open my case it is only 6 degrees (CPU temp drops and board temp rises). What does this tell me about the airflow in my case? How can I have both temperatures low (CPU + board) when the case is closed? TIA

 

[Packy]

What kind of fan setup do you currently have? IE, how many intake fans, exhaust fans, what sizes are they, CFM's, what type of case do you have, etc.

Then we can see if we can figure out a solution for ya

 

[Lars]

I got a cheap mid-tower case with one 80mm intake fan at the front and three 80mm exhaust fans (one at the back and two on top of the case). Each of them has 32.5CFM.

What I do not understand is how the CPU temperature gets lower but the board temperature gets higher when I open the case.

 

[Soulkeeper]

is the fan blowing or sucking off the HSF ??
make sure no fans are fighting each other
maybe add a side fan right over the cpu area
i usually set it up where the fan sucks the air off the HSF and the side fan sucks that air right out of the case
three exhaust fans is a lot but shouldn't hurt anything

 

[Big Lar]

Its an odd problem for sure, IMHO, the cpu hs/fan isn't getting enough air when the case is closed, a better intake and exhaust fan should help that, but the board temp is mystifying. All I can suggest, is that the placement of the sensor for the mobo, is in a spot where its getting less air to it with the case open?

 

[Lars]

I am going to put a 80mm intake fan in my door now. (No other fans laying around here right now). Now where is my Dremel ...

 

[Lars]

WOW! This is working great. Both temperatures are lower than ever now.

The CPU is 9 to 10 degrees lower than when the case was closed and 3 to 4 degrees lower than when it was open. The difference between board and CPU is now 9 to 10 degrees.

edit: I also cut the metal of the case out that was at the exhaust fan and replaced it with a regular finger guard so that more air can get out in that area.