Best way to set this up for cooling?

[essential]

I just purchased a Motorola SB6120 Cable modem. After a day of use I notice it is already pretty warm. I know it is probably not necessary, but I'm going to purchase this fan (I have a USB hub right next to my modem):
http://www.amazon.com/Thermalt...Cooling/dp/B00080G0BK/

Here is a picture of the 6120, the three sides you can see in this picture (front, top, left when facing) are all open air:
http://www.motorola.com/static...120_left_alt_US_EN.png

I planned on buying the fan above, and somehow mounting it on the modem.

My question is what would be the best spot to help cool the device.

On the left side with the fan blowing air into the device?
On the left side with the fan sucking air out of the device?
In the front with the fan blowing air into the device?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Ben90]

I recommend keeping the fan mounted in its retail box in amazons warehouse.

Why would you want to cool that again?

 

[essential]

Because the thing is really warm, and it's only been on like ... 8 hours? My last modem was hot to the touch, and this is getting there. I can't help but think heat had something to do with my last modems freezing up randomly.

 

[Ben90]

idk; my modem is completely covered by my switch, wedged in between my computer and a wall...absolutely no airflow; its been running fine for the last 5 years like that

i would say if your modem starts freezing up randomly again i would look into this, but all this stuff is meant to work in like 120*f ambient with like 100% humidity

 

[essential]

okay, I respect that you think it's useless too do, and I agree it might be, but putting that aside, from a cooling stand point alone ... based on the design of the modem, would there be a ideal place for a fan?

 

[zagood]

shine a flashlight into the sides. Find a side that has any heatsinks or capacitors visible. Point fan at that side.

 

[essential]

Originally posted by: zagood
shine a flashlight into the sides. Find a side that has any heatsinks or capacitors visible. Point fan at that side.

Okay thanks, and when you say, "point fan at that side" you mean blowing air into it correct, as opposed to exhausting air out of it?

 

[zagood]

yup

 

[Modelworks]

The motorola modems have a lot of metal shielding inside the case that isn't the best for air flow. You may notice that the coax connector gets really hot because it is connected directly to that shielding. If you are concerned you can do what I did and pop off the plastic covers and mount it inside another case. I did it because I installed it inside a pc that was also my router. The modems use 12vdc so it allowed me to dump the wall adapter and only have a coax connector I installed poking out of the back of the case. Works well and lowers the modem temps a ton.