blow air in or out?

[lazybum550]

I have a alpha 8045 heatsink and i just want to know if i should blow air onto the heatsink or blow air away from the heatsink? I had a retail coolermaster heatsink on my XP 1800+ processor before and my computer is reporting the same cpu temperature (around 45 C)

 

[Lizardman]

you should make sure that your case if properly vented too. If your case is hot then the alpha wont do much good. As for your question just try both and see what gives you a lower temp.

 

[Rainsford]

I've heard blowing air onto the heatsink is better because pulling air over the heatsink makes the air "smoother" (for lack of a better word) and it is exactly the whirls in the air caused by fans that produce more cooling. Or so I've heard.

 

[jcmkk]

Normally blowing air at the heatsink is the best way, but in the case of the Alpha, it seems that with a well cooled case they perform better sucking air away from the heatsink. I agree with lizardman though; try both and see which one cools best for your particular setup.