Computer Case Type - Which Cools Better?

[UaVaj]

Open
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129056

Semi Open
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146065

Closed (Traditional)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112099

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Open is pretty straight forward. Every component is open to the ambient temperature. Just like a test bed.

Semi Open. Some component are open while some are enclosed in.

Closed. Every component is enclosed inside. For this - do assume a proper push pull setup with filter.

 

[lehtv]

Depends on the case airflow. Open design wins with minimal airflow, while high airflow works best in closed cases where the airflow is best directed to components, creating a wind tunnel. Semi open cases in between, obviously.

As for noise, closed cases probably have the best potential for acoustic cooling efficiency, assuming air cooling only.