Fan and PSU Questions

[jjm]

I have a case that has a tunnel (sort of like a funnel) and side vent right over the cpu. I am running and Athlon 2500+. Should I add a fan to the tunnel? Should it blow in or out?

I am also building an Athlon 64 3200 rig. What's a good power supply for this cpu?

 

[Degrador]

Not really sure what you mean with the tunnel thing - can you post any pics? As for a PSU for an athlon 64, an antec 430W or better would be a perfect solution.

 

[jjm]

Thanks for the psu suggestion.

The case I have has a plastic cone extending from the side of the case to the cpu. It can be adjusted to reach right down to the top of the heat sink fan. It is not a snug fit. I was thinking of adding a fan to this assembly to either draw out the hot air or draw in cooler air for the heat sink. I can't tell if the heat sink fan draws air up from the sink (that would mean I'd want the cone fan to blow out), or if the sink fan blows air down through the sink (which would mean I'd want the cone fan blowing in). Any suggestions?

 

[DaNorthface]

you should be able to tell if the fan is blowing up or down on the heatsink by just feeling the air with your hand.. it's pretty much common sense... isn't it?

 

[jjm]

Thanks for the simplistic observation DaNorthface, but I would not have bothered asking if it was obvious. The stock fan is pretty weak, so I can barely tell what it's doing. I gather you don''t know the answer either, or I assume you would have answered the question that was asked. Perhaps if it is so obvious, you might be kind enough to share your wealth of knowledge?

 

[ericgl]

I'd have to guess the duct is there to provide outside air to the processor's HSF. If so a fan blowing in or an additional fan (elasewhere, like a blowhole) blowing out would help cooling for O/Cing. Just be wary of dust build up.

If the system is stable,I wouldn't bother.

 

[jjm]

Thanks ericgl. In general, does anyone know if heat sink fans blow down on to the cpu or up away from the cpu?

 

[imported_Vengeance]

In general most heatsinks have the fans blowing down onto them... the Alphas in general are the opposite.

 

[jjm]

Thanks, Vengeance.