Heatsink and Fan clearance

[Thread7]

I am creating my own small case and it is pretty cramped. I am wondering if there is a guidline on how much clearance a heatsink and cooling fan should have. My CPU is a Celeron D 2.66 Ghz. I am only going to have the CPU fan about 1/2 an inch away from the top of the case which is plexi. If it is a problem, can I put in a case fan to shoot the air away from it? Or make a diagonal shield to deflect it?

Thanks,

Thread7

 

[RBHoarder]

NO! NO! NO!. You will overheat in a hurry. You may be able to find a low profile fan.

 

[irwincur]

Cut vent holes in the top of the case, then it can pull cooler air from outside of the case. You will also want at least one fan venting however as heat will build up very quickly in the case.

 

[Thread7]

I'm not to excited about cutting venting holes since it will change the look I am trying to achieve. I may just hook everything up and see what temp it runs at. Then mess with fans and vents accordingly.

 

[fell8]

I remember reading that in low clearance applications flipping the fan over so it blows out the top will improve airflow. Still, if possible, it really is best to have a traditional fan setup (blowing down on the HS) with adequate clearance (min 3/4" to 1").