How to install front fans...

[tuffgong]

I'm not expert....bought a silver aspire case for sis' computer...

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/11-144-072-08.JPG

I can't figure out how to install 2x80 fans in the front...am i supposed to remove something to do it?

this is prob a stupid question but any help would be appreciated...thanks

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Looks like you need to take off the front panel and then thread screws through the holes (unless there's something to mount them to between the metal case and the front panel, but it looks too narrow for that.

You should be able to get the front panel off by squeezing the little plastic parts of the panel that are attached to the side of the metal part. ( did that make any sense? )

 

[tuffgong]

ya it makes sense but i guarentee ill break something...there seem to be little clips on the inside front of the case...i dont know if thats what you mean though...

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: tuffgong
ya it makes sense but i guarentee ill break something...there seem to be little clips on the inside front of the case...i dont know if thats what you mean though...

Yeah, I meant the little plastic clip things. I've never worked with that case before, but from that pic it looks like that's what you should do.

I've broken a couple locking clips on front panels in my day. If you break one, look on the bright side... you don't need all of them to keep the front panel on

 

[xbassman]

Yoyo is right... Just make sure there isn't a couple of screws as well befor you pry it off.

While you have it off you should consider cutting out the perforations since they represent a serious blockage of airflow.

Also, if you mount your hard disk in one of the lower slots, where the fans will blow across the top of it, your hd will stay nice and cool without blocking much airflow.

 

[tuffgong]

which perforations are you talking about?

 

[xbassman]

Originally posted by: tuffgong
which perforations are you talking about?

Oops....sorry.
I was talking about the factory punched fan grills.
Your intake fans can't easily push air through those little holes.

It's pretty easy to cut them out with a Dremel or 3" hole saw.

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: xbassman

Originally posted by: tuffgong
which perforations are you talking about?

Oops....sorry.
I was talking about the factory punched fan grills.
Your intake fans can't easily push air through those little holes.

It's pretty easy to cut them out with a Dremel or 3" hole saw.

I agree about the little holes. Honestly, if you don't have the tools and/or knowledge to punch out those grills, I'd forget about installing any fans. Those little holes are so small you'll move virtually no air and the fans will be noisy like you can't believe.

 

[tuffgong]

I've never modded a case before and I'd hate to ruin this one...but it's too hot in there. Are you sure two intake fans at the front won't do any good?

 

[frank84]

Originally posted by: tuffgong
I've never modded a case before and I'd hate to ruin this one...but it's too hot in there. Are you sure two intake fans at the front won't do any good?

this will be a great start with your modding...
modding requires risk i think

 

[tuffgong]

after further review...even if i punch out those holes, the front of the case doesnt have any instake holes...it makes no sense for it to even have those two fan mounts. The one I has differs from the one on newegg as it's back panel only has room for 1 120mm/80mm fan.

See what I mean...

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Is there any holes on the bottom of the front panel?

I think it would be a good idea anyway even if there aren't any noticable intake spots on the front panel.

If nothing else, it will give you at least a little airflow around your hard drives, which is a very good idea as heat buildup is a harddrive's worst enemy.

For future builds: antec makes some very appealing case/psu combos with great airflow, solid construction, and reliable powersupplies.

( no, I don't work for antec )

 

[frank84]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Is there any holes on the bottom of the front panel?

I think it would be a good idea anyway even if there aren't any noticable intake spots on the front panel.

If nothing else, it will give you at least a little airflow around your hard drives, which is a very good idea as heat buildup is a harddrive's worst enemy.

For future builds: antec makes some very appealing case/psu combos with great airflow, solid construction, and reliable powersupplies.

( no, I don't work for antec )

i used to have a case something like that one
and there is a hole right between the front panel and the case..

 

[xbassman]

Originally posted by: tuffgong
after further review...even if i punch out those holes, the front of the case doesnt have any instake holes...it makes no sense for it to even have those two fan mounts. The one I has differs from the one on newegg as it's back panel only has room for 1 120mm/80mm fan.

See what I mean...

My wife's case is exactly the same internally as the one pictured on NewEgg. (different faceplate though)

Her system runs quiet and cool, but it was a lot of modding getting there.

In back I cut out the fan grills and installed wire ones. The front though, I not only had to cut out the fan grills, but I cut out the base of the faceplate for intake. I also put some cheap led feet on it since they raised her case 1" off her desk giving a little better airflow.

Really though...as was said before if you can do the mods you'll be fine, otherwise I would shop for a new case.

 

[tuffgong]

xbassman do you think you could show me a pic of what you did with the case so i can copy it?

 

[xbassman]

Originally posted by: tuffgong
xbassman do you think you could show me a pic of what you did with the case so i can copy it?

Cutting out fan grills isn't really hard. I like using a hole saw best. You can use a dremel as well. Drilling out the grill with a hole saw, I first clamp a board (that I cut a hole in) to my case. It is used as a guide so the drill doesn't walk on me. I clamp it on with a couple of C clamps then drill away. (Most people will tell you to remove all your components so you don't damage anything)

Here is a pic of the opening I made under the faceplate. -> pic
I used tin snips to cut the soft plastic. (My dremel tended to melt instead of cut)

The rest is all about wire management. (ie sleeving cables, removing obstructions to airflow)

Definately cut the grills front and rear. (I am not sure what size hole saw will cut 120mm, but 3"=76mm which is appropriate for 80mm fans)

 

[tuffgong]

thanks xbassman...this shall be a fun first little project