I just got a Centurion 5, question about it.

[Shadmere]

This is the first computer I've built. I can't start on it yet, all my parts have not arrived. However; I have a couple questions about my case.

It came with two fans. One in front and one in back. On the side panel, there's this black 'duct' like object projecting into the case. What is this for?

If I want to add another fan, where can I add it onto this case? What size should I get? (I realize I could measure, and I will. But first I need to know where I should put one? Where I could put one, rather.)

I've had a few problems with my current system overheating in the summer, here, and I want to make sure that I have as good a cooling system as I can on this new system.

Thanks. =)

 

[Brock123]

the duct it goes over the Heat Sink on the cpu to pipe out the hot air.

Not sure on the fan if you can put one in the duct to help remove the hot air off the cpu it might help

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: Brock123
the duct it goes over the Heat Sink on the cpu to pipe out the hot air.

Nope. Intake for cool air. 99% of HSF fans all are supposed to blow down, unless a newbie gets one upside down. If the duct and the cpu location match up, there still can be a problem with "tall" HSF devices requiring that the duct itself be shortened. Many builders will remove the duct and place an 80 mm intake fan where the duct attached to the side panel.

The advantage to the fan over the duct is that you also have the potential to get cooler air onto the mosfets and onto the RAM.

 

[Shadmere]

So it would be better for me to remove the duct and add a fan there?

I was planning on doing that, but wanted to make sure that it wasn't a stupid idea. =Þ

Thanks!

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: Shadmere
So it would be better for me to remove the duct and add a fan there?

I was planning on doing that, but wanted to make sure that it wasn't a stupid idea.

Theoretically, using the right duct and the matching HSF with it, and when the duct is located exactly over the cpu, you can obtain excellent cpu cooling with minimal noise. This works fine for business PC's, as opposed to enthusiasts' personal creations. Whether your replacement fan is as effective at cooling without adding additional noise beyond the stock duct's small noise is doubtful.

I refuse to use the terms "best" or "better" when the discussion involves anything that can't be quantitatively measured. In fact, when I answered the initial query, I used the word "potential" as a descriptive modification, that equates in some ways to my use of the term "theoretically" this time. There are so many different PC cases available these days, you can find plenty with truly terrible internal air flow circulation, along with a few that have the opposite.

There is or was a web site that tested PC cases rather thoroughly for air flow, for hot spots and cool spots. I've misplaced the bookmark, and/or forgotten the name of the place (same thing when there are a lot of bookmarks). I suspect that the Centurion 5's would get pretty good marks overall if tested there, because of the large size fans and the free air flow for the intake.

 

[Shadmere]

Noise isn't a big concern at all, in the summer I have a few personal fans going in this room at all times.

I realize the duct probably works fine generally, but if a fan would work better, I'm getting a fan. (I have ordered one already.)

Extra noise doesn't bother me really. (To a point. I'd rather not have my computer sound like an industrail vacuum.)