My case is blocking a quarter of my PSU fan!

[TheDrD]

See the picture here:


Is it okay to run the computer like this? Do I need to cut my case? Any thoughts on the matter is greatly appreciated.

The case is a CM Stacker STC-T01 and the PSU is an Enermax 720w.

 

[BoomerD]

Turn the PSU over?

Not sure if it will mount that way or not...I prefer my PSU with the fan facing down, especially in a case that has a bottom made for it. (should be a grilled opening on the bottom) That helps to keep foreign objects from falling into the PSU. (loose, errant screws, etc.)

I've looked at the manual on the CM site...can't tell about the PSU mounting.

While having that piece cover the PSU fan probably isn't ideal, it MIGHT be acceptable.

 

[lsv]

Shouldn't be a problem, there's enough airflow. If anything the PSU fan may run a bit faster due to less CFM being pushed but I doubt it'll be enough to cause any problems.

 

[TheDrD]

Turn the PSU over?

Not sure if it will mount that way or not...I prefer my PSU with the fan facing down, especially in a case that has a bottom made for it. (should be a grilled opening on the bottom) That helps to keep foreign objects from falling into the PSU. (loose, errant screws, etc.)

I've looked at the manual on the CM site...can't tell about the PSU mounting.

While having that piece cover th'e PSU fan probably isn't ideal, it MIGHT be acceptable.

Well if I was to turn it over it might receive even less air due to the weird metal grate that doesn't cover the whole bottom of the case.

 

[BoomerD]

OK, Like I said, I personally don't like a bottom mount PSU with the fan to the top. I'd rather draw cooler air from outside through the PSU, plus, with the fan open to the top, you stand the chance of FOD.
If the mesh panel doesn't cover enough of the bottom, and there's no elevated mount for the PSU, then how about mounting it in the top of the case?
I went to the Coolermaster forums and browsed a bit in their Stacker forum:
http://forum.coolermaster.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1105

And it looks like MOST folks are mounting their PSUs in the top of the case.
I have a CM HAF932, and it's built for top or bottom mount, but the bottom has an elevated panel for the PSU to sit on for better ventilation above the mesh bottom panel.

 

[mfenn]

OK, Like I said, I personally don't like a bottom mount PSU with the fan to the top. I'd rather draw cooler air from outside through the PSU, plus, with the fan open to the top, you stand the chance of FOD.

Why? The PSU is one of the most heat tolerant parts of the computer and it has a nice big fan to help with exhaust. There is really no point in giving it its own cold air short-circuit.