Nikao cpu fan hood

[SmokingMan]

Hi all,

I had a few questions I hoped people here may be able to help answer. I did a search on google and on multiple forums and did not find any definitive answers. Therefore, I apologize if this is redundant and appreciate any positive constructive responses.

1.) My gf recently purchased the Nikao Zeus mid-tower case. I am building her computer for her. I noticed that there is a fan hood in the rear. (http://www.nikao.net/case/zeus.htm) - the bottom picture shows the fan hood.

In one review, the reviewer mentioned that the fan blows air onto the cpu thereby lowering the cpu temperature. In another review, the reviewer mentioned that it draws air out but makes no mention of whether it is a positive or negative effect. I have confirmed that this fan does blow air out of the case and therefore draws air from the hood directly situated over the heatsink fan (hsf).

I was wondering if anyone uses these scoops and what your opinions are? I was a bit confused as I thought that the amd hsf normally blows air onto the cpu. Therefore, if this scoop draws air away from the hsf, doesn't it counteract the effect of the heatsink fan which is trying to draw air onto the heatsink and fan? I would understand if the scoop fan blows air onto the cpu fan. Should I use this scoop? Curiously, I have found that newer and other Nikao cases do not come with this scoop.

2.) Secondly, does anyone have any general comments on this case? I found that the front intake is almost non-existent and from everything that I have read and installed, I always thought the front intake was crucial for proper airflow. My gf does not want me to drill holes into the front of her new case, so I am trying to find some type of solution that does not seriously damage the case. Has anyone conducted or found an alternative solution?

Sorry for the rather long post and again any replies would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Drewpy]

I'd ditch the fan duct thing. It would probably work if your're using an Alpha PAL HSF though. That's a pretty expensive upgrade to keep a fan duct though.

well, if you can't make holes where they will be visible, make them where they aren't. Putting the case up on casters and drilling underneath the HD bays would give you good front airflow. Though probably a really dusty case. Plus the GF probably won't like this idea if the computer sits on a desk. If its under the desk then this will work. Tell her the casters are to make it easier to plug/unplug the cords from the back of the computer. 😉

 

[CraigRT]

I actually just got this case for my 2nd machine (yesterday) and it's ok.. i don't use the power supplies cases come with because I have an Antec 400W I use, so I can't comment there... the build quality is decent.. nothing like true Antec or InWin but it's ok.

only thing I don't like about the case is the material used on the side window.. scratches easy, and is not very clear. and i also do not like the stupid drive covers.. my LG burner hooks on the bay cover when it's coming back in, when the CD is ejected it's fine, but on the way back in it catches. so i have to hold the flap so it won't. i am thinking about just ditching those stupid covers and having the drives show.

overall, pretty cool case.

 

[OulOat]

The fan duct is very useful, people on the forum has been asking about where to buy them. The best setup with them would be like this: If your CPU fan is blowing air onto the heatsink, the duct should push air into the case. However, if your cpu fan is drawing air from the heatsink, the duct should draw air outside the case.

The case looks very nice. If you can, you should mod it so the fans aren't choked for air.

 

[beatle]

Anyone know if this fan "hood" is compatible with other cases? My Nikao X-Jazz should be here tomorrow and I'm running an Alpha 8045. A relatively quick search on the net didn't turn up anything useful.

 

[SmokingMan]

Thanks for all the replies. It's greatly appreciated. I agree with the last user's comments that I should reverse the fan and try to blow air onto the cpu if the heatsink fan is blowing air onto the heatsink and cpu. When possible, I will try to post results of temperatures in the following conditions:

1.) As is
2.) Fan hood fan reversed (drawing air)
3.) Fan hood removed

Take care and a very happy holidays to all.

with best wishes,

Smoke

 

[Drewpy]

Originally posted by: OulOat
The fan duct is very useful, people on the forum has been asking about where to buy them. The best setup with them would be like this: If your CPU fan is blowing air onto the heatsink, the duct should push air into the case. However, if your cpu fan is drawing air from the heatsink, the duct should draw air outside the case.

The case looks very nice. If you can, you should mod it so the fans aren't choked for air.

If you have an intake fan just below where your PSU is exhausting it is just going to suck that warm air back into your computer and blow it onto your CPU.

There is no problem keeping the duct IFF you are going to have an Alpha PAL style heatsink that blows outwards from the CPU. Otherwise its just a waste of plastic keeping it there.

 

[OulOat]

Originally posted by: Drewpy

Originally posted by: OulOat
The fan duct is very useful, people on the forum has been asking about where to buy them. The best setup with them would be like this: If your CPU fan is blowing air onto the heatsink, the duct should push air into the case. However, if your cpu fan is drawing air from the heatsink, the duct should draw air outside the case.

The case looks very nice. If you can, you should mod it so the fans aren't choked for air.

If you have an intake fan just below where your PSU is exhausting it is just going to suck that warm air back into your computer and blow it onto your CPU.

There is no problem keeping the duct IFF you are going to have an Alpha PAL style heatsink that blows outwards from the CPU. Otherwise its just a waste of plastic keeping it there.

Maybe, maybe not. Warm air rises so....