Optimizing OEM case airflow?

[zero10iz]

Hello all, brand new to anandtech, and looking forward to (hopefully) contribute! But I'm still learning, so I hope it's alright to start by asking.

I've got an OEM Gateway computer, and I'm trying to optimize the case airflow since I got a 8800GT in it.

If possible, I'd like it to get a slight positive pressure, so I can put some filters on the intakes to minimize dust.

Here's the case as it stands

http://img231.imageshack.us/im...6/gm5420iv2copylr1.jpg

The case, bring OEM, is obviously unorthrodox, and doesn't provide any fan mount points, but the lower front have just enough space for a 80mm fan, while the vents can be mounted with some of my own equipment. The rear also have mount holes for a 90mm fan.

Graphics card vents out into the case, but the CPU has a tunnel that goes to within 1/2 inch of the case's grill.

I'm thinking if it's possible to reverse the case flow, and adding a dedicated exhaust fan for the graphics card, but I'm interested in hearing what more experienced users suggest. I should note that since the PSU is pretty new, I'd rather not take it apart and void the warranty to reverse the fan, but if I do that, I'll create some very localized airflow.

Thanks for all your input =)

 

[Tullphan]

Get the dremel out!

 

[WoodButcher]

Cut the bottom out for one or two 120mm intakes, use taller case feet or add something to the bottom of what you have, hot glue and a stack of washers. Use a piece of furnace filter under the fans.

 

[scruffypup]

I would second what woodbutcher suggested,... the front bottom of the case would be ideal for a nice 120 mm fan,... you can get some feet for the case to raise it up. The noise from the 120 mm fan will also be a bit less at the bottom than having an 80 mm fan added to the front while moving the same or more air.

Buy a decent 120 mm fan, use it as a template for the main hole and the screw holes (remove the computer components first). Cut out the template, the screw holes.

Case feet can be bought -
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l...Page1.html?id=JmaMuxzG

Afterwards (clean everything well of course and sand the edges), you might want a rubber lining/molding to be safer, similar to,..
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l...Page1.html?id=JmaMuxzG

You can also find grills at this site and other sites will provide similar components. For the filter,.. the "furnace filter" mentioned by woodbutcher is one of the better ideas.

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: scruffypup
For the filter,.. the "furnace filter" mentioned by woodbutcher is one of the better ideas.

Nah, I'm just cheap, these are all materials I have on hand including the fans.

 

[scruffypup]

LOL I am cheap too, the filter shouldn't come into view too much,... some things on the outside of the case I prefer more a more "commercial look" as my own talents only go so far,... but I have links to commercial filters too

http://www.jab-tech.com/Fan-filters-c-170.html

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Originally posted by: WoodButcher
Cut the bottom out for one or two 120mm intakes, use taller case feet or add something to the bottom of what you have, hot glue and a stack of washers. Use a piece of furnace filter under the fans.

I see so many of these OEM midtowers. WoodButcher voiced my own recommendations. And if you can manage -- with attention to detail -- for optional fitting of either 120 or 140mm fans on the bottom, so much the better.

Here's a refinement to his advice for lifting the case off the floor:

Double-wheeled Casters with brakes from Lawless Hardware

I can explain how to improve stability using these wheels over what you find from case-makers who include casters in the package -- with 1/4" x 2" or 3" aluminum bars, but for a midtower, this might not seem needed enough to take the time.

Even so, you might want to reinforce the bottom in a similar manner for cutting the fan holes. It's possible -- easy -- to do that with aluminum "U-channel" and pop-rivets, and the U-channel would work (with some minor enhancements like modders' mesh) as a fan-filter-holder for the blue-fiberglass stuff people here may have mentioned. An 18" x 24" panel of the AC fiberglass costs between $0.75 to $1.50 each as I remember. I just cut off the cardboard edging, and cut pieces to size.