PCI Slot Blower Fan -- is it really a good idea?

[WhipperSnapper]

I've wondered whether the PCI-slot blower fans are really effective or actually counterproductive.

If the idea is to have a flow of cool air from the lower front and lower side of the case to the upper rear of the case, then wouldn't a PCI slow blower work against that by sucking cool air out of the lower rear before it can make its way to the GPU and CPU?

I have a Chieftec Matrix (standard ATX case) with five fan locations--two 80 mm in the rear near the CPU area, two 80 mm fans in the lower front, and one side fan (80 mm) that seems a little low (though it might actually be in a good position for GPU cooling).

How would a PCI slot blower help?

I'm thinking about adding a cooler to the uppermost 5.25 drive bay what would pick up stagnant air from the top of the case and exhause it out the front. (This one. ) I might also use a drill press at work to cut out an 89 mm hole in the upper side area for a 92 mm fan. Not sure if that one should blow out (to exhaust hot air from the upper region) or in. I could also place it at middle height and have it blow in.

Instead of a PCI slot blower that blows air out the back at the bottom of the case, might it actually make more sense to have a blower that sucks air inwards and blows it up onto the GPU? Is there such a device?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Only responding to the title question.

They were very good at putting money in someone elses pocket.

They move little air,are load, are ineffective and take up a PCI slot. A Zalman thin fan on it's purpose built bracket may cost a bit more but is worth it if curculation is needed in any area of the case. PCI slot fans are selling very cheaply now for a reason.


Galvanized

 

[greebler]

They are worthless, noisey, and will break in a month.

 

[JEDIYoda]

I refer to them as junk...your first impression hit the nail on the head!!

 

[RampantAndroid]

I put one right by my 6800U because it was running hot....with a little bit of work making my own ducting, I was able to pull hot air away, without hindering the heatsink fan.

They don't break in a month, and they aren't noisy. Not if you buy an antec or another good company's.

 

[jondl]

I believe if you have a btx case like mine then it would be useful. The only downfall is that they really don't last long at all. I've had 2 that had died on me and the pci blower from my lian li is starting to make whining noises. I would also recommend that zalman bracket where you can put a fan anywhere in your case.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Notice rampantandriod stated he also made his own ducting!!

Without the ducting the slot blower is a pice of junk!!

To put it bluntly!!

 

[Powermoloch]

PCI exhaust is much better..

 

[zest]

Hmm..I was thinking about hetting THIS ONE but have not been able to find out how loud it is.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

This thread has crossed my mind a time or two.

A PCI slot is already surrendered to make way for a decent graphics card. So whey would i want to give up another PCI to a pair or one screaming small diameter fans. These fans are going the push air out of the case from a depth of what? 6"s. When the air should really be exhausted from as close to the rear panel as possible.
Solution? My thought. Remove the two PCI covers closest to the AGP slot. Make a duct and install a 60mm or 80mm fan on the outside of the case. The shroud/duct would just have to be long enough to clear any cabeling that has to be plugged in.
I've discovered brass shim stock! It's EZ to cut,fold,bend and solder.


Galvanized

 

[Ike0069]

If you really want to help keep your VC cool while exhausting that hot air directly out of the case, get the appropriate NVSilencer for your card.
Truly an outstanding product. Not only helps keep my card cool, but reduced my case temp at load by about 3C.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Thanks for the input guys. This is more or less what I figured. It just didn't make sense to me that you'd want a fan at the bottom of the case blowing out the air coming in from the lower side and lower front. I do like the idea of a 5.25 drive exhaust fan though.

 

[drwngflies]

I tried one:
An ANTEC V-Cool LED
http://www.legitreviews.com/article.php?aid=223
That review seems a little biased, I only gave that link for a pic of it. I didn't get the max temp drop they said they achieved.
80mm Intake fan, mounted horizontal under the Gfx card.
It takes up two PCI slots, and Draws Fresh Air Into the case, and forces it up, unto the Gfx card. Three speed switch for different speeds, not too noisy, but I had extra fans mounted in that old case, couldn't hear if it was noisy or not.
It dropped idle temps 2'C and max temps abt. 3'C, for $20. ( On High)
It looks cheap, made of plastic, but for a "quick fix" will do what is supposed to do.
Also, seems it would draw more dust into the case, and deposit it on Gfx card, seeing it draws from so low on rear of case.
I feared it wouldn't last very long, and when I changed cases, I didn't re-install it.
All I can say, is it did what the package said it would, "Lower Gfx Card Temp", but not by a whole lot.