Stupid question - case fan direction

[IndyJaws]

I hate to ask, but as soon as I don't, I'll do it wrong!

Installing 4 fans in Antec SX1040B case. Am I correct in assuming that the front two fans are to blow inward and the rear two are to blow outward?

Also, is there a way to know which direction a fan blows before powering it up?

Finally, looking at Alpha's site, it looks like having the HS fan blowing away from the HS is a bit more productive. However, I know YMMV.

Thanks,
Indy

 

[mgpaulus]

In order:

You are correct: Front fans blow in, rear fans exhaust (blow out).

Look at the fan housing (along the sides). You will usually find 2 little arrows, showing which way the fan spins, and which way the fan exhausts.

Most Heatsinks like to have air blown over them, but the Alpha's are designed to have air pulled through them, so that is the proper way to set them up.
(One note about this, though: If you set it up to suck, then make sure and check your HeatSink every 3-6 months. I had a PAL6035 that got so choked with dust
after 9 months it wasn't very effective. I noticed the temps rising steadily, and decided to take a look. Dasm thing looked like a giant dust ball. Blew it out,
and my temps went back down to normal)

 

[Kuroyama]

Look for the sticker in the center of the fan, that's the direction the air will blow.

 

[Garet Jax]

Indyjaws,

I'm still waiting for the stupid question...

If you don't plan on asking one, you should change the title.

 

[IndyJaws]

LOL

Thanks!

 

[sumrtym]

Just to add my truly "stupid" question to this list....

I'm going to be building my first diy system later this year. I'm looking at using the new Antec Plus1080B case with 430 Watt power supply.

Here's a few questions....
1) I'm taking it the side fan is meant to be an intake?
2) Ok, not wise, but I have a huge oak computer desk (you know, where you put your tower in it?). I leave the door open when running, so at least it can pull fresh air in. I'm not planning on overclocking, and I'm planning at the moment on using a P4 (but may change to Hammer by time I start it 3rd quarter of this year). Does this case seem suitable, or does anyone have a suggestion for channeling air in the desk (exhaust pipe out of slit at back inside part of desk to direct hot air out)? Or do you think I'm being overly concerned for nothing?
3) Everyone seems to say the panaflos 1la is a great, quiet fan. I'm wondering with the speed control from the power supply (only 3 of which would be, looks like if I maxed with two more they wouldn't), would they be regulated too slow given the low output of these fans anyway? Quiet is important to me because eventually this will turn into an entertainment server pc when I'm through with it as my regular comp.

Thanks for humoring me.