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Fan Placement & Case Compatibility | Q&A

What should I know about front intake?

  • Role: Pulls cool air into the case and feeds the GPU/CPU area.

  • Panel type matters:

    • Closed/solid glass or tight vents: use static-pressure fans to push through filters/grilles.

    • Mesh/open front: use airflow fans to maximize CFM.

  • Maintenance: Clean dust filters regularly to prevent flow loss.

  • How many/size: 2×120 mm or 2×140 mm intakes is a solid baseline for mid-towers.

 

 

How should I configure the rear exhaust?

  • Role: Expels CPU socket/VRM heat; stabilizes front-to-back flow.

  • Fan type: A quiet airflow fan (120 mm typical) is sufficient.

  • Tip: Tune the curve so rear exhaust RPM roughly tracks CPU temperature, avoiding unnecessary noise.

 

 

Should top fans be exhaust or intake?

  • Default: Exhaust—hot air rises and top exhaust supports natural convection.

  • When intake makes sense: In extreme cooling setups or with dense top radiators where extra fresh air is needed; be mindful of dust ingress.

  • Fan type:

    • Top exhaust (no radiator): quiet airflow fan(s).

    • Top radiator (240/280/360): static-pressure fans (push, pull, or push/pull).

 

 

How do I set up radiator fans correctly?

  • Choose static-pressure models to overcome fin resistance.

  • Mounting: Minimize gaps; use gaskets/shrouds if available to reduce bypass (leak) air.

  • Orientation:

    • Front-mounted AIO: usually intake (cooler liquid temps, slightly warmer case).

    • Top-mounted AIO: usually exhaust (warmer liquid temps, cooler case).

  • Push vs Pull vs Push/Pull:

    • Push (fans before radiator) is simplest and effective.

    • Pull eases dust cleaning but can recirculate if gaps exist.

    • Push/Pull adds performance at the cost of space and noise.

 

 

How do case panels and side glass affect fan choice?

  • Full glass/solid fronts: Prioritize static-pressure intakes or add side/bottom intakes if supported.

  • Mesh or perforated fronts/tops: Airflow fans work well and are quieter at a given CFM.

  • Glass side panels: No flow impact by themselves, but they encourage neat cable routing and fan aesthetics (ARGB, reverse-blade options).

  • LED/ARGB façades: Check that lighting frames/grilles don’t choke intake; match fan type accordingly.

 

 

What quick placement–fan-type matches should I follow?

  • Front (mesh/open): Airflow.

  • Front (closed/filtered/grille): Static-pressure.

  • Rear exhaust: Airflow (quiet).

  • Top exhaust (no rad): Airflow (quiet).

  • Top radiator: Static-pressure.

  • Front radiator: Static-pressure.

 

 

How do I keep pressure and dust under control?

  • Aim for slight positive pressure (intake CFM ≥ exhaust CFM) to reduce dust through unfiltered gaps.

  • Keep filters clean; retune curves after major dusting or hardware changes.

 

 

What control and curve tips help in daily use?

  • Use PWM control tied to CPU (for rear/top) and GPU or water temp (for front/radiator) where possible.

  • Find the sweet spot on each fan’s P–Q curve (good airflow at acceptable noise) rather than chasing maximum RPM.