Step 1: Get the right case
Most of us select a case only on the basis of looks. Two factors which are very important while purchasing a case, is the material its made of and the number and sizes of fans it can house. An aluminum case dissipates heat faster than a steel case. For example Antec’s SuperLanBoy case is an all aluminum case. The case should have the provision to mount at least a 80 mm fan in the front and a 120 mm fan at the rear. An 80 mm fan is the size the of regular cabinet fan you get in your local computer store. 120 mm fans are larger than 80 mm fans, they move more air and are less noisy as compared to 80 mm fans.
By moving air we mean sucking air into the case or pushing air out depending on how the fan is mounted. If you are confused you can just place your hand close to the fan. If the air is blowing onto your hand the fan is mounted to exhaust air out of the case. If you don’t feel anything, then the fan is pulling air into the case.
Not all 80mm or 120 mm fans move the same amount of air. The amount of air a fan can move is mentioned in the form of CFM i.e. Cubic Feet Per Meter. The generic 80mm 'cabinet' fans you
get for 50 rupees don’t have the CFM mentioned. Its only with known brands like CoolerMaster, Vantec, Antec, Sunon, Panaflow, etc. that you have it. Higher the CFM, more is the amount of air the fan can move.
Another factor one needs to consider is the how much noise the fan makes. You wouldn’t want your case to sound like a jet engine. The noise emitted by the fan is given in dB under specifications by the manufacturer. Towards the end of the article, we show you how to build a silent system.
For now lets look at the various different fan arrangements we have in cases and our opinion on them.
Case type 1:
The above diagram is an ideal arrangement. Even though this is an ideal set up, there are two other things which come along with it - dust and noise. Remember the fans make a whirring noise when they rotate and too many of them can get a bit too noisy. So only if you are in need of a very good cooling set up and don’t mind the noise and the dust that comes along, you can go for it.
Good try.
