Do I need a case fan?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gary McQueen
  • Start date Start date
G

Gary McQueen

Because my 333MHz K6-2 computer didn't need any, but the case I've
just got for my new Athlon has grilles at the front and back that I
assume are for fans. So do I need one? Do I need two? Should I just
wait and see how hot the thing runs first, or is that hardware
suicide? I did remember to get a CPU cooler and some thermal grease
before anyone mentions that.
 
Because my 333MHz K6-2 computer didn't need any, but the case I've
just got for my new Athlon has grilles at the front and back that I
assume are for fans. So do I need one? Do I need two? Should I just
wait and see how hot the thing runs first, or is that hardware
suicide? I did remember to get a CPU cooler and some thermal grease
before anyone mentions that.
Click to expand...
For the sake of a few pounds/dollars/yen it is probably better to get at
least one intake & one exhaust fan. PCs are prone to do funny things
I.e. crash when they get too hot. Do a google search for MBM 5
(Motherboard Monitor) it is a freeware programme which monitors your
CPU/System temps. My system runs fine at 52C CPU and 35C System but that
is with a P4 Processor

Jim
 
See how hot it is first. If the temps are above 60 (on full load), then get
a case fan or two. If not, then don't worry about it.
 
Because my 333MHz K6-2 computer didn't need any, but the case I've
just got for my new Athlon has grilles at the front and back that I
assume are for fans. So do I need one? Do I need two? Should I just
wait and see how hot the thing runs first, or is that hardware
suicide? I did remember to get a CPU cooler and some thermal grease
before anyone mentions that.
Click to expand...

Removing heat from your computer is always a good choice. To keep
down the noise try Panaflo brand fans. If you add just one fan,
install it in the front.
 
For the sake of a few pounds/dollars/yen it is probably better to get at
least one intake & one exhaust fan. PCs are prone to do funny things
I.e. crash when they get too hot. Do a google search for MBM 5
(Motherboard Monitor) it is a freeware programme which monitors your
CPU/System temps. My system runs fine at 52C CPU and 35C System but that
is with a P4 Processor
Click to expand...

Where do I measure on the fan grille to determine the size of fan
needed? From one screw-hole to the diagonally opposite hole?
 
Where do I measure on the fan grille to determine the size of fan
needed? From one screw-hole to the diagonally opposite hole?
Click to expand...

It is 100 mm diagonally across, does that mean I need a 100 mm fan?
Does that sound right?
 
It is 100 mm diagonally across, does that mean I need a 100 mm fan?
Does that sound right?
Click to expand...

I haven't seen any fans that size online, do I need a 92mm fan? The
flat part of the fan grille would seem to be about 92mm.
 
I haven't seen any fans that size online, do I need a 92mm fan? The
flat part of the fan grille would seem to be about 92mm.
Click to expand...
Most case fans are Standard @ 80mm however, some newer cases make
provision for 120mm fans.
Regarding fixings, again, some cases will have holes for bolting the
fans in, others will have plastic clips or whatever to hold them in
place.
If you know the manufacturer of your case, check their website for any
details.

Jim
 
Gary McQueen said:
Where do I measure on the fan grille to determine
the size of fan needed?
Click to expand...


I asked the same question of a web-based fan
retailer. He said that the measurment was from
outside edge to outside edge of the fan housing/
frame. It has nothing to do directly with the distance
between mounting holes or the inside diameter of
the fan shroud (air passageway). The most probable
standard fan sizes for your case are 80mm (3 1/8in)
and 92mm (3 5/8in). In my Dell Dimension, the
power supply fan is 80mm and the case fan is 92mm.
The frame size is just a little bit bigger than the inside
diameter of the shroud (which should match closely
the diameter of the exit hole).

*TimDaniels*
 
Back
Top