[Pc_Support] Case airflow dynamics?

[Jason Boxman]

Anyone know of any good resources on case airflow dynamics?  I've been trying 
to reduce the noise signature of my systems without overly compromising 
airflow and with it drive and CPU temperature, but have found amusing 
results.

Perhaps obvious, but on one system with 3 x 300GB ATA disk in 5.25" bays one 
bay down from the top of a large tower case (the top bay has, by general 
convention, the DVD-ROM drive) I found that simply removing the lowest front 
face plate resulted in a 3-5C drop in drive temperature.  Effective, but 
somewhat ugly looking.

Another more amusing example, I added a 12cm fan bay cooler that occupies 3 of 
6 5.25" bays in another tower case.  The four disk drive cage in the back 
above the PSU with four ATA disk and two 8cm fans side by side aren't any 
cooler with the 12cm bay cooler than without.  I almost find that comical as 
I blew $23 shipped on the cooler.  It looks neat, though.

Perhaps in the future I need to buy those expensive airflow friendly cases 
instead of a less expensive, random case.  (Although my AOpen AH700A tower 
case wasn't exactly cheap and is quite roomy.)

-- 

Jason Boxman
http://edseek.com/ - Linux and FOSS stuff