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Project:
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Case Modding 101: How to Install a Case Fan |
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Author:
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BigDaddy
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Date:
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April 7th, 2002
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Introduction:
The logic behind modifying a standard computer case is simple, most computer cases do not have optimal airflow. Even if
you are not overclocking, adding extra fans will improve the airflow inside your case, thus allowing your components to
remain cooler. This provides immediate and long-term benefits:
- You are less likely to have heat-related system crashes, and
- Your overall MTBF (mean-time between failures) goes up, resulting in longer system life.
NOTE: Proper precautions should be taken when attempting your own case mod project and as with all warnings,
you are responsible for your own actions. That being said, before you take your drill out, there are a few things you
need to understand about airflow inside your case.
Airflow:
Standard computer cases use the following method for keeping internal case temperatures down: Cooler air is drawn into
the case, primarily from the bottom front and side panels, pulled over the motherboard components and CPU, and exhausted
out the top rear portion of the case by the power supply fan. Understanding this will help you decide where to put your
fans.
Image courtesy of www.formfactors.org
Supplementing the airflow with fans means adding intakes (fans which pull air in) to the front or side panels and
exhausts (fans pushing air out) to the rear or top. How many fans you add and where depends on your individual
situation.
The main characteristics of a fan are its size, its RPM, and its CFM. Fan sizes are measured in millimetres, with the
most common fans being 80mm, 92mm, and 120mm. The fan’s RPM, or rotations per minute, measures how quickly the fan
spins. Higher RPM values typically translate into higher noise ratios. The last measurement, CFM, tells you how many
cubic feet of air are being displaced per minute. It should be noted that larger fans are typically quieter, because
their larger blades do not need to spin as quickly to generate the same CFM as a smaller fan.
The last thing to consider is how much air you draw into the case compared with the air you vent out. If you have more
air being drawn into the case than exhausted, you have a pressurized case. More exhausted air than that drawn in
creates a depressurized case. There are too many arguments about the advantages and disadvantages of these types of
systems for this article to discuss. So, we will simply say that in the greater majority of cases, it is usually
recommended that you balance your airflow, that is to say your intake CFM should be roughly equivalent to your
exhaust CFM.
That’s enough theory for now. If you want to learn more about thermal solutions for PC cases, check out The Form Factors
website at http://www.formfactors.org/developer/system.htm
for some more detailed reading on thermal design.
Equipment:
For this how-to, we will install a 120mm blowhole on the top panel of an Enlight 7237 mid-tower case. Here is a
breakdown of the equipment we will need:
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120mm Blowhole Guide - Equipment Requred:
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| 1 x Panaflo FBA12G12L1A 120mm "Low Speed" fan or equivalent |
| 4 x Self-tapping fan screws |
| 3/8" Hand Drill |
| 3/16" Drill Bit |
| 120mm Fan Grill |
| Masking Tape |
| Measuring Tape |
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You will also need a tool to cut the hole out with. Three main cutting tools used for case fans are:
Nibbler Hand Tool / The Dremel / The Holesaw:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Nibbler hand tool cuts out 5 mm square sections from sheet metals and plastics and requires a drilled hole or pilot
hole in order to start cutting. Most Nibbler hand tools are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware or electronic
stores for under $10. The "Dremel®" is a product name and the actual tool is called a rotary tool. It has multiple attachments for
cutting, sanding, engraving, etc and can be purchased at most hardware stores such as Home Depot with the price ranging
from $80-$120.
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Click image for larger view
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The Holesaw blade is a specialized drill attachment for precision-cut holes and for case modification, bi-metal holesaws
are required. Holesaw blades are available in various sizes and can be purchased from most hardware stores for about $20-$40.
Of course, other tools and methods have been employed when installing case fans. Jigsaws, tin snips and laser cutting
are merely some of the additional options available. Convenience and cost will dictate your choice. The recommended
tool is the holesaw, since it cuts perfect circles every time. However, it is the most expensive of the tools,
requiring a drill, a mandrel and the holesaw itself. The Nibbler is the least expensive, but will require a lot of
extra filing after the initial hole is cut. The Dremel is the weapon of choice for some, balancing moderate cost with
precision cutting requiring marginal filing after cutting.
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