Is a case fan necessary

[David Kistner]

I've noticed that the last 2 computers that I've built run very cool
without a fan (these are not game machines or overclockers...just simple
machines running AMD Sempron's, no big video cards etc.). I've always
had a case fan in my cases, but it occured to me that this may be
something silly in a machine that runs cool without it (~32C). What do
you think, should I hook the fans up anyway?

- David Kistner

 

[Tom Lake]

I've noticed that the last 2 computers that I've built run very cool
without a fan (these are not game machines or overclockers...just simple
machines running AMD Sempron's, no big video cards etc.). I've always had
a case fan in my cases, but it occured to me that this may be something
silly in a machine that runs cool without it (~32C). What do you think,
should I hook the fans up anyway?

I wouldn't with temps like that. Is that the case temp or the CPU temp?
The case design has a lot to do with airflow and cooling so you probably
have
a good setup using only natural convection.

Tom Lake

 

[Ed Medlin]

I've noticed that the last 2 computers that I've built run very cool
without a fan (these are not game machines or overclockers...just simple
machines running AMD Sempron's, no big video cards etc.). I've always had
a case fan in my cases, but it occured to me that this may be something
silly in a machine that runs cool without it (~32C). What do you think,
should I hook the fans up anyway?

- David Kistner

I always try and use only what is needed to keep the system cool. This
varies from system to system and what peripherals I may use in them. Your
temps are great and I would just leave well enough alone.

Ed

 

[Conor]

I've noticed that the last 2 computers that I've built run very cool
without a fan (these are not game machines or overclockers...just simple
machines running AMD Sempron's, no big video cards etc.). I've always
had a case fan in my cases, but it occured to me that this may be
something silly in a machine that runs cool without it (~32C). What do
you think, should I hook the fans up anyway?

Forget about them.

Case fans have only recently become popular. A few years ago, you'd
hardly find a PC with them but in well designed build, they're still
not needed. Most installations are badly done with little thought and
in some cases, make matters worse.


--
Conor

I'm so grateful to the USA for their contribution to the war on terror.
After all, if they hadn't funded the IRA for 30 years, we wouldn't know
what terror was.

 

[BigJim]

for you I would not use case fans but for everyone else I would.

 

[Mxsmanic]

I've noticed that the last 2 computers that I've built run very cool
without a fan (these are not game machines or overclockers...just simple
machines running AMD Sempron's, no big video cards etc.). I've always
had a case fan in my cases, but it occured to me that this may be
something silly in a machine that runs cool without it (~32C). What do
you think, should I hook the fans up anyway?

What's important is the temperature of the components. As long as
they remain acceptably cool, the presence or absence of fans matters
little. If they run hot, adding or repositioning fans may be in
order.

It's entirely possible for computers to run acceptably cool without
case fans ... heck, that used to be the norm, before constantly
accelerating processors began to consume so much power that they'd
melt without constant active cooling.

 

[Xu]

This is the first time I have ever seen a consensus in the responses to any
thread in this group. I am happy, and I go with the consensus.

I have and old AMD k7 with a MOBO in a micro-ATX case. There is only one dvd
rom in the bays and nothing else. Just use the comp for word processing and
watching dvd's. No case fan and the fan on the cpu is the smallest I have
ever seen. There are a ton of ventillation holes on the back of the computer
and both side panels have them.

I haven't seen my cpu go above 41C yet and there is a ton of air coming out
of the back of my PSU.

To conclude, I see no need for a case fan, although there is a section in
the front panel for one.

 

[Peter]

I didn't - until I put my fingers on my two 160GB disks. They where -
hot. Added a case fan just in front of them and that solved the
problem. For the cpu (AMD64 3100+) it made no difference.