Some tips on installing a fan for my PC?

Question

My PC is kinda hot and I think I should install a new fan. Where should I mount it? Inside the case, or should I cut into the side?( I think that would look quite good ) And should I put it by the bottom ( By the graphics card ) or higher up? And exactly how do I mount and connect it?

Answer 1

There are a few things to consider before changing the airflow pattern inside of your computer case.  If you're running hotter than usual that usually means that your computer needs a cleaning.  If you have an air compressor or some canned air, you can easily open up your case and blow out lots of dust to keep your thermal issue at bay.

If that's still not enough, perhaps it would be good to install another fan.  A few guidelines:  Heat rises.  Your power supply fan (at the very top) is blowing hot air out.  If you intend to install the fan at a low point, it should be an intake.  If it is at a high point on the case, it should be an exhaust.  Make sure you have at least one intake if you have more than just the power supply exhaust.  My desktop has an open cool air intake (with no fan) just above the processor, and 2 fans acting as exhaust.  That way all the cool air the system is using is going where it's really needed first.  The CPU.

Every once in a while i notice i'm running a little hot, so i take my system to the garage, fire up the old compressor, and blow out enough dust to gag an elephant.  Then it's smooth sailing for another 8 weeks or so.

P.S.  Case fans usually come with pass-through connectors so that they can be powered through your existing power leads from the power supply.  No splicing, soldering or jerry-rigging necessary.

Answer 2

Look inside your case and take inventory.  Look at all your existing fans.  See how many and what size they are.  If you have 1 in the front and two or more in the rear mount the new fan near the front for more intake of cool air.  If you are equal then you can mount it near the top center of the case.