

So which is the best way to go? Ultimately, it’s up to you. Second, if you have a windowed side panel on your case, you can show off your sparkling clean CPU cooler! First, it allows for better airflow through the case overall. However, some people prefer the back-to-front configuration for a couple of reasons. This allows the fan to push air directly over the heat sink and into the case, where it can be exhausted out the back. Static pressure fans are designed to push air through tight spaces, making them ideal for use in the front-to-back configuration.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both ways, so it ultimately comes down to personal choice. When it comes to CPU cooling fans, there are two schools of thought: front to back or back to front. CPU Cooling fans: front to back or back to front? If your goal is to reduce dust buildup inside the case, you should choose an exhaust or neutral fan. For example, if your goal is to cool a component, you should choose an intake fan. When choosing a fan position, you should consider what your goals are for cooling and dust prevention. This can help to even out temperatures inside the case and prevent dust build-up. Neutral fans circulate air inside the case without blowing it out or drawing it in from the outside. This helps to keep your components from overheating and prevents dust from building up inside the case. Exhaust fans compel hot air out of the case. This helps to keep your components cool and prevents dust from building up inside the case. Intake fans draw cool air into the case from the outside. The three most common positions for CPU fans are Intake, Exhaust, and Neutral. The direction of airflow is important to consider when building your computer. The air volume is usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). What should we know about CPU cooling fans’ airflow?Īirflow is the movement of air through your case.

This type of cooler is not as efficient as the other types, but it’s better than nothing. Some cases include a built-in fan with a heat sink that is designed to cool the video card. There is also a fourth type of cooler, but it’s not really a separate category. They generally draw air in at the top of the case and exhaust it out the back. Top-down coolers are designed to cool the graphics card and other components that are mounted underneath the motherboard. This is the most common type of cooler and it works well in most situations.īack-to-front coolers do the opposite, drawing air in through the back of the case and exhausting it out the front. There are three main options: front-to-back, back-to-front, and top-down.įront-to-back coolers draw air in from the front of the case and exhaust it out the back. One of the most important factors in choosing a CPU air cooler is the direction of airflow. That’s because it’s cheaper, easier to install, and generally more reliable. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, but for most people, the air is the way to go. There are two main types of CPU coolers on the market, air, and water.
#BEST AIRFLOW DIRECTION FOR PC HOW TO#
This quick guide will show you how to optimize your airflow for both function and style. Most people don’t think about the direction of airflow when it comes to their CPU fan – but it can actually make a big difference in terms of performance and other factors.
