Is there ever a reason to have more than one comp cooling fan?

Question

I'm just wondering since I use more devices than what is thought to be the average user.

I do fine with computers, but hardware definitely isn't my strength. I do ok with programs, but I'm pretty much ignorant about hardware.

So I'm wondering if more hardware = more heat. Please forgive my ignorance.

I've added a number of other hardware items to my comp... Do I need an extra fan for additional cooling?

Answer 1

Ignorance is often a result of not asking questions; lack of wondering. To learn from what you ask is the next step. :)

Adding more hardware does not necessarily mean more fans are required.

Questions to ask yourself:
Does the new hardware produce heat?
How much? How often?
(An idle cd/dvd drive does not, whereas a spinning hdd will. A sound card gives off a little heat, whereas a video card produces a lot, etc..) Place a heat exhaust fan next to your video card to remove the heat directly. Thermaltake makes a good/quiet video card fan.
Where is the device(s) located?
Does your computer case get hot?

In essence, the key is circulation. More fans does not always mean more circulation. Have a good path for cool air to enter and exit.

Answer 2

Yes, most comps have 2 fans (1 for the microprocessor(CPU) & other for the power convertor and distribution box which is connected to the external power supply. These r manditory since these r the hot-spots in ur comp).If yours does not have any 1 of these then get it fixed at the earliest for better performance & life.There are few other hardware which generates some heat that may b of concern like the graphics card but these come with a good cooling system in-built during purchase. There are no other hardware(to my knowledge) which generates so much heat that it may b of concern.
But please make sure that your system has no ventilation ducts/openings obstructed and also make sure the comp is atleast 4inches from walls for proper ventilation. It is also my advice that you protect your comp from dust/dirt to the maximum extent possible as any dust which settles inside might act like a insulator. Better place the comp in the coolest room of your home.
more hardware definately not=more heat. This entirely depends on the type of hardware installed.

Answer 3

Increased cooling was driven by the PRESHOT, I mean high wattage Pentium Prescott processor. But the new AMD X2 and Core2 Duo run cooler. The newest HOT item inside the cpu case is the video card. However, the high wattage video cards exhaust their hot air out directly through a PCI slot.
So you are right. For most current PCs, a 120mm intake fan in front is enough. The power supply fan and video card fan would be the 2 exhaust fans.
I think you should get the 10 points.

Answer 4

I leave my side panels open all the time + I have 2 fans for 2 of my HDDs. 2 extra fans for my motherboard and 1 fan for my graphics card. you can use some hardware temperature monitor to check the temperature of your HDDs and mobo and stuff like that. If you have more fans, the cooler you computer will usually be. upgrading the CPU fan is always a good idea. stock fans arent always that good.

Answer 5

Add as many fans as possible- heat will destroy a computer easily. There also are coolant fed heatsinks for the processor/motherbord. The hardrives /video card should also be fan cooled as well. Anything to help disapate heat.

Answer 6

apart from cpu fan there used to be other fan at (smps)power supply,that blows the heat out from the box too....some computer has one additional fan at the back of the box if you dont so you can install to dissipate heat much fasterit will enhance the processing speed of cpu/agp/and other hardware.

Answer 7

More hardware = more power used = more heat.

It depends strongly on the size of your case. If there's lots of space between the components then there's less need for additional cooling than if you have a mini case.

Answer 8

The cooling fan fits directly on the processor and it would be ineffective to install a second fan. You can replace your fan with a better fan or a liquid cooling unit. I don't recommend this unless your are trying to up-tic your processor speed or if you are having temperature issues.

Answer 9

feels like a wanting some variety. Is it a working laptop or computing device or a computer computing device? no remember if this is a working laptop or computing device it may be the battery or the charger plug that's broken. If this is a computer it must be everywhere from the top of the skill cord that plugs into the outlet, to something interior the tower itself. i think of in case you do no longer understand the place to bypass from here, your perfect wager could be to checklist all your warning signs and take it to the closest Geek Squad or nearby computing device fix keep.

Answer 10

extra fans can help. heat is one of the biggest enemies of computers.