What's the point in having intake *&* exhaust fans on PSUs?
 

With either fan on by itself, there's only one direction for air to move through the PSU, so is there even a point in having two fans, both doing the same job, in such a small enclosure? Could I get rid of one of the fans, either intake or exhaust, without having any PSU cooling problems?

Just wondering. :hmm:

Actually, a friend of mine did a thesis on this kind of problem, related to babies dieing in hot cars (that, and normal people not likind hot cars). He found that an intake fan alone made very little difference to the temperature of the car, and that an exhaust fan alone was little better. But he managed to get the temperatures way, way down (to the same as the outdoor air temperature) with one of each.

You've got to be kidding right?

Of course you need both!

It's all about heat exchange. You need to suck in cooler air and expel the warmer air.

Mr Mephisto

Be careful which PSU you buy, by the way. This mainly applies to the expensive ones. If ya get a shitty cheap one, just take it back or buy another one. My brother only buys the expensive ones (Sparkle, Enermax) that are about $100.00 each at computer specialty stores. Even if you do buy one with an in-fan and out-fan, you can still get problems with the good ones. All of the Sparkle's that I've seen have whistled like CRAZY if you attach more than 5 or 6 items on it. Enermax is the way to go if ya ask me. The 430w one they make has in and out fans and will haul everything to Hell and back on its voltage rails. Not sure what to recommend if ya don't wanna spend a lot.

-Lasereth

To add to what Lasereth said, high wattage does not equal a good PSU. You want one that can give you consistent voltage on all rails, is quiet, and can handle a surge or two. I wouldn't spend any less than $60 on a PSU.

For those telling him to get a good PSU... He already has one, and I'll bet my ass it's better than most of yours. He has one of these. I think a 520 watt Vantec PSU is more than the average person would ever need. I have the 470 watt version of that PSU and I love mine.

BoCo, why the fuck would you think of eliminating one of the fans in that bitch. Did you smoke a joint this morning or what? :p

Vantec 520 watt PSU review

Six, I haven't smoked a joint since the night before I was born.

I have no plans of taking out my PSU fans, I was merely curious. Thanks for the replies.

you need both fans there is no where for the air to go with only one.