andrewsc
12-30-2003, 01:11 PM
Hello,
I am trying to see if its possible to build a silent and totally reliable aluminum 2u rack solution (got it from www.plink.net, (http://www.plink.net,) takes a standard atx powersupply). After buying some components and seeing if they fit, some didn't (like the nexus p4 microfin cpu fan), it turns out that a Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu cpu heatsink will just barely fit in the case. There are no obstructions, but the fan is very very close to the top cover of the case.
My question is can I drill some holes over where the fan is to allow some ventilation without significantly compromising what the case is supposed to do, such as block RF and stuff like that. The same issue appears where the power supply is, since the top cover basically sits flush on top of it. I picked up a Nexus 300w with the big fan and in this case, it vents upward like the Zalman, so I figured a few more holes over that would do the trick as well. I am not so worried about more noise coming out of those holes, though I guess there will be a slight noise increase, but you know, if there are nasty vibes coming off the cpu I don't want them to escape through the holes and damage my work environment ergonomics like excessive RF, or improper shielding; these may be the same issue.
Having a few holes in the top cover is much safer than having a big flower type heatsink swaying in the breeze with a big hole cut out to let it peek through and a fan somehow put in as well.
The only other solution I can think of is actually cutting a hole over the area that needs to be vented, and then putting a slightly raised vent type cover, sort of reminiscent of vents you might see on the hoods of some muscle cars. I would have to leave a free space in the rack to accomodate that, but was going to do that anyway, and it would protect the vital parts. Probably the only difference is the amount of vent space and aerodynamics which may affect noise.
Does anyone know of any reasons not to perforate a few holes over the cpu and power supply in the case cover? Any opinions would be great. Thank you,
- Andrew
I am trying to see if its possible to build a silent and totally reliable aluminum 2u rack solution (got it from www.plink.net, (http://www.plink.net,) takes a standard atx powersupply). After buying some components and seeing if they fit, some didn't (like the nexus p4 microfin cpu fan), it turns out that a Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu cpu heatsink will just barely fit in the case. There are no obstructions, but the fan is very very close to the top cover of the case.
My question is can I drill some holes over where the fan is to allow some ventilation without significantly compromising what the case is supposed to do, such as block RF and stuff like that. The same issue appears where the power supply is, since the top cover basically sits flush on top of it. I picked up a Nexus 300w with the big fan and in this case, it vents upward like the Zalman, so I figured a few more holes over that would do the trick as well. I am not so worried about more noise coming out of those holes, though I guess there will be a slight noise increase, but you know, if there are nasty vibes coming off the cpu I don't want them to escape through the holes and damage my work environment ergonomics like excessive RF, or improper shielding; these may be the same issue.
Having a few holes in the top cover is much safer than having a big flower type heatsink swaying in the breeze with a big hole cut out to let it peek through and a fan somehow put in as well.
The only other solution I can think of is actually cutting a hole over the area that needs to be vented, and then putting a slightly raised vent type cover, sort of reminiscent of vents you might see on the hoods of some muscle cars. I would have to leave a free space in the rack to accomodate that, but was going to do that anyway, and it would protect the vital parts. Probably the only difference is the amount of vent space and aerodynamics which may affect noise.
Does anyone know of any reasons not to perforate a few holes over the cpu and power supply in the case cover? Any opinions would be great. Thank you,
- Andrew