AL:

Having the fans built into the desk is a great idea (as long as they do not
generate too much electrical noise that interferes with the operation of the
pc). It is just my opinion, but I think the overheating issue can be solved
by putting the metal sides back on the case. The case is designed to create
the necessary airflow over the critical components to keep the pc from
overheating. It may be necessary to add an intake fan on the bottom front of
the case because you graphics card is generating additional levels heat.
Plus, the intake fan will take advantange of the cooler air you plan to
provide.

This is not to say that (if you devised an econmical solution) providing
cool, dry air into the desk's computer compartment is a bad solution. In
fact, it is an excellent idea. Just remember that the sides of the case are
a part of the cooling system, and together with the cooler air provided by
your refrigerated desk (or even just the heat exchange provided by the fans
built into the desk) your pc should run much cooler.

If you come up with an affordable desk cooling unit, I would probably be one
of your first customers. Great idea!

Just my thoughts...
Cheers,
John

----- Original Message -----
From: "Al Thompson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2004 5:07 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Creative or Crazy Cooling Idea ?


> Fellow Listers,
>
> I have a somewhat unique idea for cooling my machine, and I'd appreciate
some opinions on the pros and cons of it.
>
> I live in Canada, beside Alaska, and it's considered arid here - very dry.
During the winter it gets down to -40*c
> for 3-4 weeks, but the rest of the time it's a balmy -20*c!
>
> My unit is in an enclosed PC desk, and I have an 8" fan sucking warm air
out the top at the back. I should mention
> I have the metal sides of the case removed. I thought this was sufficient
cooling, but having the unit enclosed
> seems to create excess heat. After a couple hours, my
'graphically-demanding' games start to slow down and get
> jerky.
>
> Now here's what I'm thinking - why not take advantage of all that cold air
outside? Is there a good reason why I
> should not run a 4" metal dryer duct thru the wall into the enclosed part
of the desk where the tower is? At this
> point I'm thinking condensation will come into play - it seems to me that
frigid air might actually create frost in
> the case, or worse, on the Mobo.
>
> So what do you all think - is this just crazy talk? I'll really be looking
forward to your replies on this possibly
> insane idea!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Al Thompson
>
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