If temp is the main concern then by all means as you are correct heat rises. I haven't had an issue with heat even fairly aggressive OC but I do live in an area where I rarely have to use AC even in the height of the summer so that makes it a bit easier. I was more concerned with dust and noise than heat but go ahead and try that vortex idea out. I think there should probably be a bit more of an angle on that forward top fan to encourage spin as it kinda slams into any mounted drives but I don't really see a big issue with heat if you do have the upper grille open or if there is you probably shouldn't be air cooling anyway.