Fanless/Very quiet Node 304

[Guest projektkong]

Hi

I have a plan to build a small desktop computer without fans ( fanless ).

The computer has to allow me work with office programs, internet browsing, watching HD movies + from time to time comfortable playing (Borderlands 2, StarCraft 2) 720p (Normal/High), 1080p (Low).

 

I have a few questions.

 

I plan to use:

- The Fractal Design Node 304 Case (Black)

- AMD Apu "Kaveri" (A8-7600 - 45W TDP) + large cooler, which will enter the enclosures (not yet chosen - Any suggestions from you are welcome)

- 8GB DDR3 2133MHz

- ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+

- 128GB SSD (Plextor M5Pro) + any SSD for storage

- PSU (Seasonic Platinum X-400W Fanless)

 

I have a question about cooling the computer. I know that Seasonic power supply must be installed in only one (recommended) position.

I want to use the housing Fractal Design Node304, and I realize that this is not the optimal choice in terms of air circulation.

I'm considering the possible installation of one or two fans on CPU cooler (Scythe Gentle Typhoon 500rpm).

My basic question. Do I not harm the power supply if I suck in cool air through the rear of the Fractal Design Node304 case and direct the air to the power supply?

 

Thank you for all the help and suggestions.

Regards

[Guest GRRigger]

There are some 800 rpm really quiet fans on market. You only need silent PSU ( bequiet ), or ones that have big silent fan ( RM series) or the ones that fan doesnt ramp up until load. For cpu cooler, bequiet/noctua, or just some random heatsink with aftermarket silent fan. Fanless psu / cpu cooler cost alot, works worse. Noctua coolers will do the job below ambient noise.

YOu only need 2 case fans with small builds, or even only one:

[atrash]

You should hve no problem mounting the power supply sideway as long as that big ventilated grill is not facing down. That is a very efficient power supply and I doubt it will even get barely warm at all, considering the specs of your system. And also try using a pair of low rpm fans just to keep the case inside air well circulated as the Node 304 is not the best of case to use for fanless system.

[Guest projektkong]

You should hve no problem mounting the power supply sideway as long as that big ventilated grill is not facing down. That is a very efficient power supply and I doubt it will even get barely warm at all, considering the specs of your system. And also try using a pair of low rpm fans just to keep the case inside air well circulated as the Node 304 is not the best of case to use for fanless system.

 

I wonder if it will be possible safe operation of such a set with no fans.

If not, just considering installing one or two fans (Scythe Gentle Typhoon 500rpm).

If I decided to add fans, is it better to set them as intakes (from the back of the case) or as exhaust?

In the direction to the power supply or vice versa?

[atrash]

 

I wonder if it will be possible safe operation of such a set with no fans.

If not, just considering installing one or two fans (Scythe Gentle Typhoon 500rpm).

If I decided to add fans, is it better to set them as intakes (from the back of the case) or as exhaust?

In the direction to the power supply or vice versa?

 

 

Well considering that case is not optimally designed for passive ventilation use,it is best to at least include a fan in it,even just a low rpm one. You do not want the hot air to be trapped inside the case.

 

I would just use the rear fan as an exhaust because rear exhaust = less dust build up inside the case, and maybe take out those 2 fans from the front because smaller fans tend to be a bit noisier. You can further control the fan speed in the motherboard bios should you wish to make it even quieter. You are using a fairly fast RAM which might run a bit warmer than usual so having some circulated air should be beneficial to it and also to other components inside.

[Guest projektkong]

Well considering that case is not optimally designed for passive ventilation use,it is best to at least include a fan in it,even just a low rpm one. You do not want the hot air to be trapped inside the case.

 

I would just use the rear fan as an exhaust because rear exhaust = less dust build up inside the case, and maybe take out those 2 fans from the front because smaller fans tend to be a bit noisier. You can further control the fan speed in the motherboard bios should you wish to make it even quieter. You are using a fairly fast RAM which might run a bit warmer than usual so having some circulated air should be beneficial to it and also to other components inside.

 

Of course I was going to do that.

I want to remove all three original fans of this case.

 

 

Well considering that case is not optimally designed for passive ventilation use,it is best to at least include a fan in it,even just a low rpm one. You do not want the hot air to be trapped inside the case.

 

I would just use the rear fan as an exhaust because rear exhaust = less dust build up inside the case, and maybe take out those 2 fans from the front because smaller fans tend to be a bit noisier. You can further control the fan speed in the motherboard bios should you wish to make it even quieter. You are using a fairly fast RAM which might run a bit warmer than usual so having some circulated air should be beneficial to it and also to other components inside.

 

Yes, in my opinion it is necessary in the case of the use of  AMD APU.

[Ertman]

I am in agreement with some here, in that having an exhaust fan (even at low RPMs) will be beneficial, giving your build and intended use.