Will my PSU overheat?

Real_Smoky · January 25, 2021

So, I got an HP 280 g2 mt PC used and it uses a regular ATX pinout. That is why I decided to get a GPU for it to turn it into a low budget gaming machine and I got an RX 460 because the original PSU did not have a 6 pin connector and only 180w. So, it was time to get a PSU.

I got a used BeQuiet 450 Watt PSU, it is an older model but functions flawlessly. However, I am having concerns about whether it will over heat.

You see, on the HP, the PSU is at the bottom, however, their stock PSU has holes on the "front" and "back" of the PSU and a fan on the back, not on the bottom of the PSU like most ones do. Placing my BeQuiet PSU with the fan facing up toward the GPU was impossible because the metal parts of the case were blocking the power switch on it. So I turned it around. Now, the PSU is facing downward, however, the case has no grill. But there is about 1cm (half an inch) of space between the PSU and the case, so some air is definitely being taken in. I wonder if that is enough air to cool it.

Should I be worried?

Thanks!

DailyProcrastinator · January 25, 2021

2 hours ago, Real_Smoky said:

You see, on the HP, the PSU is at the bottom, however, their stock PSU has holes on the "front" and "back" of the PSU and a fan on the back, not on the bottom of the PSU like most ones do. Placing my BeQuiet PSU with the fan facing up toward the GPU was impossible because the metal parts of the case were blocking the power switch on it. So I turned it around. Now, the PSU is facing downward, however, the case has no grill. But there is about 1cm (half an inch) of space between the PSU and the case, so some air is definitely being taken in. I wonder if that is enough air to cool it.

I would test it out, if the PSU is not heavily tasked the fans may barely spin up, but if you are noticing fan noise coming from the PSU often I would recommend moding the case, drill a large hole, or several small ones and put a dust filter underneath, that would solve your issue should it arise.

Also, keep in mind that to check for heat coming from the PSU you can place your hand near the back of it and it would be pretty noticeable if a lot of heat is coming from it.

1982 Original · January 26, 2021

I would drill some holes. I've seen power supplies overheat because the PC was placed on carpet and it choked the intake. And that was after 20 minutes of watching YouTube videos. If it doesn't overheat, it could still be running hot and shortening its lifespan. I would get it some ventilation. You won't even see the holes as they would be on the bottom of the case.

flibberdipper · January 27, 2021

I certainly wouldn't trust it as far as I could throw it. Either "carefully" modify the case to make it fit fan up, or "carefully" make a good amount of ventilation in the bottom (and of course going hand in hand with that, make sure that you have it somewhere they can suck air in).