Side Panel Intake or Exhaust?

[JLuo]

I have a R9 290 OC from Gigabyte, and it is running extremely hot and loud during gaming session. Since I have an opening on the side panel, I am wondering should i put an intake fan there or configure it to exhaust? Thanks 

[1Scotty1]

Intake only if you have a filter on it... otherwise prepare for LOTS of dust in the case...

[DeViLzzz]

Intake only if you have a filter on it... otherwise prepare for LOTS of dust in the case...

There is this thing people can do called cleaning and is part of maintaining a working pc.  OP put a fan on there for intake and if it doesn't have a filter then do maintenance on your pc more frequently.

[JLuo]

My case is http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/merc-alpha/. I know it is a cheap case, but it was the cheapest when I first did my budget build. I am upgrading it step by step, aiming for a Fractal R5 down the road. 

[LogicalDrm]

You can put the side as intake but use only lower spot. The upper will mess with CPU cooling.

[stconquest]

Put a woman's sheer stocking over the fan and tighten.  Intake, definitely.