Best airflow config for system shelf (consoles + PC)

[raidenraccoon]

I have a custom shelf on top of my desk that holds all my consoles plus a micro atx PC I use as a private game server for me and a few friends (this is not my main PC). I recently bought a fan hub and 4 120mm fans. The hub allows for 10 total fans.

 

NOTE: There is a 4 inch gap between the rear of the shelf and the wall. The only system that shares this size gap is the PC (it's back). Rears of the game consoles are further from the wall.

 

I want to keep my systems cooler, specifically my PS3, PS4 & PS2 (because it has an IDE HDD in it) to help boost longevity of their life cycle. I just am unsure which configuration would best do that. I have 5 in mind, 3 I have diagrams for:

 

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NOTE: Position of fans at the front, in front of the 3 systems will not impede my access to them nor any of their ports, etc

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4th config is to have fans at the front of the shelf, blowing to the back, like in the 2nd & 3rd images, with fans at the rear of the shelf blowing directly away from rear of systems (airflow would be the same direction as fans on the front)

 

and finally,

5th is to have just the fans at the rear blowing away from the systems' rears (like 4th config, minus fans at the front of the shelf)

 

Which of these configurations would be best for my systems, or do you have a different suggestion/configuration that would work better?

 

Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[SImoHayha]

snip

Well I like the very first one its simple and clean.

 

 

Also is the shelf  like closed system. Like does it have a backing that for example you can push your console forward and it will hit the back board of the wall yea? 

 

Also as long as all the systems aren't on I still think the first one is easy.  However instead of having three on the side.  You would take the other two from the middle and place it on the along with the right side of the shelf where the other three fans are. Then you leave the other fans on the left side as this would be of course the exhaust ports

[raidenraccoon]

Well I like the very first one its simple and clean.

 

 

Also is the shelf  like closed system. Like does it have a backing that for example you can push your console forward and it will hit the back board of the wall yea? 

 

Also as long as all the systems aren't on I still think the first one is easy.  However instead of having three on the side.  You would take the other two from the middle and place it on the along with the right side of the shelf where the other three fans are. Then you leave the other fans on the left side as this would be of course the exhaust ports

 

The shelf does not have a back. It's quite open.  Also, Normally, it's just the PC, but when I do start up one of my consoles, then it's that particular console + the PC. The power cable for my fan hub also has an on/off switch, so I can keep the fans off while none of the consoles are in use.

 

Suppose my main goal is to dissipate as much heat from between the rear of the systems (while one is in use) & the wall of my room if that makes sense.

 

And let me see if I got this right; you're suggesting 5 or 6 fans on the right side of the shelf (2 fans per shelf), blowing air onto/across the systems, with 3 on the left blowing the same direction (away from the consoles), correct?

[WoodenMarker]

Can we get some pictures of the shelf?

[raidenraccoon]

Can we get some pictures of the shelf?

Certainly,

 

Here's the front of the shelf:

 

Here is the right side (behind my monitor, hence why the angle is weird):

Also excuse the wires. I'll be tidying those up during and after the installation of the fans ^^;

 

And the left side:

[WoodenMarker]

Certainly,

Here's the front of the shelf:

Here is the right side (behind my monitor, hence why the angle is weird):

 

Also excuse the wires. I'll be tidying those up during and after the installation of the fans ^^;

And the left side:

The shelf isn't enclosed and isn't that small so having the fans face in the same direction won't make that much of a difference. 

Having fans as intake towards the consoles from either side for active airflow would probably be optimal.