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Thread: Fractal Design Define Mini - Fan placement

  1. #1
    aka .:iGi:. Calcutter DannyM's Avatar
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    Fractal Design Define Mini - Fan placement

    I've just purchased one of these cases and I also purchased two extra fans. However I will only be putting one in for now as the fan controller only supports 3 fans so I'll see how it goes.



    I've got laminated flooring so it's always quite cool, I'm wondering whether to put it on the bottom and set it to suck air in. Either that or place it on the side panel.

    Any suggestions?
    Last edited by DannyM; 27-04-2012 at 07:36 PM.

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    hexus.zombeh! format's Avatar
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    Re: Fractal Design Define Mini - Fan placement

    If your graphics card runs hot or you are OC'ing your processor then the side panel would be the best bet. I run a stock processor in a Define Mini with just to two fans that you have installed and the temps are fine.
    ~'Armaments, universal debt, and planned obsolescence--those are the three pillars of Western prosperity'~ Aldous Huxley




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    Senior Member Pob255's Avatar
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    Re: Fractal Design Define Mini - Fan placement

    But if the side panel fan is over the cpu area not the gpu/pci area then all it will do is limit max cpu cooler size, granted not an issue if you've got a stock cooler.

    My personal preference would be a 2nd fan in the front and one in top.

    Bottom fans don't do a great deal of good and often get in the way of psu cables.
    Is there a filter on that bottom fan slot? it's often an area that gets overlooked for filters, as is the side panel vent.

    Depending on the fans you've got you might want to swap and stock fans around, so you've got a matched pair in the front.

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    aka .:iGi:. Calcutter DannyM's Avatar
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    The bottom does have a filter yes. The fans are all from fractal but the two I bought are a bit slower.

    I won't be o'cing and I have a 560ti that runs really cool so I may just try it with the standard fan setup. I will also be running 3 hdd's.

    I guess it's a matter of trial and error. Thanks to both of you for the advice.

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    Re: Fractal Design Define Mini - Fan placement

    Have Define R2.. intake bottom and front for me. Airflow will be great with 3 fans pushing air into case... Allow air out back and top. I experimented with and without back and top fans. 1c difference in motherboard chip temperature was only difference. My HSF is ducted out top.

    Also added extra filter media to catch more dust similar to these:
    http://www.amazon.com/Winco-Scouring.../dp/B001VZ8RNU
    from local pound shop. Search around for dark grey/black color. Cut them for snug fit in front of front filter doors with no problem. Made slide mount on bottom with some 'U' shaped plastic I had laying around attached with double sided tape. Raised case off floor to allow bottom better access to air because 2x 140mm fans (PSU & cooling) side by side need 40mm clearance for air intake (area divided by perimeter). Used a piece of 16mm plywood same size as case. Drilled holes for caster mounting pins and cut out area under fans with jig saw.
    Last edited by doyll49; 27-05-2012 at 11:27 AM.

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    Re: Fractal Design Define Mini - Fan placement

    Quote Originally Posted by DannyM View Post
    The bottom does have a filter yes. The fans are all from fractal but the two I bought are a bit slower.

    I won't be o'cing and I have a 560ti that runs really cool so I may just try it with the standard fan setup. I will also be running 3 hdd's.

    I guess it's a matter of trial and error. Thanks to both of you for the advice.
    What did you decide to go with in the end DannyM? I'm looking into getting a Fractal Design Define Mini myself shortly and would appreciate your thoughts on how the aircooling is going.

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