Optimal Storage installation

Hi there,

I was looking at getting both an SSD and HHD for my Ivy Bridge build. I'd like to know whether there is a best way to install these in my case, the Fractal Arc Mini; does having the SSD on top make it hotter, etc.

This is what it'll look like in the case: link as picture is rather large

You can't see it on the picture, but there is a 120mm intake mounted on the front panel, above the HDD cage.

I was thinking that having the HDD on the top bay and the SSD on the bottom would be best, as the HDD heat would be taken away by that aforementioned intake and the SSD don't get very hot (I think...).

The HDD will most likely be a 7200RPM 1TB Samsung F3, or perhaps a 2TB slower-spinning 'green' model. Depends on pricing and availability (damn floods), and if I will use the 2TB.


So, is there a 'correct' or most thermally-efficient way I should install these in the case?

Thanks very much :)

I have the Fractal Define Mini, with the same HDD cages, i have 6 x 7200RPM drives + an SSD and just use the top front fan (The one you are on about), they all stay under 40 so im happy. I have just taped the SSD to the top of a drive

All the case manufacturers spend ages coming up with complicated toolless designs and you come up with that. A victory for common sense and now everyone with jobs designing the bays will be sacked. Maybe CM or Antec will offer you a job?