Re: power supply and case problem for Media Center PC

Dan,

I am sure you posted to the wrong newsgroup but that is ok ;)

I searched several reviews on the Silverstone LC16M and every single one of
them shows the PSU mounted with the internal fan pointing outward, toward
the grill on the exterior of the case. You're correct that there seems to be
no other way to mount a standard PSU in that case. (And it will be almost
impossible for you to find a PSU with a different configuration.)

For example,

http://www.bjorn3d.com/vimage.php?img=SilverStoneLC16M/ssLC16M_install2.jpg

PSUs have the internal fan in this position because in a standard case, the
PSU would be sitting almost "on top" of the CPU, and the fan would provide
necessary circulation to keep the processor cool. Without the fan pointed
that way, you would have two very hot components sitting right next to each
other, and the usual CPU cooling solution would not be up to the task of
providing adequate airflow.

In the case (ha) of the Silverstone LC16M, they have placed the PSU at the
opposite end of the motherboard, far away from the CPU. This makes the
positioning of its internal fan less important. In fact, they likely have
designed the exterior grill to be in this spot for the very reason that
almost all PSU fans are there, and a source of cool outside air is needed to
keep the PSU itself comfy in such cramped quarters. With two massive vents
on the back and side of the PSU, directly over the PSU fans, I don't think
it will get overly hot.

A potential problem might be if you have a full house of PCI cards. But if
you keep the slots closest to the PSU empty there really ought not be a
problem with heat buildup. Additionally, if you run more than one hard disk
there is the possibility of things getting warm from those. But again, there
is a provision in your case to add a fan to the hard drive cage to remedy
that situation.

Directly over the CPU area, your case has two fans that will keep air moving
over whatever CPU cooling system you are using. You also have the option of
adding another fan on the right side of the case, which I would definitely
take advantage of. All in all, it will be pretty breezy by your CPU.

I do recommend getting one of the larger heatsink solutions out there --
whatever will fit into the case. I've had remarkable results with the
AeroCool DP-102 http://aerocool.us/p-cooler/dp-102/dp102.htm -- which you
may be able to run without the included fans if the three surrounding the
CPU provide enough airflow. (I run mine with only one fan and my CPU stays
in the 32C range.)

In short, I don't think you need to worry about the unusual configuration of
your case. As long as no PSU fan is blocked, go ahead and install it the way
it "wants" to go.

Bill


"Dan Brill" <mangoed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:eskyRvy9FHA.3560@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Hi,
>
> If this post is off-topic then I apologise, the issue does concern a Media
> Center PC!
>
> I'm currently assembling an HTPC and have bought, obviously amongst other
> components, a case (Silverstone LC16m) and a power supply (Seasonic S12).
>
> The manual for the PSU states that the "fan on S12 model MUST always face
> downwards to help the CPU dispel the heat". I've have also had a brief
> converation with Silverstone (their support is not very responsive) where
> they say "your psu should be facing the mother board (the inside of the
> case) not the vent on the case".
>
> However, there is no other way to mount the unit except on the right (on
> the other side from the CPU since it is a desktop-style enclosure) and
> with the intake fan right up against the grill pointing straight out of
> the case (away from the motherboard). The situation is very much as show
> here http://www.modthebox.com/reviews/silverstone/lc16m/lc16m34.jpg (not
> my picture).
>
> My dilemma is that because of the relevant holes in the case and on the
> power supply, there is only one possible orientation. I thought that
> perhaps the positioning of the holes was standardised since it
> specifically prevents the PSU being mounted in any other configuration
> (which would be correct in a tower case since the fan would have to point
> downward from the top towards the CPU).
>
> Are there reversible supplies or ones which when mounted would have the
> fan pointing in the other direction? Have I just made a bad and expensive
> choice of power supply? I'd really appreciate any opinions.
>
> -dan
>


.

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