PC Tower placement - floor/radiator risks?

Seqkat

United Kingdom29 Posts

August 24 2013 08:40 GMT

I've just moved house, and although the desk I have at the new place has a 'slot' for a PC tower, my shiny newish PC is in a Zalman Z11, which is too wide for the space provided. The desk is not huge, so I am reluctant to put the PC on top - I've also found this annoying in the past, as the case is designed to be on a lower level - cables etc. are in annoying places when using the main ports provided if the PC is left on top of the desk.

Therefore - firstly, I am aware that there is an increased risk of dust when putting the PC on the floor beside the desk. If I did this, I'd probably buy a stand like http://www.amazon.co.uk/KOENIG-Wheels-Mobile-Secure-Computer/dp/B000SAJK1M/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top to try and keep it slightly raised and prevent it being straight on the carpet - would this improve the situation?

The second issue is that currently the only space for the PC (it's a small flat) and desk ends up with the PC being in front of a radiator - there is a gap of 4-6 inches between the back of the PC and the radiator, so it's not pressed up against it, but I'm concerned about overheating when the radiator is on in the winter.

Is this therefore a viable place to put the computer?

In terms of cooling etc. - as mentioned, the case is a Zalman Z11 [High Performance], and it has an 'Akasa Nero 3 Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler'. Can provide other specs if needed.

Blaec

Australia4289 Posts

August 24 2013 08:44 GMT

If its on carpet it is going to get fairly dusty, but as long as you clean it periodically that wont be a problem.

Radiator wise, just see what the temps are like. Its pretty hard to predict how hot your computer will get.

edit: also your computer should be intaking air from the front or side so just keep them away from the radiator and any heat issues should be minimised.

Cyro

United Kingdom20285 Posts

August 24 2013 08:52 GMT

You're more worried for elevating case temps (due to lack of good ventilation) especially with an aftermarket CPU cooler on stock settings, with a case like that, 1 or more of each intake and exhaust fan as long as there's somewhere for the air to go behind or on top of the PC (wherever the exhaust fans are) and it's got clear intake, you'll be fine and probably quite cool

People do stuff all the time like putting a system in a "hole" in a desk that has the back sealed, and that's really stupid because the probably 200+w of heat from the system will just sit in the case unless it has somewhere to go, and that can make your case ridiculously hot with no ventilation. You just gotta not have a ton of dust and have a clear direction of airflow with intake and exhaust, even if it's only one fan of each. A low power system can get away with just an exhaust fan probably, but a surprising amount of people don't follow that, and they are mostly the ones with overheating issues

a176

Canada6688 Posts

August 29 2013 17:57 GMT

On August 24 2013 17:52 Cyro wrote:
You're more worried for elevating case temps (due to lack of good ventilation) especially with an aftermarket CPU cooler on stock settings, with a case like that, 1 or more of each intake and exhaust fan as long as there's somewhere for the air to go behind or on top of the PC (wherever the exhaust fans are) and it's got clear intake, you'll be fine and probably quite cool

People do stuff all the time like putting a system in a "hole" in a desk that has the back sealed, and that's really stupid because the probably 200+w of heat from the system will just sit in the case unless it has somewhere to go, and that can make your case ridiculously hot with no ventilation. You just gotta not have a ton of dust and have a clear direction of airflow with intake and exhaust, even if it's only one fan of each. A low power system can get away with just an exhaust fan probably, but a surprising amount of people don't follow that, and they are mostly the ones with overheating issues

With a radiator, the general area around the radiator will be much warmer, so its not a good place to put the computer.

Also think about getting dust screens for your fans (or even using pantyhose in that respect), they help alot with keeping dust out of a computer.

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