Is it better for zero RPM PSUs to place the fan on top?

[few34fwfs]

1. Bill's not wrong
2. His facts are accurate
3. You asked a question based on incorrect information. Bill simply answered your query with correct information. Not sure why you are reacting in the way you are reacting.

I'm sorry he answered it?
I must have missed it.
In my defense he does write a lot.
It's totally fine if you agree with him. He might be right.
But can you tell me where I am wrong?

 

[dirtyferret]

So I've heard that if the PSU has a zero RPM mode then it's better to place the fan on top for better heat dissipation.

It depends on your exact PSU and setup in terms of "better". It's not a rule to live by but any properly designed PSU will kick in its active cooling prior to over heating which would be a far larger red flag than orientation.

 

[AusWolf]

Depends on the case. If there are perforations on the compartment top wall, then the fan will push the air towards the graphics card.*
*If not pull hot air from the area under the graphics card in downwards direction...

All PSUs pull air into themselves these days, as far as I know. Other than that, your point is the same as mine: it entirely depends on your case.

 

[arbiter]

In theory it would mean psu fan has to run less But as other said it would let the little bit of heat psu makes in to the case. Given likely you already hear case fans from pc i doubt the psu fan will ever be heard in the times it does get use .

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

But can you tell me where I am wrong?

you started this thread.


Who in their educated technically adept right mind would add a fan on top of a zero rpm psu to cool it when the built in psu fan works just fine?

 

[few34fwfs]

you started this thread.


Who in their educated technically adept right mind would add a fan on top of a zero rpm psu to cool it when the built in psu fan works just fine?

That's what you understood? Lol
The question is to put the PSU fan on top or not, not to add an extra fan.

 

[cvaldes]

Who in their educated technically adept right mind would add a fan on top of a zero rpm psu to cool it when the built in psu fan works just fine?

While the original inquiry could have been worded better, it's important to stress that not everyone here is a native English speaker.

So I've heard that if the PSU has a zero RPM mode then it's better to place the fan on top for better heat dissipation.
What do you think about that?

I suggest you Read The Fine Manual for your specific PSU and consider the manufacturer's advice.

For example, here is a page from the owner's manual for a Seasonic GX-650:

As you can see the manufacturer suggests pointing the fan vent upward in a standard PC case when Hybrid Mode or fanless mode is used. There are other scenarios that call for specific orientation. Seasonic is careful to suggest reading the owner's manual for the case as well.

A lot of modern PC cases feature a PSU shroud these days. Many have ventilation holes in the shroud to promote air circulation but not all of them do. If a case has a PSU shroud without ventilation holes, you may be better off pointing the PSU fan vent downward (standard orientation) even if you go fanless or hybrid.

Naturally the page posted here is specific for one model of one manufacturer's product lineup and may not be relevant to you if you do not own this component.

Best of luck.

(Disclaimer: I do not use Hybrid Mode with this PSU so it is installed in the normal orientation: PSU fan vent down.)

 

[few34fwfs]

While the original inquiry could have been worded better, it's important to stress that not everyone here is a native English speaker.

I suggest you Read The Fine Manual for your specific PSU and consider the manufacturer's advice.

For example, here is a page from the owner's manual for a Seasonic GX-650:

View attachment 345671
As you can see the manufacturer suggests pointing the fan vent upward in a standard PC case when Hybrid Mode or fanless mode is used. There are other scenarios that call for specific orientation. Seasonic is careful to suggest reading the owner's manual for the case as well.

A lot of modern PC cases feature a PSU shroud these days. Many have ventilation holes in the shroud to promote air circulation but not all of them do. If a case has a PSU shroud without ventilation holes, you may be better off pointing the PSU fan vent downward (standard orientation) even if you go fanless or hybrid.

Naturally the page posted here is specific for one model of one manufacturer's product lineup and may not be relevant to you if you do not own this component.

Best of luck.

(Disclaimer: I do not use Hybrid Mode with this PSU so it is installed in the normal orientation: PSU fan vent down.)

"Follow the directions in your chassis manual and install the power supply with the screws provided."
That's all Corsair has to say in it's PSU manual

 

[#22]

"Follow the directions in your chassis manual and install the power supply with the screws provided."
That's all Corsair has to say in it's PSU manual

You originally asked for our general opinions, but honestly they're not much useful to solve your concerns about chosen PSU, because it exactly depends on model. If manual doesn't recommend anything, it suggests that given PSU doesn't mind. It's simply matter of orientation being likely or not to activate over temperature protection or fan going crazy. Some may only assume that placing all with fan on top is healthier, but it's theoretical. It's always best to ask manufacturer. This time I haven't bothered due to Shift suggesting mounting it with fan on the bottom by placement of connectors and Corsair even shows it in it's marketing. If there's in fact the only one correct way, that's it, but chances are it won't mind upside down, so try it or ask Corsair first

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

not everyone here is a native English speaker

That has no bearing on what was said. I'm no mind reader in any language.

 

[Legacy Ivy Terascale]

no , that would heat up the PSU during heavy load and the PSU is the last thing you wanna mess with
even if the PSU has OTP ( over-temp. protection ) you should still pick a case with bottom-mount PSU if that case has filter for that PSU slot
the only benefit of top mounts is when bottom intake for GPU cooling , as Fractal Torrent for example
if CPU is 100w or less / the case has top-front 140mm or bigger aiming horizontally at CPU and PSU , and PSU has OTP : you can have either way
also make sure you have a PSU from a brand with good reputation
i suggest InterTech or SeaSonic
as well as as reviews on a retailer where you can find bad reviews for products too , not just positive ones

 

[natr0n]

In my Moms pc I put the zero rpm psu upward to be able to see if it spins to not worry about it.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Ummm, this party ended a month ago.