If your PC generates a lot of heat while running, a well-configured case fan can make all the difference in keeping it cool enough to operate properly. A case fan is a computer cooling component that moves air in a continuous cycle, drawing cooler air into the computer and expelling hot air out, to keep all components at a stable operating temperature.
Whether they are positioned as intake fans, pulling in cool air and cooling the components inside, or exhaust fans, pushing out hot air to prevent it from building up inside the case, case fans are vital for the proper operation of any computer. Ideally, you want to configure them in a way that creates positive pressure in your case so that all the fresh, cool air is pushed out of every opening that it can through the case, rather than having some pockets of hot air that are unable to escape.
Intake fans are typically positioned in the front of the case, drawing cool air into the chassis and cooling critical components like CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and storage drives. Exhaust fans are typically positioned in the rear or top of the case, expelling hot air out to ensure that it does not become trapped in the chassis and cause overheating.
Many modern cases come with built-in fans in the front or bottom to help draw cooler air in and blow it across motherboard components and expansion cards, which are the primary sources of heat in the computer. Some have additional vents and fan mounting points in the side panels where you can install more fans to help improve cooling for other components in your build. Depending on the style of case, you may choose to use 3-pin or 4-pin fans that connect directly to your motherboard’s connector and support voltage-based control. Case fans