A Better Computer Fan - Sometimes: Cross-Flow Meshless AIO Case Benchmarks & Review
Gamers Nexus・28 minutes read
The case features a cross flow fan design that offers effective air distribution without the noise of axial fans, with optional parts like a Ram fan and flow guide enhancing functionality. Despite weaker GPU thermals compared to axial fans, the cross flow fan design improves CPU, RAM, and VRM thermals, providing a unique and efficient cooling solution for ITX cases.
Insights
- The case design incorporates a cross flow fan and a latch mechanism for GPU installation, optimizing airflow distribution and simplifying component mounting for enhanced functionality.
- Cross flow fans, despite being relatively new, offer efficient and quiet cooling solutions, suitable for various applications beyond PCs, including HVAC systems and aviation, showcasing their versatility and potential for widespread adoption.
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Recent questions
How does the small form factor case ensure effective airflow?
By utilizing zero axial fans and one cross flow fan, the case creates a laminer evenly distributed flow of air. This design prevents recirculation and maintains positive or negative pressure systems within the case, enhancing overall cooling efficiency.
What materials are used in the construction of the case?
The case is made of a single 4mm thick aluminum extrusion, eliminating the need for screws or rivets due to its unibody structure. This design choice not only provides durability but also contributes to the sleek and minimalist aesthetic of the case.
What optional parts are included in the case design?
Optional parts like a Ram fan and a flow guide are included in the case design, enhancing its functionality. These additional components offer minor improvements in performance, with the flow guide helping to optimize airflow patterns within the case.
How does the unique latch mechanism for the GPU work?
The unique latch mechanism for the GPU involves a tab to pull the pcie slot into place, providing a clever way to mount a video card securely. This innovative design feature simplifies the installation process and ensures that the GPU is properly seated within the case.
What are the benefits of using a cross flow fan in the case?
The cross flow fan design in the case creates a constant laminer stream of air without the buffeting effect of axial fans. This type of fan disperses air widely, maintaining CPU temperatures effectively while reducing noise levels compared to axial fans.
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Summary
00:00
Innovative Cross Flow Fan Case Design
- The small form factor case utilizes zero axial fans and one cross flow fan to create a laminer evenly distributed flow of air.
- The case underwent practical imaging and acoustic tests in a Hemi anaco chamber to ensure its effectiveness.
- A unique latch mechanism for the GPU involves a tab to pull the pcie slot into place, providing a clever way to mount a video card.
- The case is made of a single 4mm thick aluminum extrusion, eliminating the need for screws or rivets due to its unibody structure.
- Optional parts like a Ram fan and a flow guide are included in the case design, enhancing its functionality.
- The case supports 280mm radiators and features a cross flow fan that pulls air in through the radiator and expels it out at high velocity.
- The air distribution within the case is carefully designed to prevent recirculation and maintain positive or negative pressure systems.
- An air density gradient imaging setup was used to visualize the airflow patterns within the case, showcasing the effectiveness of the cross flow fan.
- The cross flow fan design is relatively new, with the first patent dating back 131 years, and is used to create a constant laminer stream of air without the buffeting effect of axial fans.
- The fan's total pressure is influenced by its speed and the angle of attack of its blades, with modern cross flow fans featuring a gradual swooping angle for improved pressure.
14:17
"Efficiency of Cross Flow Fans in Cooling"
- Cross flow fans are versatile, found in HVAC products, refrigeration, digital signage, and aviation, though not widely adopted in planes.
- Cross flow fans disperse air widely rather than focusing it, unlike axial or blower fans.
- Testing a cross flow fan with three speeds (100%, 65%, 45%) using a Kraken 280 NZXT cooler, with axial fans mostly removed.
- Results show the cross flow fan maintaining CPU temperatures well, with noise levels comparable to axial fans.
- Flow guide and ram fan tests show minor improvements in performance, with the seat belt causing a temperature increase.
- Lowering fan speed to 65% reduces noise significantly, with a slight temperature increase.
- At 45% fan speed, noise levels drop significantly, almost silent, with minimal impact on temperature.
- GPU thermals are weaker, especially with flow-through coolers, with axial fans performing better.
- RAM and VRM thermals show improvement with the cross flow fan and ram fan, with axial fans performing similarly.
- Case features include a unique GPU installation lever, compact size, and support for large GPUs, with detailed measurements provided.
27:29
Affordable ITX Market Options for Tech Enthusiasts
- The ITX Market offers expensive options, but there are cheaper alternatives available. The products are not excessively priced like a $600 solo artist project but are more towards mass production in the ITX World. Support the work by purchasing items from store.Camasaccess.net, such as shirts, mod mats, soldering mats, or coaster packs, to aid in funding the effort put into creating in-depth technical reviews independently.
