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what fans for arcade cabinet?
Level42:
Normaly, a cab is using the "chimney efect" to cool everything. So there's an entry hole in the lower part of the cab, and an exit hole near the top. Hot air wants to go up, so the air will move up and leave the cabinet through the upper hole. This automaticaly makes sure that cool air is being sucked in through the lower hole. However, there are some things to think off:
If your are running a PC INSIDE it's PC-case IN the cab, there could be heat problems. It's like putting your PC in a cupboard. Run some temperature monitoring software to check the CPU and other temps.
I use my MOBO and other stuff "in the open" inside my cab. This helps cooling of course.
If you still feel that it's neccesary to use a fan: bigger is better. Try to get a really big one. The bigger it is, the slower it can run, the less noise it will make. Papst is about the best brand around.
Stingray:
I just leave the back door off.
-S
PCtech:
--- Quote from: Stingray on May 25, 2006, 01:37:49 pm ---I just leave the back door off.
-S
--- End quote ---
I agree with -S on that one...as long as it's near a wall (not flush), nobody will notice if the back door is off. First time I heard that, I thought the guy was crazy....till I heard it a bazillion more times.
Although I didn't leave the back door off, I did have small (palm sized) vents in the back at the top and bottom...and had no heat issues.
From my experience, a computer and monitor, doesn't generate that much heat, to be a concern with a standard cabinet....but if concerned, stick a cheap thermometer on the inside, and check occasionally, then compare to the specs on what your PC & monitor can handle...but I doubt you would have much problem either way.
If you were going with a cocktail or bartop unit, that might be different.
deadkenndys1105:
I have a normal pc with the case but I have the left panel off. When I was planning my cabinet I planned it to be by a wall so I didnt even make a back panel and it make the cabinet a lot lighter because I dont use wheels on mine.
Level42:
Running your cab open is only acceptible if you're using a PC inside it's case, and especialy a CASED monitor. If you got an open (arcade) CRT monitor I would strongly suggest NOT to leave the cab open.
If I take my back panel off, the mains is cut off by the safety switch, LIKE IT SHOULD !!!
I bought an original arcade JAMMA cab, and this has the mains "safety switch" still in place and working.
If you're running an open CRT inside your cab, leaving the panel off makes the 25.000 Volts to be in direct reach of touch. Nasty, but really dangerous are the couple of hundred volts to be found everywhere on the chassis of the monitor.
Of couse you will never touch this. That's the same reason why you're not wearing seatbelts, you're not ever going to get into an accident right ?
I'd never suggest this. It is very unsafe, even if you "can't reach" inside. I've got a 4 year old kid running around, even playing the cab sometimes, wouldn't want him "exploring" the inside of my cab !