non-computer fan??

[grazhopper]

My friend took off one of his computer's side panels and stuck a regular, non-computer fan to blow air into the parts of the computer. I am thinking that's a pretty good I dea, It looks as if it would be a lot more affective than any other computer fans. Is there a potential downside to doing this?? Is it harmful to the computer in any way?

[Zefram]

the question here is :
1 - What do you mean by non-computer fan? Is it the ones which draws power from the mains plug?

And points to ponder :
1 - Do i need it?
2 - Can I bear the noise?
3 - Do i want to trouble myself setting all the wires and stuff, rather than just buying a temperature controlled fans and screw it to my casing?

:D

[FrozenMercury]

You know, a fan. http://www.metalmart.co.jp/shop/item_image/L/metal_fan_l.gif If you were to go with the old fan in the side of the case method, I'd recomend you go down to Sprawl*Mart and find a nice cheap fan that you can add water to. It would make things cool. Although I'm not sure of how effect it would be vs. other methods.

[stlouis1]

Although I'm not sure of how effect it would be vs. other methods
and how bout that added water;)

[FTO]

If you don't care about dust on your components then go for it.

[yahooadam]

as above there are only 3 downsides

1) dust, your gonna fill your case with dust like no tommorow using that fan
2) you cant put the side on without impeding airflow, or u just cant fit it in
3) power to the fan

but you do get alot of air onto the components so it will run alot cooler ..

[saurongt]

Add the fact that it will be impractical in terms of taking up space and transporting the pc. Not to mention that it looks quite ghetto.

[yahooadam]

Add the fact that it will be impractical in terms of taking up space and transporting the pc. Not to mention that it looks quite ghetto.
unless u like ghetto PC's ...

[1337NuB5!]

My friend does that at LAN parties; because its that damn loud anyways at lans he just sticks 2 K-mart fans there(one forcing air through and one exhausting air out). Draws quite a bit of attention, and then of course there's the question of, "does it really run that hot?" of course those Venice cores do :D . Its loud, but hell it keep everything at or below like 20C...can't complain since those fans cost him like $3 each. w00t K-Mart.

[saurongt]

Oh and i have one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811999613
Probably at least as loud as kmart fans(i can hear it working from downstairs), but you get the convenience of closing your case after installation. I wouldn't mind using it at lanparties though -- get more attention.

[yahooadam]

yeah as people rip open ure case to shut up the fan ;)