Case Fans ...

Case fans are very important for overall system temperature (and indirectly for the temperature of the CPU as well).

Having as low of a system temperature as possible is vital to having a system that will be long-lasting and stable. If you are careful with the fans you purchase (like the fans I recommend!), you will have a very cool and quiet machine!

 

Case Fan Port - Build PC Guide - Fast PC
Case Fan - Build PC Guide - Fast PC

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The circled fan port in the picture above is the location I suggest installing your fan in.

Take the case fan, screw it in with the label not facing you, and connect the power supply to your motherboard (usually labeled as 'SFAN1').

This fan becomes your exhaust fan, blowing out a lot of the hot air generated by your CPU and other components.

Since hot air rises and all that jazz, it's the best location for an exhaust fan on your case, and conincidentally enough it's right by all the important parts of your PC.

Now, if you'd like to cool your system a bit more (personally I only have 1 case fan, but to each his own), locate another fan slot (there is usually one hidden in the front of the case on the inside) and screw in this fan the opposite way, with the label facing you.

Insert this power supply into the slot labeled 'SFAN2' on your motherboard.

This fan becomes your intake fan, bringing cool air into the computer case.

 

Now, you can close your case up, as you're actually done building your PC!! Congratulations!

There are some post-assembly steps you should consider, and a quick trouble-shooter guide if you're having any problems.

 

Next - Assemble a Computer: Post Assembly Guide »

 

 

Tip: A cool computer is essential for one that will last a long time. Besides just ventilating heat, however, it will also help to evacuate dust and other particles that somehow find their way into your PC. Personally, I'd rather the dust get on my $3 case fan blades than my $200 video card.