From the laws of Thermodynamics, it is always better to have a system that is closed, so that temperature can better be manipulated. A computer would like to be an enclosed system so that it can have better airflow.

Airflow

• Hot air always rises.
• Warm air is always above cold air. Thus, you ideally want the intake fan near the front and bottom, and the outtake fans near the back and top (near the power supply).

Maximizing Airflow

Tricks to maximize airflow include:

• Covering the Expansion Bays slots.

Quiet Fans

Larger fans are quieter fans