Corsair 650D case; how to mount power supply?

[Dumela]

I'm starting to build a new system. I have a question as how to mount a power supply (OCZ 100W) in the Corsair 650 case.

 

The question came up as I saw a video on Youtube (but I can't find it again) where the narrator said Corsair recommended mounting the PSU fan-up.

 

This seemed odd as most posts I've seen here and elsewhere suggest putting the PSU fan-down.

 

And of course mounting it fan-up would make the filter under the case useless. Why would Corsair recommend fan-up when they have a case that has a filter for a fan-down configuration?

 

My concern with a fan-down orientation is that while the box will be on a hard surface, it does get very dusty down there.

 

So I'm wondering if any document from Corsair makes any recommendation, either fan-up or fan-down?

 

Thank you.

[Speed]

I went through this same consideration prior to even selecting the 650D as my workstation case from among a lot of other candidates. Lots of pros and cons to the PSU mounting and the positioning of the filter. I eventually settled on a fan down orientation, even though dust and fur are at increased levels here (we do cat rescue and a number of them are in the studio at any given time).

 

My PSU is an AX1200i, which rarely runs the fan unless really stressed. In fact, other than when setting up my CL2 profile, I don't think I've ever heard it run. Having the fan/intake mounted down assists convection flow of air through the PSU; thereby keeping the fan off more than it would if it were drawing air from the case interior. With the intake opening on the bottom, cooler air is drawn in from outside and the warm air easily flows out the rear screen; keeping the entire PSU case cool. With the intake mounted up, there is potential for stagnant warm air pockets to develop in the forward lower corners and under the board.

 

Where I have a problem with the case design is that the filter should be removable from either side, instead of out the back. It is a short-sighted assumption to assume that everyone has easy access to the back of their cases. Additionally, sliding out to the side takes less room than out to the rear because of the aspect ratio of the filter. That said, I have now cleaned the PSU filter four times in the past months and, even with our relatively increased contaminant situation, the filter really didn't need cleaning. The convection current through the PSU case is so slow that not much is drawn in, other than cool air.

[Dumela]

Thank you.

 

A number of excellent points, especially about the direction of filter removal. Indeed, I would have opted for the 800D if it weren't 25" deep. The height and width were less critical, but the table it will sit upon - in my cramped apartment - is only be around 20" deep. Even with the 650, it will extend a bit over.

 

I went ahead and mounted it fan-down, but that can easily change. The PSU air pattern is independent of the rest of the case, unlike my ten-year old Antec case, which was excellent at the time.

[Speed]

I set my 650D sideways on the table that is to the left of my drafting board; both for easier filter removal and so that I would be able to see inside through the case door window. The BR/DVD and front panel door now open into my work area, just in front of the monitor. Makes it way easier to get inside the case when I need to, as well.