Windows 7 - What to do with a 200mm fan?

So, I randomly got this CoolerMaster Megaflow 200mm fan in the mail, right? I figured I must have accidentally ordered it while ordering my new cooling pad. So, instead of returning it, I figured I'd use it somehow.

Here is the fan:



Well, I have an Acer Aspire desktop, so I figured I would go ahead and stick it in there... yeah, not so simple. I checked and it there was only one mounting option, and it required modding my side panel of the case, and it meant a tight fit.

So, I decided to go ahead with it.

Here I measured the outline of the fan and enlarged the ventilation area.



Then, I decided to go ahead and enlarge some of the holes in the existing ventilation panel to allow for increased airflow.



After about an hour's work of drilling and measuring and more drilling and more measuring and more drilling, I finally got the fan mounted. As you see in this picture, it's mounted as an exhaust fan (thinking about turning it around as an intake fan, though)



Here's the space it's going into. The graphics card and CPU fan both direct air "in" toward what's being cooled, which is why I'm thinking of directing the 200mm fan as an intake fan, for more air. I can always add a smaller exhaust fan(s) later.



Aye, captain, she's gonna be a tight fit.



Testing the fan.


With the panel on the case.


Anyway, should I keep it as an exhaust fan or turn it around for an intake fan?

I was always under the impression all side panel fans were intake.

Thats how I have mine.

Paul.

Yup, in at the front and side, out at the back and top

Thanks for the input guys. I turned the fan around for intake.

You should install a fan on the back of the case in the space provided.

I was thinking about doing that, to have an exhaust fan for better directional airflow.

I hope that works for you, better than it did for me. It didn't matter which way that I pointed it, it caused the temps to be slightly higher than without it.

All my fans are intake except for the rear. The side panel has 4 Silverstone AP121s. I tried lots of variations and this is configuration keeps everything super cool.

Lol tw33k , I am not surprised its super cool with 11 case fans!

I would be inclined to make that top fan an exhaust.