40 MAXIMUMPC APRIL 2004
A blowhole adds extra cooling to your PC
in the same way that opening a window in
your house cools it down. Warm air circu-
lating through your system is pushed by a
fan through a hole in the case, thereby
lowering the internal temperature. Note:
This project requires cutting a hole in your
PC case. But don’t be intimidated!
For this project, you’ll need: a power
drill with a 3-inch hole saw, a Dremel
power tool with a deburring attachment,
a straightedge, safety glasses, four grom-
mets (rubber washers), four screws, one
grill, and one 80mm fan.
Figure out where on your case to install
the blowhole to maximize the airflow
gain. We recommend placing it on the
side of the case over the PCI cards or onthe top of the case in the center.
In the desired spot on the case, out-
line your fan using a pencil, then use a
straightedge to draw lines connecting each
corner of the drawn square. The center of
your X is your center mark for the drill.
Measure twice, drill once. For an 80mm
fan, we use a 3-inch metal hole saw.
Before you begin drilling, use clamps to
secure the case panel to a sturdy surface
or have a friend help you hold it down.
Make sure you don’t do your drilling over
carpet, or you may have to wear shoes
for the rest of the carpet’s life. Now would
also be a good time to put your safety
goggles on.
Once you’re finished, use the Dremel’s
deburring attachment to grind down therough edges on the case so that it looks
clean and doesn’t cut your fingers later.
Consider the Dremel an essential tool if
you’re going to do any more case mod-
ding; its multifunction nature makes it
our favorite.
Determine the location of your fan’s
screws by placing the fan over the hole
and marking the screw holes.
With the fan on the inside of the case
panel, place a grommet between the pro-
tective grill and the outside of case panel
to reduce vibration—like you would use a
washer when installing the fan. Screw all
parts together.
Go ahead and connect the power to the
fan to test it out before you replace the
panel. Mama, I’m a man now!25) Install a Blowhole in Your PC Case
Isn’t it time you got past the shame of
your PC’s messy, tangled cables and did
something about it? In addition to being
more aesthetically pleasing and improv-
ing the ease with which you can upgrade
components, neater cable wiring makes
for better airflow. Better airflow makes for
lower temperatures. Lower temperatures
make for increased stability. Increased
stability makes for a happier you.
The first step to tidier airflow is to
upgrade to rounded cables. Flat and hard-
to-maneuver standard IDE cables typically
block a lot of airflow. Rounded cables are
much easier to deal with.
If your PC is a rat’s nest of cables,
unplug them and straighten them out. If
you think you may forget how to recon-
nect everything, label the various wireswith masking tape and a pen.
Use cable ties to wrangle your cables
back under control, but make sure to
leave some slack—you want to be able to
replace or move a drive without having
to untie the whole bundle. Anchor your
cable ties with an adhesive base to the
bottom or side of your case to keep them
out of the way and make them stay put.
Wire looms (pictured here) are another
way to organize your cables; for maxi-
mum effect and ease of use, tie your
cables using a cable tie, then insert them
into the loom. Wire wraps provide an
even tighter bundle than wire looms, but
require more effort.
Visit http://www.cableorganizer.com for tons more
information, hints, and tips regarding
cable organization.26) Organize Your PC’s Cables and Increase Airflow
To begin, unplug the system and monitor and disconnect
all the cables.
Wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth.
Open the case and use a can of compressed air to clear
built-up dust.
Use your vacuum’s hose attachment to suck up any major
dust clumps from the bottom of the case.
Clean and replace the fan filters.
Wipe down the exterior of your monitor with a clean cloth.
Carefully clean the screen with a soft cloth and a weak solution
of water and isopropyl alcohol. Never apply the liquid directly
to the screen; always apply it to the cleaning cloth.
Vacuum the keyboard with your vacuum’s brush attachment.
Wipe down your optical mouse. If your mouse is non-optical,
pop out the roller ball, take a pair of tweezers and clean the
build-up from the rollers. Wipe down the ball and replace.27) Clean Your PC in 8 Easy Steps
Installing a fan filter is an inexpensive way to keep dust, hair, and
Cheetos crumbs from getting inside your case. Be sure to choose
one that conforms to the size of your case fan, is easy to clean,
and won’t choke your system’s airflow.
Install the filter on your case’s front intake fan. You could mount
filters on all your fans,
but we’re only con-
cerned about the air
getting into your case,
not out of it.
Once installed,
be sure to clean the
filter periodically to
ensure consistent
performance. n28) Put an Air Filter on Your Case Fan
Tie up your cables and insert them
into either a wire wrap or loom
(above) to organize your PC’s cabling
and increase airflow and cooling.DO-IT-YOURSELF GUIDE