single 80mm fan-(side panel) intake or exhaust

[firefox > IE]

Hi, my computer case is a standard ATX midtower. The only case fan I have is one 80mm fan mounted onto the side panel. I currently have it on intake. With 50% load, my CPU is still at 51 C, which is what it was before I put in the 80mm fan. So, my question is: will the fan be more effective as exhaust or intake? I don't want to have to change it if it won't help temps.

Thanks:D :banana:

[64dragon]

if you only have the one case fan i'd say you need another, if the cpu is at 51 theres obviously hot air in the case but its not goin anywhere. are you using a stock heatsink? if the fan on that is exhaust (pulling air off the heatsink) and you have a fan on the panel then your just creating a bubble of air inbetween the two fans. if the fan on the heatsink is intake and pushing air on the on the heatsink then you should have seen some change in cpu temp

[firefox > IE]

I just switched it (exhaust) , and the temps. lowered a little, I'm going to look if I have another spare 80mm fan to put into the case, and yes, I'm using the stock heatsink. Thanks for your help

[cabbspapp]

Pretty much all cases have space for an exhaust fan on the back of the case, I would get another fan to put there.