by Kevin W Byrom

Created on: December 16, 2011   Last Updated: December 17, 2011

As computer technology changes, and computer systems become more powerful, the integrated circuits of the motherboard, CPU and other internal components generate a much higher degree of heat. If the excessive temperatures aren't vented from the case in a more controlled, efficient manner, premature damage and failure of the internal components will eventually occur leading to a partial or complete system failure.

Since heat dissipation from within a computer case becomes a serious, critical factor in the determination of whether the system continues to perform to its standards, or fails completely, cooling the internal components and venting the case becomes the most important aspect for the computer's continued operation.

If you were to remove the power supply and most other components from a computer tower case, and you took a close look at what's left inside the case, you may find only one or two internal cooling fans that are attached to the tower's metal frame. Most cases have only one fan attached to the back to force the internal heated air out of the case, while drawing in fresh air through various air flow inlets and other gaps around external drives. In addition to the rear fan, other cases may have a cooling fan mounted inside the front of the case to pull the much cooler outside air through cooling holes at the front into the case.

Regardless of whether a tower computer has only one rear ventilation fan, or a combination of front and rear fans together, the venting capacity may not be enough to remove damaging heat from the computer system in an efficient manner.

To improve the cooling and venting capability of a tower computer, there are some inexpensive measures you can take to protect your investment from a fatal heat-related failure.

Some computers have one or more additional attachment points on the metal case where you can install an additional ventilation fan that is identical the one presently attached to the metal frame on the inside rear of your case. Most of these fans are 80mm fans, and they're attached with four special screws that go through the outside of the case into the fan's mounting holes. Once attached to the case,the fan has a power lead wire that connects to one of the power leads coming off of your computer's power supply. Many of these fans may be found in a price range of $3.00 to $20.00 or more depending on whether you want something simple to do the job, or something a little more flashy.

If you have one or more available PCI

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