PC airflow optimization is very important if you don't want those overheat warnings or wish to avoid critical damage to your computer's internal hardware.

Building a PC today is incredibly easy; you can get a bunch of modular parts, buy a case, and put them together. However, when you run those resource intensive games, know that they take a toll on your computer.

Gaming PCs often push the boundaries to provide a seamless gaming experience, which often causes the GPU to maximize clock speeds, thus generating more heat. Proper airflow optimization is important.

Without getting into physics or thermodynamics, here is a detailed guide for proper airflow optimization.

Get the Right Fans for Your PC

Fans in a gaming PC

Cooling fans are available from a number of different brands, and there are several options available to you. First, you need to select fans that go with the fan mounts. Depending upon the size of the casing, you will have four different options:

  • 80mm
  • 120mm
  • 140mm
  • 200mm

However, the mounts are not the only thing you need to consider. For instance, the size of the fans is also an important factor. Bigger fans tend to move the same amount of air as smaller fans, albeit at lower revolutions.

As a result, bigger fans are generally quieter than smaller ones. Another thing you need to consider is the fin type. There are two options: one that offers better static pressure, and other that's optimized for airflow.

The latter is generally quieter and is ideal for installing at the front of your case. The former pulls or pushes air by applying additional force, so it's a better choice if you're going to install fans in the back of your case. And then, you also have to consider whether you want RGB and aesthetics.

Related: Ways to Use RGB LED Strips to Light Up Your Life

Plan Your PC Fan Airflow Direction

Once you've bought the fans for your gaming PC, it's time to figure out how to optimize and really plan out the airflow correctly. There are several important things to consider, starting with the direction.

Remember, air always flows from the open side, and moves in the direction of the protective fan grille. Simply put, air should always flow from the front towards the back. Thus, ideally, the open side of the fan should always be outside the case. These are also known as intake fans.

Most computer cases are designed to allow airflow from the front towards the back, and from the bottom to the top. So, since the open side sucks air in, you can also place them in the rear facing inwards or on the top, if your case allows.

Related: How Different Technologies Help Your PC Stay Cool

Keep Your PC in a Ventilated Area

Shot showing the internal hardware of a gaming rig

This one goes without saying, but it's something many people tend to ignore quite frequently. Your PC needs to be kept in a ventilated area, but not in a place where it'll be sitting between drafts.

Some fans, especially the intake ones, are important for directing cooler air from the surroundings into the case. The fans at the back usually serve as exhaust fans, flushing hot air out of the system.

Thus, if you place your PC in the corner or in a cabinet somewhere, it's not going to help at all. It'll simply continue to circulate the same hot air around, causing the internals to eventually overheat.

Ideally, you'd want to keep your PC slightly elevated, especially if the floor is carpeted. Or, you can always keep it on a desk or a table if you prefer.

Related: DC vs. PWM Fans: Which Is Better to Cool Your PC?

Get Obstructions Out of the Way

all router cables unplugged

Proper cable management is essential for optimizing airflow in your PC. Ideally, you'd want as little obstructions as possible between the exhaust fans and the intake fans to allow for efficient airflow, but that's not possible.

So, it's important that you start from the front. Remove any obstructions in front of the intake fans so that they can pull air cleanly. Then, move to the inside. Make sure all internal components, such as your GPUs or your hard drives, are mounted horizontally.

Related: How to Choose the Best Case Fans for Your Custom PC

Once you're done with that, the next step is the cables. Ideally, you'd want to use some zip ties to bundle up the cables and move them out of the way. In some cases, there might be additional power cables, so make sure you move them to one side.

If your case came with any spacers, use them to allow for greater, unobstructed airflow on the inside. And, if you really want to make things better, get rid of those bulky HDDs and switch to sleeker and slimmer SSDs instead.

Set PC Fan Control Speeds

Now that you've installed the fans and set the internal components just right, it's important to configure the fan control speeds.

In general, most BIOS programs allow you to quickly adjust the speed of the fan. There are temperature sensors inside, so you can determine when the fans should kick into full gear.

Related: The Best PC Fan Controllers

There are third-party applications, such as SpeedFan, that you can use to adjust speeds as well. Or, if you want, you can also get a physical fan controller. Some fans also allow you to set up configurable profiles!

Balance the Air Pressure Inside Your PC

best pc fan controllers

Balancing air pressure inside is very important. Given the fact that there are different components inside the case, balancing actual equal air pressure is simply not possible.

Here, you have two options: negative or positive air pressure. The latter simply means that your gaming PC draws in more air than what's being blown out, and vice versa. Try to maintain a balance, or as close to it as possible, to reduce dust buildup and keep your gaming PC cool.

Your Gaming PC Airflow Is Now Optimized

Now your PC should stay cool, thanks to a nice, optimal, airflow. However, it doesn't matter how well you protect your PC from overheating, dust will still find a way in. This is even more important to consider if you live in a dusty environment. At least once in a week, you need to remove the cover and cleanse the interior.