Sleeper Build PSU Orientation
Hi everyone,
I’m currently mock-fitting components for my retro sleeper PC build to determine the best orientation and placement before finalizing everything. I am hitting a bit of a dilemma regarding the power supply orientation and could really use some expert advice.
As you can see in the photos, this is a classic top-mounted PSU chassis. My main concern is whether I should face the PSU intake fan downwards or upwards:
1. Facing Downwards (Current setup in photos): The PSU fan directly faces my massive dual-tower CPU heatsink. My concern here is long-term dust accumulation. In my previous modern chassis[see last image] (where the PSU was bottom-mounted), I noticed a massive amount of dust buildup directly on the surface facing the fan intake. I’m worried that with a top-down configuration, dust and debris might fall down directly onto the massive CPU heatsink and the GPU below it over time.
2. Facing Upwards: If I flip the PSU to face upwards, the intake fan will face the top panel of the case. However, there is only about a 1cm (0.4 inches) clearance between the PSU and the top panel. Furthermore, the top panel is completely solid metal with zero ventilation holes (airflow would have to be drawn from the front/side gaps of the chassis frame).
Additional Context:
• I will be installing 120mm fans at both the front and the rear(possibly smaller for the rear) of the chassis to optimize overall system airflow as much as possible(but I don't like to cut or modifications).
• The motherboard is a Z370 platform, and the GPU(msi gtx 1070ti) will be mounted in the lower slots.
Given the restricted 1cm clearance and solid top panel, would facing the PSU upwards completely suffocate it and cause overheating? Or is the dust risk of a downward-facing PSU a bigger issue for the components below?
Would love to hear your thoughts, experiences.
Thanks in advance!