Do I need a fan?

[techigirl78]

I got a 42" TV for my bedroom for Christmas.

I was wondering if I put the components in a 2' X 4' closet, should I install a fan? Primarily, I would be thinking a lower end receiver, cable box, and, gasp, possibly the PS3. The shelfs would be towards the bottom of the closet on open shelving. I know the PS3 creates a lot of heat. Should I put the fan in before the components? Any thoughts on how to handle it? It is a very small bedroom, so putting the components in the closet would save a lot of space.

 

[Adam]

First, congrats on the new TV!!!

I can't say if you'll need a fan or not. My recommendation would be to first try it without a fan and check how hot the equipment gets. Run it for a few minutes and check, and if it's cool enough, run it for a bit longer and check again. If it's hot enough that it makes you nervous, a fan would be a great addition.

 

[Rickster71]

Adam's idea is a great first step. As per Adam's test, if you do find you need a fan, consider this. A closet on an outside wall, may be cool in the winter and too warm in the summer.

A fan might help. I say might help, because the PS3 may add too much heat.
If the closet door will remain shut, you really need to exhaust the heat out of the top of the closet.(heat rises) And have a way for cool air to enter at the bottom.

One way would be a quite bathroom exhaust fan in the ceiling of the closet.
Is it a clothes closet?
If you have a bunch of clothes hanging above the components, it probably won't have enough air flow.
The solution may be to just leave the door opened.

 

[Nomo]

The receiver will probably be the component most in need of ventilation, depending on which one you go with. Although, as I don't have one, I'm not familiar with the heat a PS3 generates. I just don't love my son enough

 

[tattoo_Dan]

I got a 42" TV for my bedroom for Christmas.

I was wondering if I put the components in a 2' X 4' closet, should I install a fan? Primarily, I would be thinking a lower end receiver, cable box, and, gasp, possibly the PS3. The shelfs would be towards the bottom of the closet on open shelving. I know the PS3 creates a lot of heat. Should I put the fan in before the components? Any thoughts on how to handle it? It is a very small bedroom, so putting the components in the closet would save a lot of space.

I don't have my components in a closet,but the Rcvr is close to the shelf above it,and well,I just like to play around and tweak things,

anyway,here is a project I made from stuff I already had,it works great and it's very quiet.

.

.

I used a PS like this that is switched on and off when I turn my system on/off. http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PS-1256/12VDC-1.5A-SWITCHING-POWER-SUPPLY/1.html

and here is an example of the kind of fans I used,you really don't need the LED fans,just make sure they are "quiet" http://shop2.frys.com/product/5383238?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I know some may think it's silly,but it works great,it's quiet,and cheap.

 

[majorloser]

Here's some of the nicest stuff I've seen at the shows:
http://www.coolcomponents.com/

Some of their equipment is available through the Audioholics Store:
http://store.audioholics.com/section/66207/1/component-cooling

 

[techigirl78]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I'm thinking about a few options. It was so nice to watch movies in bed last night, but I miss the surround sound effect. My boyfriend said I'm too obsessed and I don't need speakers in the bedroom.

First, the guy at the electronics store indicated they have a denon that handles two displays and presumably two zones. Maybe this would be a good option to keep all components in the living room and only have the display and a small 5.1/5.2 system in bedroom. I still have to look into this option. Anyone have thoughts on this one? I don't know what would happen in this case if we wanted to watch cable on both TVs.

Second, we could setup the receiver, cable box, and a blu ray/DVD player in the bedroom and only connect the PS3 when playing games. I know my standard DVD players don't produce loads of heat, so this may work. Then, I'd add a small/quiet fan by the receiver just to provide a good amount circulation and open the door as needed.

Third, I'll setup a fan to vent outside. This would be hard to install due to the sloped ceilings and configuration of the attic above. I would like to avoid this if possible and if it means no permanant PS3 in the bedroom, then I think that is what I'd prefer.

Anyways, today he is installing an outlet behind the TV to avoid wires. I'm so happy, but I'll be happy once I have some small speakers. Now I need to research those some.

 

[aberkowitz]

I'm thinking about a few options. It was so nice to watch movies in bed last night, but I miss the surround sound effect. My boyfriend said I'm too obsessed and I don't need speakers in the bedroom.

Drop him right now!! Do not look back, do not pass go, do not collect $200 .