What is the best way to keep these computers running cool? They only come with 1 fan, the CPU fan. I installed a new graphics card which comes with 3 fans on it (radeon 6950) and added an 80mm fan at the rear of the case where there is room and perforations in the case but no fan included from factory. There has to be more options, someone else out there has to have bought one of these, modded it, and plays high-end games on it. The graphics card I bought is top of the line, but unless I can keep the computer cool I dont even want to buy the newer games like MW3 and BF3.

Hello, I am the technician that you be assisting you today. My name is Norman-Wynne Damstra.

Welcome to Fixya Jeffery.

Yes you are quite correct, your upgraded computer system is giving off a large amount of heat, that graphics upgrade is quite substantial.

See these off the shelf PC's from manufactures really don't take the computer gamer's needs into account with regards to cooling. Gaming gear gives off a whole bunch of heat and this heat as you have come to find needs to be expelled quite quickly for a stable and cool gaming computer system.

Here are two possible solutions for this problem:
Option 1.) Installing cooling into the side panel is the easiest, most effective way of cooling your computer's components. I would reccomend installing at least two 120mm fans. What you do is set the one so that the fans hub would sits directly above the CPU. This fan would therefore provide freash cool air from outside the chassis to your CPU cooler.
The second fan would be installed so that the hub sits slightly below the Circuit Board (PCB) of the Graphics card. This fan would therefore provide freash cool air from outside the chassis to your Graphics card. Be sure to check that the fan, once installed over the Graphics card clears the actual graphics card once the side panel is slid closed.
You will need to measure and drill 4 holes for each fan, and then cut out the metal in the middle for air to pass through the chassis side panel. One can buy 120mm fan grills to protect anything large from touching the fan blades, it also makes the mod look smart and finished off. They are bought in crome or black finish. Check your computer store.

Now that the intake is sorted your will need to work on a suitable spot to install exhaust fans. Some-times there is enough space around the rear 80mm fan to drill and fit a 120mm fan. Again you will need to drill 4 holes and cut away the middle of the chassis for the air to pass through the chassis. You will need to check if this option is available to you. Another exhaust option is the top of the chassis for natural convection currents (hot air rising), usually install either 1 or 2 120mm fans depending on the position of the Power Supply, as some are fitted on the top and others on the bottom.
Visit your local computer store for fan mounting; kits, ideas, available fan speeds and airflow rates, purchase fans.

Option 2.) Involves the purchase of a suitable gaming computer chassis. These would be better suited to your gaming setup/needs and have lot's of fan install points. You would want to get one, if you so choose that offers 120mm or 140mm fan mounting options. Usually offering in excess of 3 mounting points. Giving your computer components freash air, thereby decreasing tempreature, increasing performance, reliability and longevity.
There are lot of diffent sizes and styles available.

I would reccomend either Cooler Master 690 series or Corsair.

Take care!
Norman-Wynne Damstra