This is stupid

[Fritz]

This is the top cover off a Shuttle DH370 mini computer. Notice the additional grill on the underside. It blocks the air flow from the underlying fans considerably. Take the top cover off and the temps drop by 15c to 20c. Why on earth would an engineer design it this way?

 

[Tech Junky]

Dust? Acoustics?

This is why we DIY. Or at least pull stuff apart to see if we can do it better.

 

[i386]

Dust?

Probably this.
I have a sound proofed server enclosure with intake fans at the bottom (outtake fans in the top) and they sucked a lot of dust into the equipment. I've added a fine meshed dust filter which filters most of the dust but sadly also limits/reduces the airflow drastically.

 

[Fritz]

It's not acoustics, fans are silent. Dust isn't a problem, it least not short term, and I can deal with it long term. I'm going to remove the inner grill and see if it makes a difference. if not them i'll just run it with the top off. This little box will be running 24/7 and I'd hate to kill it due to heat.