AERIX AIRFLOW Open calculator
Browser-based · No install

PC Airflow
Calculator

Estimate CPU and GPU temperatures based on your PC case, fan layout, cooler and hardware configuration.

Open Aerix Calculator How it works

Fast engineering estimate — not a CFD simulation.

Overview

What is Aerix?

Aerix is a browser-based PC airflow and thermal estimation tool. It helps estimate CPU and GPU temperatures using your PC case, CPU cooler, GPU, fan layout and ambient temperature.

PC case airflow layout
Intake and exhaust fan placement
CPU cooler type
GPU power
CPU power
Ambient temperature
Airflow balance
Workflow

How it works

1

Enter your build

Select your case, CPU cooler, GPU, fan layout and approximate component power.

2

Compare airflow scenarios

Change fan direction, fan count or cooling setup and see how the estimated temperatures react.

3

Get CPU and GPU estimates

Aerix estimates CPU and GPU temperatures and shows whether the build looks airflow-limited or balanced.

Worked example

Top intake vs top exhaust

More fans do not always improve every component equally. In some layouts, changing fan direction can help the CPU while leaving GPU temperature almost unchanged.

The build

CaseLian Li A3-mATX
CPU coolerPeerless Assassin 120
GPURTX 4070 SUPER
Bottom intake2 fans
Rear exhaust1 fan
Top fans2 fans
Scenario A Top exhaust
CPU77°C
GPU70°C
Scenario B Top intake
CPU71°C
GPU70°C

Switching the top fans to intake drops the estimated CPU temperature by -6°C while the GPU stays at 70°C — it already has a direct bottom-intake path. Fan direction did the work here, not fan count.

Try this build in Aerix

Cooling fundamentals

Why fan placement matters

Adding more fans does not always mean lower temperatures. PC cooling depends on where the air enters, where it exits, how restricted the case is, and whether the CPU and GPU actually receive fresh air.

More fans are not always better

If the airflow path is already good, extra fans may only add noise.

Intake restriction can limit cooling

A case with a restrictive front panel may perform worse even with several intake fans installed.

CPU and GPU can react differently

A fan layout that improves CPU temperature may have little effect on GPU temperature if the GPU already has a direct intake path.

Questions

Frequently asked

Is Aerix a CFD simulation?
No. Aerix is not CFD. It uses a simplified engineering airflow and thermal estimation model designed for fast comparison of PC cooling configurations.
How accurate is Aerix?
Aerix is an estimation tool. Accuracy depends on the build, available component data, fan speeds, cooler mounting, ambient temperature and real hardware behavior. The goal is to provide a practical estimate and help compare airflow setups.
Do more PC fans always improve cooling?
No. More fans can help, but only if they improve the actual airflow path. Fan placement, direction and case restriction often matter more than fan count.
Should top PC fans be intake or exhaust?
Most builds use top fans as exhaust, especially with front or bottom intake. However, some compact layouts may benefit from top intake, especially when the CPU cooler needs more fresh air.
Why is my real temperature higher than the Aerix estimate?
Possible causes include poor cooler contact, old thermal paste, dust buildup, restrictive panels, incorrect fan direction, aggressive CPU boost behavior or an aging AIO cooler.
Can Aerix help diagnose cooling problems?
Aerix can help compare expected temperatures with real measurements. If one component is much hotter than expected while others look normal, the issue may be local to that cooler or component rather than the whole case airflow.

Estimate your build in the browser

Pick your case, cooler, GPU and fans — then compare airflow scenarios side by side.

Open Aerix Calculator