Dont dispair--I have two Dell that suffer from the same problem----with Dell its all about "quiet" not really about MOD performance, Dell can run with the big guys but not the 8300--if you want to MOD a DELL you can do it ,I have and with good results. The cooling issue means you have to cut into your case --side--top--whatever a install a few fans [easier said then done]--it can be done. Ive pulled the shroud [cover] off the cpu and tossed it on a 4100 and got cross ventalation going and all is well ----will you notice any real difference, I doubt it unless you run some high end games then things will get better---doing mundane things --dont bother--- the Dell will be fine just as they sent it to you.

Good point. I am talking about high end games when i talk about applications. For work purposes the dell works just fine. Then again so did my 933mhz. I know what you mean about modding and when i got this Dell i wasn't considering modifying it, but at this point I think i rather go out and buy a new case, mobo and power supply. Cutting the case plastic, metal just isn't worth the time and effort. Plus i'll just get more upset at the fact that i had to cut the case (plastic and metal) just to get something that should be standard. Just about any case you buy (for performance or not) will bring enough space for fans.

Oh well. Thanks again.

dageezerus, i think it would be a good idea if we posted at the same time.

Actually both the CPU fan & the PSU fan are both exhaust fans, they blow air out of the case.  Air intakes are in the front at the bottom & the grille in the back of the chassis.  So the system has a positive air flow from front to back.  This design has worked well for the 4300, 4400, 4500, 4550, 8200 & the 8300.

The 8300 has a good record of performing well, & no real heat issues.

If you were concerned about gaming & cooling, then XPS would have been your system of choice.  2 CPU exhaust fans, 1  Intake fan, 2 PSU fans & a video card fan.

if youre within your 30days you can just return it and build yourself a system. also the fan in the back is an exhaust fan. it draws air out of the case not into and over the cpu. so in effect it takes out the warm air from the cpu and air from within the case and bringing cool air from the front. obviously case cooling isnt a high priority for a dell, but it should be adequate for any applications you may be doing. im not to sure, but it doesnt seem like many mass market pc's have great cooling solutions. that said, the dell one isnt bad as it focuses on the warmest part of the pc, the cpu. ideally it would be nice if they used a hsf combo for the cpu and a case exhaust fan and intake. (however most dell customers will never look inside their pc and care about fans, just so long as it runs, instead with 3 fans they would complain about the noise) it shouldnt really be slowing down. you can consider fans to put over your pci cards etc which will lower case temps.

well my system has the cpu fan pulling air from the rear. its funneled directly onto the heatpipe of the cpu. just to be sure i even blew cigarette smoke into the rear area.. and it gets pulled right in. its a p4 8300 3.0

reverse it asap.

To make sure about any fan direction use a peice of tiolet paper and hold it up to the fan, intake should hold the paper exhaust will not.

If in fact the rear "exhaust" is intaking do like Dan39 says---reverse it pronto

Fans attached to a heatsink ,attached to the CPU are supposed to bring air in [ blow onto the heatsink] to cool the heatsink and keep the CPU cool. If there is only 1 fan I feel it should exhaust out, otherwise where will the heat go ?

Now a so called CPU fan on the back of the case that is meant to reduce the heat on a CPU without a fan on the heat sink it self should exhaust air out--you have shroud on your 8300 ? is there an additional fan on the heatsink ?. My Dell 4100 had a shroud [ no additional fan on the CPU, really no need to] I tossed it out and the heat factor is nil--but keep in mind that it is a Pent III 966Mhz, not what is in your 8300---if your system only has a single fan, it darn sure better exhaust out.