So I purchased this heat sink about 7 months ago.

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyper-212-RR-212E-20PK-R2/dp/B005O65JXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424376530&sr=8-1&keywords=heatsink

Do I need to have the included fan on the heat sink, or will side fans on the case do fine? The reason I am asking, is because I believe its a ball bearing fan, and its currently facing down. Thus it seems like it has been getting louder over the months of use. I do not want to reposition the heat sink at this time, since there was some damage done when removing the stock heat sink (bent a pin etc.)

So either it looks like I will

1. Buy another fan for the heatsink
2. Buy 2 side fans, and remove the heatsink fan.

1. DO NOT remove the heat sink fan.
2. Order two of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103069&cm_re=cooler_master_blade_master_120mm-_-35-103-069-_-Product


3. ...and do this...







4. ...and enjoy the cooler temps. I've been running these 24/7 ....since Oct 2012

Position of the fan wont effect it's life span unless the fan itself is changing position constantly in which the centrifugal force applied to the spinning bearing simply by changing positions will wear it down.