Hi TJ Plajer! hahah... better learn than nothing! :) You are supposed to cover any empty drive space with anything like cardboard but do not block the area of hds... Here's your cooling problem...XT case is poorly made because this power supply fan is simply too small try first: under the width of drive cage, seal the grille holes on metal sheet and on case cover on right side, seal that underside holes, all with a good tape. On that XT PSU, how much airflow blowing out back, weak? Look for a replacement fan that does better than this el cheapo fans. Try AT type case if you can, they has bigger, powerful fan. XT case design especially in cooling department is bit goofy, blamed by IBM for this ill. :) More power to air flow is needed, see the tips.. Hey, no problem! Jason D.