Optimal airflow for overclocking?

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Jonathan Sifleet

Jonathan Sifleet

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Apr 25, 2013
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I'm currently using what I call the "airflow X right to left" airflow system, here's a diagram I made for it (Don't judge me! I'm not the best at Paint):

oqkrmio.jpg


And basically, I'm starting to wonder whether or not it's the best airflow for my case.

Here's what I'm using (which is relevant):

AMD 8350 overclocked to 5ghz
AsRock990fx EXT9
Coolermaster hyper 212+ with two sickleflow fans, one on the left outputting, one on right inputting
Coolermaster elite 430, case fan is inputting
1 sickleflow rear fan outputting
1 sickleflow top left fan outputting
1 sickleflow top right fan inputting
aerocool f4xt

So, is there a better airflow I can get, that provides the most air to my CPU cooler?
 
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Couple things..... Cases are designed for flow to optimally occur using convection currents - front/bottom intake, top/rear exhaust

So flip that one top fan intaking first off - you are creating a vortex disturbance that is not helping at all.

Second, there are 2 ways to setup case flow air pressure: positive -more intake than exhaust, and negative - more exhaust than intake. Your case design is the primary cause for choosing one path or another. In highly vented cases (lots of open spots, holes, etc) positive pressure is desired to encourage natural convection current. In solid cases (with little to no venting) negative pressure works better due to thermodynamics and airflow properties.. Your particular case, has a design...
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Krnt

Krnt

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Hi,

That would be a nice set up, but I think that you are showing the back fan too low on the case, Its normally placed much higher, like this one:
0pB0d.jpg


Also the one I showed is a nice example, but remember positive pressure is always better to avoid uncontrollable dust, and In your case I would recommend at least 3 in 2 out or 4 in 2 out if possible, using also the side panel and bottom for intake (normally I would filter all the intakes I can), and leaving some slots under your video card with grills as a passive exhaust.

Also there are some good examples were I found this picture:
http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/power-supply-cabinets-mods/130697-cooler-master-elite-430-431-discussion-thread.html
 
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Jonathan Sifleet

Jonathan Sifleet

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You're correct, the fan was in the wrong place, my mistake.
 
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Buzz247

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Mar 18, 2013
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Couple things..... Cases are designed for flow to optimally occur using convection currents - front/bottom intake, top/rear exhaust

So flip that one top fan intaking first off - you are creating a vortex disturbance that is not helping at all.

Second, there are 2 ways to setup case flow air pressure: positive -more intake than exhaust, and negative - more exhaust than intake. Your case design is the primary cause for choosing one path or another. In highly vented cases (lots of open spots, holes, etc) positive pressure is desired to encourage natural convection current. In solid cases (with little to no venting) negative pressure works better due to thermodynamics and airflow properties.. Your particular case, has a design similar to High Airflow Cases such as the HAF X (your case's big brother essentially) but in a MUCH smaller form. Therefore, it still qualifies as a solid case.

One last aspect that can determine best method, what type of video card you are using. If it is a card that exhausts only out the back, it benefits from positive pressure. It if vents all around the card and into the case, it benefits from negative pressure.

Your side fan is designed to feed cool air to the vid card as an intake port as well btw, I would advise a fan there.

So - results indicate best course of action is front/bottom fans intake, side intake, top/rear exhaust. As a matter of clarification, if you setup your case correctly, leaving panels off the PCI slots will only hurt your airflow, and increase dust. this is... a bad idea.... Excessive dust settles when airflow is interrupted, or deadzones occur. Leaving slots open slow the airflow, by giving the air a less restrictive path. Therefore, creates interruption and/or deadzones.

Just so you can get a better grasp of what I am getting at, and of course so you know it is not just another opinion, but actual test backed info, check out this guide http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cooling-air-pressure-heatsink,3058-5.html Wouldn't hurt to explore the whole thing ;)
 
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Solution
Jonathan Sifleet

Jonathan Sifleet

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Im using an XFX 7970 thats heavily oveclocked, with two (stock) fans that output downwards. Also I did read all of that, but I'm a little confused, could you clarify where each fan should go, and whether they should input/output?
 
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Buzz247

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well that should give you enough info to decide what route to go :)

You dont HAVE to have all the same model fans in there. Some can be Higher CFM, some can be lower, to create the pressure you desire. You can also use a fan controller to achieve the same results by turning up/down certain fans. Decent ones for a simple setup like that start around 20USD. You can link more than one fan to a power output as well using a 3pin splitter

Just saw your edit:
results indicate best course of action is front/bottom fans intake, side intake, top/rear exhaust
Click to expand...
 
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Jonathan Sifleet

Jonathan Sifleet

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One last question, in November, I'm totally changing my cooling system, I'm getting a h100i, and an accelero hybrid, and what would be the best fan placement? I'm guessin the accelero hybrid on the side, the h100i on the top, input through the front, and output through the rear, and input through the bottom?
 
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Buzz247

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hybrid exhaust back, h100 exhaust top, other intakes keep the same.

Ya know, for the cost of these 2 (120-30 for H100 & 160-80 for Hybrid) you are just shy of a full custom loop for your system by a mere 90-100 bucks, which will perform FAR better. Just a thought.... Maybe if you are going to open your wallet that wide, it's worth it to invest in something better. plus, should you change CPU or GPU down the road, just buy new waterblock for them and the rest of the system is still useable. Think about it ;)
 
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Jonathan Sifleet

Jonathan Sifleet

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Yeah, I'm thinking I may go for a custom loop, but I cant decide if I'm going to be able to build it myself, as I dont trust myself.
 
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