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How can I fix my case's airflow problem?

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  • Cases
  • Components
  • Corsair
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August 22, 2014 7:41:11 PM

I just upgraded my PC and fit everything onto a Mini-ITX MSI Z97 that is mounted inside a Corsair 250D. I have an h100i handling the CPU, so that takes up one side of the case, and I have a 670 on the opposite side with its own vent to pull in air from. The radiator for my CPU has two Corsair SP fans pushing air out of the case, and the front of the case has a 120mm fan that comes with the case. My problem is that the 670 is sitting at 80 degrees constantly while gaming and the fans are extremely loud now. It used to run at 60 in my last case which was more spacious and better ventilated. Since there are only two 60mm exhaust fan vents free on the back of the case, would it make much of a difference to put a couple of Noctua 60mm's in the back to try and pull the heat out? My case is already utilizing negative air pressure, and the dust aspect of it is not an issue since the case is so small that it sits on top of my desk. Are there any other solutions that I can implement other than putting in two 60mm exhaust fans or is that the best way to fix this problem?

Thank you for any input that you have.

More about : fix case airflow problem

August 22, 2014 8:13:51 PM

First thing to realize is that GTX 670 while a good card is still a little old so depending on the game it's going to work overtime at higher settings. I run two in SLI and when playing a game like Far Cry 3 at the highest settings they sound like they have an afterburner engaged - and I'm in a Cosmos S with 5 120 mm fans and 1 240 mm blowing directly on the cards.

Next, and it can be hard in M ITX builds, is cable routing. If you have a modular PSU then only connect the necessary cables and use round cables over flat.

Also, check the types of case fans you are using. Are they PWM? Which way are they facing? Are they designed for airflow or static pressure? Use fans with higher static pressure on your radiator and ones with higher airflow elsewhere. I have had great success with Cougars; really silent and push a ton of air with high static pressure - I think it was on Tom's that they did some benchmarks and found that exhausting hot air from a case is more beneficial then pulling in outside air.

Another alternative would be to mount a liquid cooling bracket on the GPU with a 120 mm fan on the radiator (I think you could squeeze one in there). Corsair makes a bracket which works with some of the AIO coolers.

Of course another solution would be to wait a month or two an pick up a GTX 880. They should be more powerful so less taxed and thus run cooler than the 670.
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August 22, 2014 9:05:41 PM

arossetti said:
First thing to realize is that GTX 670 while a good card is still a little old so depending on the game it's going to work overtime at higher settings. I run two in SLI and when playing a game like Far Cry 3 at the highest settings they sound like they have an afterburner engaged - and I'm in a Cosmos S with 5 120 mm fans and 1 240 mm blowing directly on the cards.

Next, and it can be hard in M ITX builds, is cable routing. If you have a modular PSU then only connect the necessary cables and use round cables over flat.

Also, check the types of case fans you are using. Are they PWM? Which way are they facing? Are they designed for airflow or static pressure? Use fans with higher static pressure on your radiator and ones with higher airflow elsewhere. I have had great success with Cougars; really silent and push a ton of air with high static pressure - I think it was on Tom's that they did some benchmarks and found that exhausting hot air from a case is more beneficial then pulling in outside air.

Another alternative would be to mount a liquid cooling bracket on the GPU with a 120 mm fan on the radiator (I think you could squeeze one in there). Corsair makes a bracket which works with some of the AIO coolers.

Of course another solution would be to wait a month or two an pick up a GTX 880. They should be more powerful so less taxed and thus run cooler than the 670.


First off, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have static pressure fans pushing out on the radiator and one airflow based fan on the front. I have considered trying an NZXT liquid cooler of some sort for my 670, but this case is very unforgiving as far as space goes and it appears to be quite a task to just fit the h100i. I am going to see if I can try that anyway, because if it could work then I would be all set. I also am considering putting a cougar fan in the front to replace the Corsair fan, because I have heard good things from them before. My friend actually said the exact same thing, to wait for the 880, and that is what I will do once it comes out, which would make the idea of rigging my 670 with fancy hardware a not so efficient option for now. So I will try upgrading my fans as you said and I will try to make the airflow more negative with some more exhaust fans on the back. Thanks!
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