Best fan setup for HAF XM case - mods

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Anarki247

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Jul 1, 2015
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Hi all,

I am looking for some assistance. I have a HAF XM case with a R9 295X2 GFX card. I'm running this with a Corsair H110 water cooling setup but am looking for some direction.

My friend built this with the fans on top (radiator underneath and can seen from inside the case). I have seen pics where the fans are mounted underneath with the radiator on top. Which is better for airflow and can I actually fit the radiator on top or does this not attach correctly to the metal bracket? I am wanting to put 2 x Corsair AF140 fans in place of the standard Corsair fans - mainly looking for quietness and for the aesthetics with the red ring. Ive noticed a few different versions of the AF140's - but which should I choose.

I will also replace the standard fan on the GFX card to a Corsair SP120 - again a few variations I have seen i.e. performance and quiet etc, but which should I buy.

Any advice would be most welcome.

Many thanks.

Anarki247
 
Solution
senseijtitus
Well. You can put the AF140s on the bottom side of the Radiators. Radiators can be connected to the top of the case. Or you can turn the fans on the radiator reverse and then use it tilted opposite like the fan and radiator would face inside with the fan blowing air out.
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senseijtitus

senseijtitus

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The top vents should always be used for exhaust. Bottom for intake. Never put exhaust on the bottom as hot air tends to rise up in the case. The radiators should fit on the top exhaust vents. Liquid coolers radiators push air out after sucking it through the heat sink through which the hot water or liquid flows from the processor head. If you put the radiator down, the case also houses the PSU intake facing down. This will make the PSU intake take in some of the hot air exhausted from the radiator. That would not be a good idea. Better put the radiators on the top.
 
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Anarki247

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Jul 1, 2015
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I'll put the radiator on top and put a pair of AF140 fans underneath then.

I'm also looking at trying to mount a 120mm in the 5.25 inch bays not that the fans are essential as it is all watercooled and wouldn't expect the temperatures to be too high.

Thanks for the response.
 
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senseijtitus

senseijtitus

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Well if you are using the liquid cooler for all of the components including the RAM and Graphic Card as well, then it would not be necessary. But then again, it would not hurt as well. It is actually making good better.

regarding the 5.25 inch bay, if you remove the bay lits and then use a single 140mm fan on it with a mesh covering it, that would be a good idea. But you will need to be a little bit creative with how to fit it without leaving open spaces.
 
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Anarki247

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Jul 1, 2015
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Ok, so after spending another 1hr this morning reading up on the H110 liquid cooling and installing it in a HAF XM case - it has confused me further. The H110 comes with 2 x 140mm fans but people are saying only use static pressure fans for radiators (to essentially cool through it).

With the radiator in place - I can either put the fans underneath or on top of the radiator. My assumption based on warm air rises is that the stock fans (which are placed on top of the radiator) draws air upwards and out of the case through the the top of the case (assuming stock fans are not static pressure). If I was to replace these then AF140s would be fine but I was looking to mount these beneath the radiator as I liked the look of the corsair AF/SPs with red rings.

Can I have the AFs underneath the radiator and drawing the air away from the rad using AFs? Or do I need Static Pressure fans i.e. SP120s? If I need SP120's - can I still use these instead of the stock 140mm fans?

Has anyone else used a H110 liquid cooler in the HAF XM case and replaced the fans as there seems to be many contradictory comments surrounding this.

Thanks
 
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senseijtitus

senseijtitus

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Well. You can put the AF140s on the bottom side of the Radiators. Radiators can be connected to the top of the case. Or you can turn the fans on the radiator reverse and then use it tilted opposite like the fan and radiator would face inside with the fan blowing air out.
 
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Solution
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Anarki247

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Jul 1, 2015
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So by using the AF140s underneath, I would be drawing the warm air back into the centre of the case (even though this is bad, Im assuming that by using watercooling, I shouldnt have any issues with temperatures?). I think that sounds like the idea I would like... I have considered just swapping the stock fans for quieter LED fans (to improve aesthetics) but really liked the look of the red rings on the AFs and SPs.

I think you have helped me decide that the AFs will work fine and that I can mount them underneath the rad (facing down and drawing air back into the case). I will like the look of it, especially as that will match the SP120 I want to put on my R9 295X2 GFX card rad.

Ill strip it out tonight, measure up and order myself a pair of AF140s and a single SP120. Hopefully, these will be quieter than the stock fans and look a lot tidier too :) Thanks for your help.

Lets hope it all fits!
 
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senseijtitus

senseijtitus

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You are most welcome buddy. Sometimes connecting the Case fans properly to strike a balance between aesthetics and utility is a great pain even more than the one you have to face connecting the Heat sink into a CPU properly.

Keep us informed and post a picture once you finish building.
 
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