Airflow setup in BitFenix Prodigy M

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Sethcon

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Sep 15, 2013
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I'm planning to build a system with a BitFenix Prodigy M and am trying to figure out how to organize the airflow inside. Here's a scheme of what I've figured out so far:
bitfenix_prodigy_m_aidionj.png

The GPU and PSU size should be pretty accurate.
Airflow is from top to bottom to not conflict with GPU intake (the effect of convection is minimal anyway). The first one is an overclocked blower style GTX760, the second one will likely be added somewhen down the road.
The bottom supposedly allows for either a 230mm fan or two 140mm ones.

The questions I'm posing now are:

  • 1. Should the bottom fan(s) be exhaust or intake? (I'm trying to achieve negative pressure.)
    I am aware of the sucking in of PSU exhaust when taking air in, but I don't believe my PSU's heat output should be too excessive, especially when mixed with the other air.

    2. Should the CPU cooler be air, or liquid closed loop? Liquid is quite a price spike, and possibly not a huge advantage in noise (the GPUs should make most of it) or performance (overclocking a i7-6700K only at stock voltage), but are those assumptions correct?
    Also, if an air cooler is suggested, which way should it face and be push or pull; and if a liquid cooler is suggested, should the radiator go to the bottom or the rear?

    3. Should my second GPU be open or blower style? This influences the other decisions, and better airflow would allow it, although the question is if one is advantageous.

What do you think? I'd appreciate any advice.

 
Solution
mastrom101
My knowledge of PC cooling is limited, but I will try my best to answer these. Perhaps someone could confirm with me.

1. Exhaust. This is an easy one. You don't want to be intaking hot air from under the PC (In most cases, it will be at least warm air). Also, remember that under your PC, there is a good chance debris will accumulate, depending on where you put your PC. You don't want to intake this.

2. That comes down to you, but I would only recommend water cooler if you are keen on setting it up and maintaining it. Some people love working with them, but if you don't, then you're spending a lot of time and money for minimal benefits. In my build, I pull from the front to the rear.

3. That's a tough question. Usually for a multi-GPU...
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mastrom101

mastrom101

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My knowledge of PC cooling is limited, but I will try my best to answer these. Perhaps someone could confirm with me.

1. Exhaust. This is an easy one. You don't want to be intaking hot air from under the PC (In most cases, it will be at least warm air). Also, remember that under your PC, there is a good chance debris will accumulate, depending on where you put your PC. You don't want to intake this.

2. That comes down to you, but I would only recommend water cooler if you are keen on setting it up and maintaining it. Some people love working with them, but if you don't, then you're spending a lot of time and money for minimal benefits. In my build, I pull from the front to the rear.

3. That's a tough question. Usually for a multi-GPU config, blowers are the best bet, however, if the second GPU is under the first one, then an open cooler could work very well. In my opinion, both would work but usually people purchase two identical GPUs for crossfire.

Is there an intake fan at the front of your case, or is that fan part of the PSU?
 
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Solution
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Sethcon

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Sep 15, 2013
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Thanks for your input! Guess I'll make the bottom an exhaust. Now that you've said it, makes a lot more sense.


I just wanted to be able to upgrade when it becomes necessary without spending money on something I don't need yet.


That's just the PSU's fan.
 
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mastrom101

mastrom101

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Glad I could help. What I mean is that in most cases, when people choose to add a second GPU, they purchase an identical model, even if it is down the road. It looks a lot better and I believe this works better too (less driver problems, etc). So while both an open or closed GPU could do the job, I would usually suggest the same GPU unless priced prohibitively high.

From the picture, it appears that the PSU blocks off both of the front fan cutouts. If this is not the case, I would move on of the top fans to the front to create a stream of airflow from front to back. If this is not possible, don't worry.

Good luck with the build!
 
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Sethcon

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Sep 15, 2013
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That's indeed the case - the front cover will prevent lots of airflow anyway.

I think with the cooler I'll try out different things and measure, since it's hard to predict how it will interact with the other fans.

Thanks a lot!
 
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