How many case fans for this build?

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NixieFreak

NixieFreak

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Apr 26, 2017
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Dear friends, thanks to this community I have decided to build my first PC, see the parts here: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/BDVpnn

I am going with an orange theme, hence the somewgat antique Zalman cooler. I do not plan to OC for now, so I would like to compensate with additional case fans. My case is the In Win 303 Mid Tower, and its recommended airflow (albeit for a watercooled system) can be seen here: https://www.inwin-style.com/uploads/Product/gaming-chassis/303/303_overview_versatile_mobile_01.jpg

I currently have two Noctua NF-F12 120mm PWM fans, which is probably OK but I would like to add more case fans to compensate for the CPU cooler. I would like to add a few Noctua NF-S12A case fans, but here is my question:

There are three intakes at the bottom (I want to use all slots), and there are three exhausts at the top. Because of the layout of the case, they are installed somewhat in the middle of the case, so these three exhausts at the top will not vent all the airflow taken in at the bottom: negative pressure, bad. So if I add another exhaust at the rear, I will have four exhausts and three intakes, will that generate enough positive pressure?

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks
Jens
 
Solution
1
Actually you have 6 fan headers on your motherboard. Looks like 1 for the cpu, one high amp for something like a pump and 4 regular, all 4pin. Worst come to worst you have to put one or two on a molex connection. Avoid splitters, look into controllers.
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BigBoomBoom

BigBoomBoom

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Apr 9, 2017
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Well that case is not exactly the best for a HSF/air cooler as it lacks a direct air flow from the intake to the CPU cooler. Anyway, if you have more exhaust than intake it will be a negative pressure but you can turn it positive by making sure the intake fan total CFM is higher than exhaust CFM, either by using stronger fan or making the exhaust running at lower RPM.

If it were me I would definitely do at least 3 intake, 1 exhaust at the back and 1 exhaust on top near the CPU Cooler.
 
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1800Allen

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Oct 24, 2016
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Look at the In Win 805, a little higher in price but you get a traditional airflow for non-water cooled systems with plenty of glass. With the 805 you would fill the front two as intake and one exhaust on the back and be fine with no OC. If you have your heart set on the 303 put 3 intake at the bottom, one exhaust at the back. Heat will rise out the top, it will be positive pressure so air will move out that way anyways. Adding fans up there will be little to no help unless you get an all in one cooler for your CPU.
 
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NixieFreak

NixieFreak

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Apr 26, 2017
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Thanks guys, this is very helpful. I noticed there are only two case fan headers on my motherboard (Asus Z270E Gaming), and I may have up to 5-6 case fans (if I decide to install some at the top as well). Should I simply get two 1->3 PWM splitters? Or is there anything else I can do, i.e. get a fan controller? I am kinda new at this, sorry if this is a dumb question :) Your help is much appreciated.

I have all the other parts here, and I did a successful test and my system posts, so I am happy!
 
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1800Allen

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Oct 24, 2016
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Actually you have 6 fan headers on your motherboard. Looks like 1 for the cpu, one high amp for something like a pump and 4 regular, all 4pin. Worst come to worst you have to put one or two on a molex connection. Avoid splitters, look into controllers.
 
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1800Allen

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Oct 24, 2016
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Just a personal rule of thumb. Depending on the fan it may not run at full RPM if it has to share with 2 others, plus if its on your MB or a controller you have much more control over noise level and such.
 
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