Question Advice needed on Zalman Z11 airflow pattern ?

[hesodix]

Hi there, so I'm making a custom Z11 case and need some help with liquid cooling fans placement. Due to lack of space inside the case I have to put thinner fans outside (top). So my plan is to put AIO radiator inside the case and place 2x120mm fans on top outside the case but there's one thing that bothers me. Should the fans push air inside the case or pull out? Im asking mostly because due to thinner fans they can lack of power to pull the air from case then radiator and finally outside. So I'm thinking that maybe better solution is to set fans to actually push air inside the case but I worry if that doesn't make rest of components cool enough. Otherwise there will be 3 fans pushing fresh air to case from top. I add pictures of two possible option. Can anyone give me advice? Oh, and I don't want to place the AIO in front, have only 2 options 😉

https://imgur.com/a/TwNAu7J

View: https://imgur.com/a/TwNAu7J

https://imgur.com/a/oNGYD4F

View: https://imgur.com/a/oNGYD4F

 

[Ralston18]

You do not want air being "pushed" into the case.

What can happen is that the push can effectively slow air flows and is counter productive.

Also you want to take advantage the the fact that hot air (less dense) rises. So air flows should go out the top - not in.

On face value then the setup should the be image with the red arrows "out of the top".

If more air is being pushed out then nature will handle the matching air flows into the case.

However, there is a lot to be said with respect to how all the internal components and cables are actually installed. Very possible to create dead zones (little or no air flow) or otherwise misdirect air flows.

Just my thoughts on the matter. There may be other ideas and suggestions.

 

[hesodix]

You do not want air being "pushed" into the case.

What can happen is that the push can effectively slow air flows and is counter productive.

Also you want to take advantage the the fact that hot air (less dense) rises. So air flows should go out the top - not in.

On face value then the setup should the be image with the red arrows "out of the top".

If more air is being pushed out then nature will handle the matching air flows into the case.

However, there is a lot to be said with respect to how all the internal components and cables are actually installed. Very possible to create dead zones (little or no air flow) or otherwise misdirect air flows.

Just my thoughts on the matter. There may be other ideas and suggestions.

Yeah, I thought the same after posting it... I mean that hot air goes up. Now I'm thinking about reversing the back 120mmx25 fan to actually pump cold air right onto radiator. What You think? Or leave like on second picture.

 

[Ralston18]

I would, at face value, leave/configure per the second picture.

However that is somewhat incomplete because more needs to be known about the actual internal placement of the installed components.

For example: The PSU fan would likely be sending warmer air into the GPU as I understand the second picture.

May or may not be okay depending on the resulting component temperatures during times of heavy use.

There are always trade-offs.

This Zalman Z11 case?

https://web.impakt.com.pl/Z15009_33741.pdf

Unfortunately the User Manual provides very little support or guidance with respect to fans and fan placement.

Try to find some additional information and guidelines relevant to the case and cooling your planned build.

In the meantime there may be some additional suggestions posted.