Fan selection for new build

[Redbearz1]

Hey all,

So I built my brand new PC yesterday in the NZXT Noctis 450.

I'm now looking into the extras, seeing as this case was healthily equipped with semi-OK fans from what it seems I didn't buy any but I do want to purchase some in the future for any additional cooling performance they may offer.

So right now I'm running the stock fan set-up with this case, 1 140mm exhaust fan (NZXT FN V2) and 3 120mm front intake fans (NZXT FN V2). I do however have a corsair h100i mounted on the top of my case with the 2 120mm SP120L fans provided running as intakes, sucking air from the top through the radiator and into the case.

My Specs are as follows:
i7 4790k
GTX 970
8GB corsair vengeance pro ram
ASUS maximus vii hero motherboard

I have three questions:
Could anyone recommend any good fans to use, I was looking at Noctua but due to their looks I would prefer not to have any in sight (could have 3 intake at the front as they're hidden).

And should I go with three 120mm static pressure optimised fans as front intake or two 140mm static pressure optimised fans as a front intake, my case supports either setup.

Finally should I mount another fan next to my radiator towards the front of the case just above the hard drive cage or just leave the spot open?

Thanks in advance.

 

[datguy20]

If you want to replace every fan and don't like Noctua, I would recommend fan lines like the Corsair AF/SP fans, or Cougar fans (you might not like the colors, who knows). Both brands perform very well. Personally I have Dual Corsair AF140's, a Corsair AF120 and two Corsair SP120's (on a Corsair H100) in a mAtx case at the moment and they all work very well. I also like the Cougar fans and I have some of those sitting around.

Overall the price/performance isn't good for high end fans, but they do make a difference compared to cheaper ones.

For your front intake I would recommend comparing the 120's versus the 140's you'd be putting there. If the CFM of the triple fans adds up to be more than the 140's, then I'd go with that. With the Corsair AF140 quiet's however, the two 140's are better than the 120's (barely, but it is quieter too). For the exhaust I'd just go with the 140 as it'll be better than a single 120.

You shouldn't need high static pressure for unrestricted intakes/exhaust, as they are only really worth it for things like radiators and heatsinks (and heavily restricted cases).

EDIT: About the mounting an extra fan, I'd say do it. I like to fill every fan spot, but realistically it probably won't matter much. You could always compare before/after temps under full load for 5 minutes and see if it's worth it.

 

[Redbearz1]

If you want to replace every fan and don't like Noctua, I would recommend fan lines like the Corsair AF/SP fans, or Cougar fans (you might not like the colors, who knows). Both brands perform very well. Personally I have Dual Corsair AF140's, a Corsair AF120 and two Corsair SP120's (on a Corsair H100) in a mAtx case at the moment and they all work very well. I also like the Cougar fans and I have some of those sitting around.

Overall the price/performance isn't good for high end fans, but they do make a difference compared to cheaper ones.

For your front intake I would recommend comparing the 120's versus the 140's you'd be putting there. If the CFM of the triple fans adds up to be more than the 140's, then I'd go with that. With the Corsair AF140 quiet's however, the two 140's are better than the 120's (barely, but it is quieter too). For the exhaust I'd just go with the 140 as it'll be better than a single 120.

You shouldn't need high static pressure for unrestricted intakes/exhaust, as they are only really worth it for things like radiators and heatsinks (and heavily restricted cases).

EDIT: About the mounting an extra fan, I'd say do it. I like to fill every fan spot, but realistically it probably won't matter much. You could always compare before/after temps under full load for 5 minutes and see if it's worth it.

Cheers for the response,

Would it not be beneficial to use static pressure optimised fans for the front in takes considering the hard drive cages are directly behind the fans? I'll happily use Noctua fans at the front because they aren't really visible.

I'll definitely go 140mm airflow for the exhaust, and I think i'll go ahead and fill the extra spot at the top.

Thanks

 

[datguy20]

While I couldn't find much pictures, the design of your case doesn't look restrictive unless you fill every single 3.5" tray with massive hard drives. I would go with air flow fans and just take out any 3.5" trays you aren't using. If you are using 1-2 then try to put them out of the air flow path towards the motherboard, as this could help slightly.

Just try to imagine the air flow and think of where it needs to be most. You should be able to find a solution.

 

[Redbearz1]

While I couldn't find much pictures, the design of your case doesn't look restrictive unless you fill every single 3.5" tray with massive hard drives. I would go with air flow fans and just take out any 3.5" trays you aren't using. If you are using 1-2 then try to put them out of the air flow path towards the motherboard, as this could help slightly.

Just try to imagine the air flow and think of where it needs to be most. You should be able to find a solution.

Thanks for your reply.

The following is a link to a picture that shows the front of the case and the hard drive cage:
http://benchmarkreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/NZXT-Noctis-450-Cable-Management-Finished.jpg

the sleds aren't really that big and only one of them is filled because my SSD is installed below the motherboard on one of the display cages on the PSU shroud. The internals are the exact same as the NZXT H440 which is slightly more documented.

I guess because the sleds aren't really that restrictive I could afford to go with airflow optimised fans, you make some good suggestions.

Thanks in advance

 

[datguy20]

Oh I completely forgot, Noctua makes most/all of their fans in a new Grey color scheme. Look up their Redux fans. The performance is almost identical on all of them, and the price is slightly lower.

They also have an Industrial lineup, but those are much more expensive and built for extreme conditions.

 

[Redbearz1]

Ah yes I have heard about them in videos, I'll look into getting them.

Seeing as their colour scheme is a little more applicable I might also use one as my exhaust.

Cheers for the help!