Build Advice Fan setup for the Fractal Design North XL (mesh version)

T44v1

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Sep 10, 2019
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Hey guys

I have mostly picked out the parts for the new PC I am building, but I was curious about the fan setup I should be using. This is the first PC I will be building for myself, so I am relatively new at this.

My PC case will be a Fractal Design North XL (mesh version). I'm thinking of using: one arctic p14 max fan in the rear as exhaust, 3 in the front as intake and then 3 arctic p12 max fans for the AIO cooler up top as exhaust.

The issue I see here is that if all fans operate at the same strength, then I might end up having negative air pressure in the case. Would it be enough of a problem that I should try and rectify it by removing a fan or two or, alternatively, powering either of the exhaust fan setups down? Any advice is appreciated.

Here's my build list in case you need the extra info: https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/user/T44v1/saved/8txhjX
 
Is the AIO you've listed in the PCPP link the first version? If yes, how old is the cooler? If no, you might want to to look into the Liquid Freezer III and the fans on it are actually good.

To get on topic with the thread's question, yes the fan setup you're thinking of should work. I would leave the rear fan mounting option blank and see how temps are.
 
Hey guys
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The issue I see here is that if all fans operate at the same strength, then I might end up having negative air pressure in the case. Would it be enough of a problem that I should try and rectify it by removing a fan or two or, alternatively, powering either of the exhaust fan setups down? Any advice is appreciated.

Here's my build list in case you need the extra info: https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/user/T44v1/saved/8txhjX
There's no pressure in the variant of the North with the mesh side panel. There actually needs to be some degree of air restriction for pressure buildup inside a case to be a thing. Too much open surface area, and there's no pressure; the air entered as easily as it exited, or vice versa.

I'm thinking of using: one arctic p14 max fan in the rear as exhaust, 3 in the front as intake and then 3 arctic p12 max fans for the AIO cooler up top as exhaust.
That's the general recommendation. You can just do that.