HAF x 942 Fan configuration

[andlaw]

Ive been trying different fan configurations to get the best cooling for my PC while under full load (video editing/ gaming). I was wondering what some others thought about the way i had the fan setup.. and if they believe there is anything wrong with it.. or anything i can do different to better the performance.

CPU idle :: 33c
GPU1 idle :: 31c
GPU2 idle :: 32c

CPU full load :: 51c
GPU1 full load :: 67c
GPU2 full load :: 68c

 

[Alec Mowat]

I have the 932, I put another 120 MM in the front bays, pointing to the CPU. I just cut foam and put it around.

That's probably as good as it gets, what you have already.

Edit; The fan at the back should be an exhaust, not an intake.
You should take the fan off the front of the back of the CPU heatsink, put it in front, pushing air through the heatsink into the back 140 as exhaust.

 

[andlaw]

that has been the debacle on this situation. If i put the fan on the right side of the Hyper 212 evo, it goes right up to the ram., so i mounted the fan on the left side. I had the rear fan as exhaust from the get go.. but it was fighting the cpu cooler for air, since it was trying to exhaust and the cooler is pulling air in.. so that is when i turned the rear fan around and made it an Intake to force feed some more air into the CPU cooler... which resulted in dropping the full load temp of CPU from 59c to 51c. so with that being said, would recommendations still stand at: blocking the ram DIMM by switching the CPU fan from the left to the right, and then make the rear fan back to exhaust? Is it that big of a deal that it cant remain this setup? thanks for the reply and any other input i can receive on this matter~

 

[Alec Mowat]

The heatsink should sit overtop of the RAM, it should fit snug but without touching, by design.

Unless your RAM is over voltage, I wouldn't worry about RAM temps. The fan overtop is fine.

The best way to find out is just to make the changes and run a benchmark. You're not going to damage anything by moving case fans around.

If you are on Hardwood floor, I would flip the PSU also, so the fan is intaking from the bottom. Don't do that if you're on carpet.

I did a lot of trial and error on mine, but eventually went liquid cooling (h100).

 

[andlaw]

my computer sits on stand next to the desk.. and i reallllllly didnt want to block my RAM slot as i am purchasing another package of them for 32GB., I just seen earlier on a corsair review that they made it to where you could have it either way.. but i really dont want to have to go through with messing with cables again to have to rotate that around heh. I will turn around the cpu fan and rear fan back to exhaust and see.. but im almost betting my computer that it wont make a difference in temps.... i just wanted to know if any1 has done similar fan setup as mine, or if it all leads back to every1 saying that the CPU cooler must be on the right and rear fan as exhaust because its always been done so.. (cold air through front heat out the back), im just thinking, heat rises,, hence both top fans as exhaust. the RAM dissipating heat, so keep the cpu fan to the left, which then fights the rear fan acting as exhaust, so i switched that around so its getting straight cold air pushed directly to the CPU cooler which pushes the heat out the right (which is facing the ram), but is then being sucked right back out the TOP with the rest of the heat.. anyways, as much input i can get is appreciated

 

[Alec Mowat]

Why 32? You're system will never use that, unless you are building a RAM disk.

 

[andlaw]

so i switched around the fans, it didnt do anything noticeable..

result:
CPU idle :: 36c (increase of 3 degrees C)
CPU full load :: 50c (decrease in 1 degree C)

I just ordered a twin package of Corsair Air Series 120mm fans for a push/pull configuration, leaving the rear fan set as exhaust. So it should now be Negative pressure which is considered better? and the debate goes on and on xD but I have been leaning towards grabbing a Corsair H80i for cooling, but who knows~

 

[Alec Mowat]

Use the Cosair SP, not the AF. The AF are for case Air Flow, you want the extra pressure on the heatsink.

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/corsair_af_sp_fans/

If you are overclocking, adding more RAM will make it more difficult to maintain.

 

[andlaw]

this is what i ordered, Corsair Air Series SP120 (twin package) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181040 - and i ended up switching around the PSU, the fan is facing towards the vent on the bottom of the case... dunno why i didnt do it this way before lol, ive been reading where its suggested and alot of others do it, and with you recommending it the other day i said wth.. now im just looking forward to tomorrow when the fans arrive and get this push/pull configuration going...

 

[Alec Mowat]

Should have one on the front, and one on the back of the heatsink
Push pull

One pushes into the heatsink
One pulls the air out of the heatsink, into the rear exhaust fan.

 

[andlaw]

Should have one on the front, and one on the back of the heatsink
Push pull

One pushes into the heatsink
One pulls the air out of the heatsink, into the rear exhaust fan.

I am aware of how a push pull configuration works they arrived about 40 minutes ago and i have them installed and they look sick! im just starting prime95 so in another hour or 2 i will have some results..

Results:
CPU idle :: 34c
CPU full load :: 47c

*i let prime95 run for an hour, giving me a max of 48c but i checked on and off every few minutes and it was sitting on 47c every time i looked., then i stop/exited prime95.. waiting around 10-15 minutes or so, giving me my idle temp of 34c.*

overall~ its running good temps for running fans.. so when i do decide to make the upgrade into the H80i, I will be set for replacing the stock fans that come with it. .. these SP120's are nice!! and they look good while doing their job!

 

[Alec Mowat]

That's much better.