How to set up case fans in Corsair Carbide 270R?

[sum_1]

Hi, question might be odd, but I just built my first PC and decided to save up some money for a Corsair Hydro Series H100i v2 for overclock reasons. I also plan to add some Corsair AF120 case fans for better looks and cooling performance inside of the case.

As I read the reviews and seen some pictures, the only way you can mount the cooler is in the front of the case. Now comes the confusion of intakes and exhausts. My original plan is to buy 3 AF120 fans, as one for the back and two for the top of the case. Should I use those AF120 fans as exhaust and the radiator as intake? Doesn't this blow warm air straight into the whole case?

 

[raisonjohn]

As to the orientation of the radiator fans (intake vs exhaust), both have its pros and cons. If rad fans are configured as intake, the usual effect is lower CPU temps and slightly higher GPU/ambient temps. If rad fans are configured as exhaust, the usual effect is slightly higher CPU temps and lower GPU/ambient temps.

Note that the Corsair Carbide 270R allows for a 240mm-sized radiator (H100i) mounting for either the front or the top (http://www.corsair.com/en-us/carbide-series-270r-windowed-atx-mid-tower-case). If at front, fans should be intake. If at top, fans should be exhaust.

If you decide to mount the rad in front, then, the 2 rad fans are intake at front, while the 3 AF120 fans are exhaust at top and rear. You may need to configure the fan speed of the exhaust to a lower RPM (to lower the airflow than the intake to achieve positive airflow), however, if you are buying the AF120 LED versions (which are 3-pin DC fans), the illumination will go dim as you lower the voltage for the fan speed.

If you decide to mount the rad in exhaust, then, the 2 rad fans are exhaust at top, the 2 AF120 fans are intake at front, and the remaining AF120 fan is exhaust at rear. You can run the front AF120's at full (with the LEDs also brightly lit), while the rad fans at slower/quieter speeds. Configure the rear exhaust fan's speed (LED light) as you please to ensure that the total airflow of the exhaust is less than that of the intakes for positive airflow.

 

[sum_1]

As to the orientation of the radiator fans (intake vs exhaust), both have its pros and cons. If rad fans are configured as intake, the usual effect is lower CPU temps and slightly higher GPU/ambient temps. If rad fans are configured as exhaust, the usual effect is slightly higher CPU temps and lower GPU/ambient temps.

Note that the Corsair Carbide 270R allows for a 240mm-sized radiator (H100i) mounting for either the front or the top (http://www.corsair.com/en-us/carbide-series-270r-windowed-atx-mid-tower-case). If at front, fans should be intake. If at top, fans should be exhaust.

If you decide to mount the rad in front, then, the 2 rad fans are intake at front, while the 3 AF120 fans are exhaust at top and rear. You may need to configure the fan speed of the exhaust to a lower RPM (to lower the airflow than the intake to achieve positive airflow), however, if you are buying the AF120 LED versions (which are 3-pin DC fans), the illumination will go dim as you lower the voltage for the fan speed.

If you decide to mount the rad in exhaust, then, the 2 rad fans are exhaust at top, the 2 AF120 fans are intake at front, and the remaining AF120 fan is exhaust at rear. You can run the front AF120's at full (with the LEDs also brightly lit), while the rad fans at slower/quieter speeds. Configure the rear exhaust fan's speed (LED light) as you please to ensure that the total airflow of the exhaust is less than that of the intakes for positive airflow.

I can't thank you enough. Also happy that you mentioned that the LED fans go dim at lower voltages. I think I'm installing the radiator in the front.

I have two more questions: Does it make sense to put a third fan in the front below the radiator as a normal intake for gaining a bigger intake without lowering the exhaust fans much, and do I need to put the radiator fans before the radiator or after it (closer to the inside of the case)?

 

[raisonjohn]

You're welcome. Yes, putting a third fan as intake below the rad would help increase airflow inside your case to balance the intake-exhaust ratio (and not dim the exhaust fan's LED too much). Here's a sample build of what you want to achieve (270R with H100i v2 + 3x LED fans exhaust + 1x additional front intake fan below the rad): https://pcpartpicker.com/b/Wvjypg