Liquid Cooling for Cooler Master Elite 120

[Tristtan]

Guys, could you please recommend some closed loop liquid cooling systems that would actually fit this case?

I think is time to start abusing my I5 2500K and i dont think my low profile rosweill cooler will handle much overclocking.

 

[Rammy]

Unlike the Elite 130 which takes more or less any 120mm rad CLC, my understanding is that it's going to be very hard to fit a cooler in an Elite 120 without mods (I've never seen it done).

If you can remove the HDD brackets then you open up a decent amount of space similar to the Elite 130.

As it stands your best option is probably something like a GeminII M4 but it's not going to be amazing.

 

[Tristtan]

Thanks a lot for your answer my friend, i guess ill have to rethink my question.

So, would you guys please recommend me some other options like the GeminII M4??

How much overclocking do you think i might be able to achieve without frying my chip?

 

[Rammy]

I think the concern here wouldn't be so much the capacity of the CPU cooler itself - some low profile coolers can work pretty well, but the suitability of the case for an overclocking build.

Anything I suggest is going to use the majority of the clearance you have between motherboard and PSU. I can't say exactly but you'd assume that having a fan that close to a flat surface is going to dent performance, not to mention the generally poor internal airflow. In something like say a RVZ01 a downblower like the GeminII (or an upblower for that matter) works pretty well as its sucking in cool air from outside the case (or exhausting the CPU heat directly).

I doubt you'll fry your chip - overclocking is a trial and error process until you find a suitable spot. In your case I'd imagine the results, even if you spend a good amount on a cooler, are going to be disappointing.

My advice - The Elite 120 is a cheap case and overclocking isn't a "value for money" endeavour. I'd ditch the case and get something similar but more suited to your objectives. As I've mentioned the Elite 130 is very similar but does support a 120mm rad CLC, and is pretty cheap. The Thermaltake Core V1 isn't expensive and has some good cooling options (though comes up a bit short on tower coolers). For air cooling my pick would be the Node 304, it's not particularly cheap and has no ODD (might be a deal breaker) but it's got excellent air cooler support as well as 120/140mm rad options too.

 

[Tristtan]

I think the concern here wouldn't be so much the capacity of the CPU cooler itself - some low profile coolers can work pretty well, but the suitability of the case for an overclocking build.

Anything I suggest is going to use the majority of the clearance you have between motherboard and PSU. I can't say exactly but you'd assume that having a fan that close to a flat surface is going to dent performance, not to mention the generally poor internal airflow. In something like say a RVZ01 a downblower like the GeminII (or an upblower for that matter) works pretty well as its sucking in cool air from outside the case (or exhausting the CPU heat directly).

I doubt you'll fry your chip - overclocking is a trial and error process until you find a suitable spot. In your case I'd imagine the results, even if you spend a good amount on a cooler, are going to be disappointing.

My advice - The Elite 120 is a cheap case and overclocking isn't a "value for money" endeavour. I'd ditch the case and get something similar but more suited to your objectives. As I've mentioned the Elite 130 is very similar but does support a 120mm rad CLC, and is pretty cheap. The Thermaltake Core V1 isn't expensive and has some good cooling options (though comes up a bit short on tower coolers). For air cooling my pick would be the Node 304, it's not particularly cheap and has no ODD (might be a deal breaker) but it's got excellent air cooler support as well as 120/140mm rad options too.

I was trying to avoid that, as im not in the US and finding Mini ITX cases here isnt as easy as you would think, but you are right the real issue is the case so ill have to face that and find a solution.

Thx again.

 

[Rammy]

I had a glance at the HDD cages on the Elite 120 and it looks like they might be riveted in place. If you've got a drill then it wouldn't be a big job to remove them. It'd be a low cost option, but it's probably not ideal.

 

[Tristtan]

Ill take a look at it and will let you know if i give it a try.