Need help with Fractal Design node 202 cooling

Crypt1c

Commendable
Oct 7, 2016
4
0
1,510
So I don't know how I should do this. I see some build using 2 120mm fans for the gpu, but that means removing the case's gpu supporter to which I'm not too comfortable doing.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy_Eraep6gw Look at 4:37) I've even seen a build who managed to put a 140mm fan above the cpu cooler. How should I configure the case fans? Also, would the type of gpu I choose change anything in terms of how the fans should be set? I was going to go with a blower style gpu originally, however I would prefer to use an open aired one for the higher clock speed but I'm afraid about the temperature in such a small case. I'm also afraid of dust problems will be a problem if I don't set this right. Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
The case comes with magnetic dust filters so the dust wouldn't be a much of a problem. Just remember to clean the filters from time to time and also check the insides of the PC for dust for every 3rd filter cleaning (or 2nd if you're too worried).

With the blower type GPU, you can install one 120mm case fan (intake) directly overlooking the GPU fan and leaving the GPU supporter inplace.

With dual fan GPU, you may need to install both 120mm case fans (intake) for optimal cooling, thus removing GPU supporter.
But when you set your PC standing on it's side (rather than flat on the table) then the GPU supporter isn't needed and the airflow would also be better.

I'd go with blower style GPU though. I'd better have the hot GPU air blowing...

Aeacus

Titan
Ambassador
The case comes with magnetic dust filters so the dust wouldn't be a much of a problem. Just remember to clean the filters from time to time and also check the insides of the PC for dust for every 3rd filter cleaning (or 2nd if you're too worried).

With the blower type GPU, you can install one 120mm case fan (intake) directly overlooking the GPU fan and leaving the GPU supporter inplace.

With dual fan GPU, you may need to install both 120mm case fans (intake) for optimal cooling, thus removing GPU supporter.
But when you set your PC standing on it's side (rather than flat on the table) then the GPU supporter isn't needed and the airflow would also be better.

I'd go with blower style GPU though. I'd better have the hot GPU air blowing out from the rear of the GPU rather than dissipating it inside the cramped up PC when dual fan GPU is used.

If you need a higher base clock then you can always use MSI Afterburner and overclock your blower style GPU.
 
Solution

AlicSkywalker

Prominent
Mar 16, 2017
1
0
510

Do you have any 120mm fan beside your graphics card? I am thinking, what would happen if you just take the graphics fan off and use the two 120mm fans to cool your graphics card?
 

Aeacus

Titan
Ambassador

You'll loose GPU cooling performance, that's what happens.

Same can be done with CPU air cooler when you mount the heatsink on CPU but doesn't mount fans to the heatsink and instead use case fans.
The airflow for the heatsink wouldn't be good enough because fans are mounted further away than they are supposed to be.