Optimal fan configuration [need help]

[Larry_The_Great]

Hey forum members,

I currently own a Phanteks Enthoo Primo and I am considering fitting it full of fans to ensure minimum temperature. Cost isn't a major issue so I was wondering if some members on the forum could help me out. I have created this diagram as what I imagine would be the optimal fan configuration for this case. I have tried to get a positive pressure in the case so that more fans are in-taking than out-taking as I've heard that this gives better cooling performance. Also I have tried to keep the lower parts of the case in-taking because the coolest air will come from the bottom and outtake from the top as the hot air rises.

Please tell me what you think of this configuration and give me any recommendations for a possible better configuration. I'm open to all ideas. Also please give me some recommendations for which fans to use. I'm currently looking at Corsair's SP120 and AF140 fans because I've heard that they are pretty good as well as they look nice as well.

Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it!

 

[AMDThunder]

Pretty sure those Sp fans are for coolers, not regular case fans. AF for cases, SP for CPU coolers.

2 front, 1 rear, and 1 or 2 top would be more than efficient. Certainly not going to hurt anything if you fill it up though. One thing wrong with your diagram. Both rear fans should be exhaust. Front and bottom intake, rear and top exhaust.

 

[Bossyfins]

I like positive air pressure = less dust. So do 2 140 intakes/ or 120 intakes, and one exhaust, If your system has a 240 mm radiator, than have the exhaust an intake as well.

 

[Larry_The_Great]

Pretty sure those Sp fans are for coolers, not regular case fans. AF for cases, SP for CPU coolers.

2 front, 1 rear, and 1 or 2 top would be more than efficient. Certainly not going to hurt anything if you fill it up though. One thing wrong with your diagram. Both rear fans should be exhaust. Front and bottom intake, rear and top exhaust.

The reason I have that bottom rear fan in-taking is because I would imagine as hot air rises, since there are no components down there surely there would be no hot air in that bottom part of the case therefore no need to exhaust it. (I am only guessing this I haven't tried it) do you think that logic is correct?

 

[AMDThunder]

Pretty sure those Sp fans are for coolers, not regular case fans. AF for cases, SP for CPU coolers.

2 front, 1 rear, and 1 or 2 top would be more than efficient. Certainly not going to hurt anything if you fill it up though. One thing wrong with your diagram. Both rear fans should be exhaust. Front and bottom intake, rear and top exhaust.

The reason I have that bottom rear fan in-taking is because I would imagine as hot air rises, since there are no components down there surely there would be no hot air in that bottom part of the case therefore no need to exhaust it. (I am only guessing this I haven't tried it) do you think that logic is correct?

Sounds logical, but I really don't know. Everything I've read and how I've always done it is bottom and front for intake and top/rear exhaust. Unless you're going for a massive OC, you're probably fine with 3 to 4 fans. I only have 2 right now, one front and one rear. Idle temps are 30 or less with my 4690k@4.2.

 

[Hard Line]

while it sounds logical, when you have intakes and exhaust they easily overpower traditional convection currents thereby negating the convection currents . which mainly work in a passively cooled system or a system with only 1 exhaust

 

[Larry_The_Great]

while it sounds logical, when you have intakes and exhaust they easily overpower traditional convection currents thereby negating the convection currents . which mainly work in a passively cooled system or a system with only 1 exhaust

So you would recommend that rear bottom fan to be out-taking?

 

[Bossyfins]

keep it as an intake, and you will be good.

 

[Hard Line]

I dont' think it will make much difference either way ( if you have an air cooled gpu it may even help) but you need exhaust as well ( I recommend the top if you have the lower rear as intake)

 

[Larry_The_Great]

I dont' think it will make much difference either way ( if you have an air cooled gpu it may even help) but you need exhaust as well ( I recommend the top if you have the lower rear as intake)

Okay, also what do you think about the Static Pressure fans vs the Air Flow fans, do you think I've chosen the right ones for the right areas?

 

[Bossyfins]

Go with airflow. IF the fans are going through a radiator first, then get an SP fan. If the fans will be used for air flow, get the AF ones,

 

[Hard Line]

Bossy is correct. case fans = airflow rad = static pressure ( if you have a filter static pressure may be better depending on the restriction)