[SOLVED] Phanteks P400s fan setup

[struganator]

This has been discussed here before, but I wanted to start a thread with an actual conclusion. I just finished Ryzen build in a P400S case, and have found that the CPU temps spend a little more time in the 80s than I would like.

So anyone who has worked with this case knows that the front intake is extremely obstructed. The options for fans are:

1 120MM rear exhaust
2 120mm OR 1 140mm on top as exhaust or intake
3 120mm or 2 140mm in front as intake

As the front intake is almost useless on this case, does it make more sense to use the top spots as intake rather than exhaust? I have heard of a few different theories on this but I have never seen anyone post the results as to what worked best for them.

My plan was to put 2 140mm Noctuas on the front, another on top, and one 120mm Noctua on the rear. Would this be more efficient than the intake from the top operation?

 

[Phaaze88]

You are going to have to test this yourself for the best results. There are a number of variables that will affect what works best in each person's case.
-the cpu cooler
-the fans you're using
-the fan curves you've set
-the gpu
-the gpu's size

A top intake may work for you, it may not.
Generally speaking, top intake can reduce cpu temps, but usually increases gpu temps.
You won't know unless you test your own setup.

 

[struganator]

You are going to have to test this yourself for the best results. There are a number of variables that will affect what works best in each person's case.
-the cpu cooler
-the fans you're using
-the fan curves you've set
-the gpu
-the gpu's size

A top intake may work for you, it may not.
Generally speaking, top intake can reduce cpu temps, but usually increases gpu temps.
You won't know unless you test your own setup.

Thanks for the response! I am using the stock wraith stealth cooler on the ryzen 5 3600. I am using a 2060 KO ultra graphics card. Mobo is an x570 tuf.

That is interesting about the GPU temps being higher with a top mounted intake. Is that because of the CPU heatsink obstructing the airflow to it?

 

[Phaaze88]

No.
That gpu exhausts it's waste heat out the sides and warm air normally rises - bar fan interference anyways. But with the top intake, there's only one way for the gpu exhaust to go... out through the rear case fan.
That's a little slower than both the rear and top.

 

[struganator]

Just an update. I ended up putting a Scythe Mugen 5 heat sink on which dropped my CPU temps by 30 C. Not an exaggeration it was really that dramatic from stock stealth cooler. This is along with putting on two 140mm Noctua fans for the intake, one 140mm on the top for exhaust, and a new 120mm Noctua exhaust out of the back. My temperatures at max load never exceed 65 C on the CPU, and 76 C on the GPU. Specs are below for anyone with a similar setup.

I can't say for sure if my pressure is positive or negative. Likely with the obstructed front panel, it is not as positive as I would like, but everything stays cool.

ASUS X570 TUF
Ryzen 5 3600
EVGA 2060 KO Ultra
G Skills 3200MHZ RAM
Scythe Mugen 5 CPU cooler

The fans are Noctua Redux