Push, Pull or Push-Pull Configuration

[nyogisanz]

Hi, Im sorry for the very noob question. Honestly, I am not really savy as far as some terms with regards to my PC hence this question.

Anyway, I intend to overclock my I7 4770k (hopefully I would get a chip that can go as high as 4.8 or higher hehe) using Asus Z87 Pro automatic overclocking features and the Swiftech H320 as CPU cooler.

My problem is I am not really familiar with terms hence I would really appreciate it if someone would be able to explain it in more lay man's term the following terms:
1. Pull configuration
2. Push configuration
3. Push and Pull configuration. To my understanding, correct me if I am wrong, in the push pull configuration, I have to orient the 3 fans that come with Swiftech H320 downward facing the cpu. This means it would be sucking air from the inside of the CPU going out(more of like an exhause). Then I would put 3 fans on top of the rads to push air from the outside going to the inside. In this way the air coming from the inside of the case would be clashing from the air going in. Is my understanding correct?

Any clarification or recommendation would be really appreciated.

Big Thanks

 

[jimthenagual]

Pull would be having your fans positioned so they are pulling air through the radiator.
Push would be positioning the fans so they are pushing air into the radiator.

Push and Pull is having both at the same time. On one side of the radiator a fan pushing air into it, and on the other a fan pulling air out, they are both moving the air in the same direction through the radiator.

 

[jimthenagual]

Here is the swiftech H320 using a push and pull config. Doesn't look like the stock fans, but you get the idea.

 

[nyogisanz]

Here is the swiftech H320 using a push and pull config. Doesn't look like the stock fans, but you get the idea.

Thank u for the reply. Also would it be necessary for me to change the stock fan to Noctua as I can see the fans here are Noctua or the stock fans are ok already? Is there huge difference changing the stock fan to Noctua or the stock fan can do the trick already. Thanks

 

[jimthenagual]

Your fans
Static pressure: .53-2.29 mmH2O
Noise: 16-33 dB
Airflow:24.55 CFM

Noctua NF-F12 PWM
Static pressure: 1.83-2.61 mmH2O
Noise: 18.6-22.4 dB
Airflow: 54.7 CFM

So the Noctua NF-F12 PWM fan is quieter at max settings, has higher airflow on it's highest settings, and better static pressure (important for how well it can move air through restrictive areas like radiators).