Question Top mounted AIO vs Side mounted

[Ghost Ptodigy]

Hello,

I'm currently working on moving my build to the Nr200p case for better thermals and have purchased an NZXT x63 for the cpu cooling.

The Nr200p's aio placement is on the side of the case and unfortunately can't be placed on top without some heavy modifications.

I was wondering if there's any benefits in having the aio mounted on top as opposed to having it on the side.

Not sure if it's worth going through all the hassle and modding the top of the case.

Example of how the AIO placement is on the nr200

 

[hotaru.hino]

The only advantage I can see having the AIO mounted up top is it creates more or less linear airflow, assuming the bottom fans are intakes and the radiator is exhaust, and linear airflow creates less of a chance for dead spots and whatnot. But at this component density, I don't think it really matters. Especially since the video card is going to be blocking the airflow anyway.