Water Loop: Should All Fans On Radiators Exhaust?

[royston97]

Hello I'm new to water loop systems and I'm going to assemble my first one this Christmas. So I have a question

I'm planning to put a 2x120mm radiator (A) on the top of the case, and another 120mm radiator (B) in the front of the case.

----------------
I.......(A)......I
I..................I
I..................I
I..................I
I.............(B)I
-----------------

Now should both of these radiators 'breath out' the hot air / exhaust? And why?

Thanks folks!

 

[COLGeek]

The front radiator should pull air in through the front of the case and exhaust it into the case. The top radiator should pull hot air out of the case and exhaust it out of the top. Even with water-cooled systems, you still need airflow through the system to keep the non-water-cooled components cooled by circulated air.

Good luck!

 

[royston97]

Thank you! What about the fan positioning of the front case, should I put it like (f)(r)(air) or (r)(f)(air) since it now sucks in air instead of exhausting?

 

[COLGeek]

Front fans should pull in cool air and exhaust it into the case (same for side fans). Rear and top fans should pull hot air out of the case and exhaust it from the system. Same model applies to fans with rads.

You still want airflow to follow the same general rule. Make sense?

 

[royston97]

Nono I mean, should I put the fan behind the radiator as usual, or should I put the fan in front of the radiator as I'm sucking in air

 

[COLGeek]

Understood. Either is fine. It won't make a huge difference either way. Really a matter of whit fits best for the case you are using and how much room you have to work with.

Most rads will also let you install fans in a push-pull (one fan on each side of the rad), so you can do this as well.

 

[royston97]

Great. Thank you very much for your time sir!

 

[COLGeek]

You are most welcome, sir! Good luck!