Check if running GPU fans at full speed is appropriate for your system.
Check if running GPU fans at full speed is appropriate for your system.
Bigpinkdragon286 explains that intake refers to air coming in, while exhaust means air going out. You can see small arrows on most fans indicating rotation and airflow direction. For optimal cooling, the bottom fan should pull air into the case and the top fan should push it out. This helps bring cooler outside air inside where the graphics card can cool better. Different users have different preferences, but generally, having two 120mm fans in front works well. I also use a rear top fan to help expel hot air from above and a rear fan to assist the CPU cooler. Swapping stock fans for stronger ones maintains a consistent airflow from front to back. Adding a side fan later could improve airflow for future upgrades. An 80mm rear fan is considered too small.
Wow guys, thank you all, I hadn't considered that before and will try it tomorrow. Also, do you know if I can apply thermal paste to my GPU? If yes, should I use the same as for the CPU? Yes, you can. Just check with MSI to confirm it won't void the warranty. Yes, you can use the same thermal compound. I usually go with Arctic Silver 5.
Users of PCs often have different opinions about airflow. I tend to place two 120mm fans at the front. This is why I selected a case that already accommodates them. I’m aware that hot air rises, so I installed two 120mm fans on top of my case—one off and the rear fan set to low to expel the rising heat. The rear fan also aids the CPU cooler’s exhaust. I upgraded their standard fans with a stronger model to maintain consistent airflow from front to back. Adding another fan would block the setup. Perhaps a side fan, modified or swapped near the bottom of the side panel, could provide extra air for future upgrades. An 80mm rear fan is quite small.
I concur. At this stage, we’re limited by the case design. Everyone brings their own ideas about optimal cooling. Ultimately, experimenting with different setups helps discover what delivers the best performance.
I don’t think both side panel fans should exhaust air. That would mean four exhausts and only three intakes (including the PSU fan). Having two in and three out seems more balanced, especially with the 80mm model.
Depending on the age of the GPU, it may not benefit a whole lot from applying thermal paste yourself. It isn't as though it ships from the factory without, and the 1060 really hasn't been on the market long enough to need new paste applied, unless you just like tinkering around with that sort of thing. There is always the risk of damage to the card if you're not mechanically inclined or just not careful.
Been away and just got back to this...
Checked if the side panel was off before investing in fans or anything else. Just try it without the side panel and observe your temperatures. If they stay stable, it clearly shows good airflow. To be honest, I think a single 80mm exhaust is quite restricted and could be the problem. Still, it's definitely worth testing before spending money on something that might not be the real issue.