Cooling methods and radiator positioning
Cooling methods and radiator positioning
Vic 40 shared an intriguing YouTube video that contrasted two radiator setups. The comparison showed how different exhaust methods affected CPU temperatures. In one setup, using an "Open" style GPU, the CPU ran 10°C hotter with the top radiator compared to a front-mounted one. The image came from a closed thread on USAFRet. I wasn’t expecting such a difference, but I’m curious about the CPU temps if the front radiator were directing exhaust into the case instead.
Switching to a "Blower" style GPU, the temperatures stayed nearly the same across both cases. Research suggests that an open-style GPU’s fan slows down when the GPU is cool, while a blower-style GPU keeps its fan running continuously. Since the blower uses just one fan, it likely spins faster and has a higher pitch.
Another point worth noting is the effect of negative air pressure inside the case with radiators blowing outward. With the top radiator, three fans would be drawing air out plus the GPU exhaust. In contrast, with a front-mounted radiator, the reviewer didn’t specify the direction of the two NZXT fans—whether they blew in or out. This lack of clarity makes it hard to fully understand the impact.
The reviewer also mentioned using two extra 120mm fans, but didn’t clarify their placement relative to the radiators. That detail would be useful to know. Overall, this video shifted my perspective on front-mounted radiators, though I remain unsure if they’re truly the best option. The results seem closely tied to the specific case setup.
Ralph there are no assurances for those displayed figures since the differences depend on various factors like fans, AIO versus custom loop, actual CPU overclocking, etc. That 9900K you're using is a very hot CPU—how much have you pushed it to, and what are your P95 26.6 load temperatures?
I'm at 4.9 all cores, no presets active (XMP, turbo boost etc.). The Vcore is 1.245V. I can run P95 V26.6 small FFTs fairly stably, with an average of 83-88/89C, and spikes up to 92C using the noctura D15S. I haven't tried 5.0 just in case, but I didn't want to push the CPU to over 90°C. I calculated that a 10°C difference is too large for another GPU style, given the unidentified variables. I think something might be wrong with his test.