Find the optimal cooling setup for your high-performance gaming rig.
Find the optimal cooling setup for your high-performance gaming rig.
Hi,
All components are ready and I’m getting started on my PC build this weekend. I’ll be focusing on overclocking the CPU and some GPU parts. Most advice suggests considering the case setup—radiator or pull vs pull configuration. I’m not very experienced with airflow or liquid cooling, so your guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Here’s what I have:
- Intel Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
- NZXT Kraken X62 Liquid CPU Cooler
- Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 Ti Extreme
- Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX Glass Tampered Glass Mid Tower Case
- 6 x Corsair ML140 PRO LED 140mm Fans
Could you recommend the optimal placement for the X62 (top vs front) and airflow direction (pull vs push)? I already have six fans plus two included in the case, which allows me to experiment with both configurations. Also, please advise on the best airflow setup for the radiator and fans.
Thanks,
Damon
Your dust filter is positioned at the base and raised above the floor, allowing cool air to enter from below. The top exhaust plays a role here by drawing in more air from the bottom to help cool the hot air exiting the radiator. For this setup, maintaining negative pressure for intake is important since you can't install a fan at the bottom. Therefore, having more fans on top will be beneficial. Otherwise, your VRM and GPU temperatures may rise. Make sure to clean the filter regularly.
This setup doesn't include a bottom fan. Would you like front intake, plus exhausts at the top and back?
Yes you are correct but verify whether there are any openings or mesh areas at the base or sides for air to enter. The concept of a top exhaust without bottom fans is based on drawing in cooler air from below and sides when space allows, which aids in cooling both the GPU and the VRM along its route. This approach works because placing the radiator at the front means incoming air will be warm; relying solely on airflow from other directions helps prevent overheating. Even without mounting a fan at the bottom, most modern cases provide some breathing room underneath or on the sides.
The optimal setup involves placing three units at the highest exhaust position, one fan on the rear exhaust, and four units in front with a push-pull mechanism.
Yes, having the radiator in the front is definitely the top choice.
I watched a YouTube video a while ago about how to mount your radiator. In the front they made it a couple of degrees cooler. But you can imagine then that your case will be a few degrees warmer. So those small parts without a fan attached on your MB will run a bit hotter. This shouldn't be an issue if you have good airflow in your case...
I put my H110i on top. My case has two 200m in front, two 200mm at the top, 2 120mm at the bottom, and a 140 mm at the back. I prefer airflow, and with more and bigger fans they run cooler. Since the radiator is mounted under the 200mm fans, the two 140mm fans on the front create a push/pull effect.
Together, the whole system stays very cool and quiet. But when the system starts up and all fans are at 100%, it sounds like a jet!
In short, unless you're extremely concerned about your chip getting too hot, I'd recommend putting it on top. Everything else in your case will be hotter if you place it at the front.