Ideal setup for a 400R case
Ideal setup for a 400R case
Hi, I am aiming to create perfect fan with neutral airfllow. Don't want to end up with too much positive or negative air flow.
Case comes with three stock fans of 44.2 cfm each (two front intake, one rear exhaust) and I have bought 5 additional Cooler Master SickleFlow X of 90 cfm each and one hyper 212x for CPU.
The air flow from front intake fans might be partially blocked by hard drives. And I am hoping to not remove these stock fans from default positions unless really necessary (front and rear)
My options are one bottom intake, two side intake, and two top exhaust. Should I use the five cooler master fans in this locations?
With five additional fans, the split should consist of three 90 cfm units on one side and two 90 cfm units on the other. Combined with the existing two 44.2 cfm fans, this arrangement may result in a slight imbalance—either a minor deficit or surplus in airflow depending on their orientation. This setup avoids using the third 44.2 cfm fan for case airflow. It’s as balanced as possible without any obstructions affecting the air movement (assuming the opposite side of the 2-44.2cfm + two 90cfm units). Adding the third 44.2 cfm fan could shift the difference to around 42.6 or 45.8 cfm, depending on placement and potential losses from obstacles.
How do you describe "perfect"?
Are you concerned about noise?
Do you prioritize maintaining clean components?
What cooling requirements do you have inside?
What is your budget?
My first idea is that if all the air comes from the front two fans and they are filtered, you'll maintain clean parts.
This method is known as positive pressure cooling.
Everything entering from the front will leave with heat away from your components.
If you notice you need improved airflow, swap the two slow front fans for higher-performance models you purchased.
Limit yourself to one 120mm rear exhaust fan.
Its role is to push air over your cooler and out the back.
Using stronger exit fans could pull in unfiltered air from nearby openings.
Even though solid drive cages aren't perfect, they aren't disastrous either.
With five additional fans, the split should consist of three 90 cfm fans on one side and two 90cfm fans on the other. Combined with the existing 44.2cfm fans, this would require adjustments—potentially a 1.6 cfm shortfall in one direction or the other, depending on fan orientation. This approach avoids using the third 44.2 cfm fan for case airflow. The configuration offers the most balanced setup possible without significant airflow obstruction, though placement of the third fan could affect performance by up to 42.6 or 45.8 cfm depending on positioning and any obstacles.
With no losses, you'd expect a positive air pressure around 45.8 cfm. The front section would see slightly higher losses, making the actual value a bit elevated. For your setup, it's advisable to switch both front fans myself.
With five additional fans... the split should consist of three 90 cfm fans on one side and two 90cfm fans on the other. Combined with the existing 44.2cfm fans, this would result in a slight deficit of around 1.6 cfm in one direction or the other, depending on fan orientation. This approach avoids using the third 44.2 cfm fan for case airflow. The configuration is as balanced as possible without significant airflow obstruction (assuming the 2-44.2cfm + two 90cfm fans setup). For optimal performance, it's suggested to switch both front fans myself. I'm a bit puzzled and would appreciate your guidance on fan placement in specific intakes and exhausts, such as 2 90cfm on the top exhaust.
herit:
shrapnel_indie :
Including five additional fans, the split should consist of three 90 cfm fans on one side and two 90cfm fans on the other. Combined with the existing 44.2cfm fans, there may be a slight deficit of around 1.6 cfm in one direction or the other, depending on the orientation of the slower fans. This arrangement would not utilize the third 44.2 cfm fan for case airflow. It is as balanced as possible without any obstructions affecting airflow (assuming the opposite side of the 2-44.2cfm + 2 90cfm setup). Adding the third 44.2 cfm fan could result in a difference ranging from 42.6 to 45.8 cfm, depending on placement and potential losses.
With no losses, you'll maintain a positive air pressure of approximately 45.8 cfm. The front losses will slightly increase this number. For your suggested configuration, I recommend switching both front fans myself.
I'm a bit puzzled, could you clarify the fan assignments for each intake and exhaust? For example: top exhaust with 2 90cfm, top with 90 cfm, back with 1 90 cfm, front with 90 cfm, bottom with 1 44.2 cfm, and side with 44.2 cfm? This would ensure about a 42.6 cfm positive pressure before any obstructions, helping to keep dust contained inside the case.