Liquid Cooling - Radiator Placement and Tubing Configuration
Liquid Cooling - Radiator Placement and Tubing Configuration
Hi,
I'm setting up an EK-KIT X360 and wanted to check my current configuration.
My setup includes two front intake fans, one rear exhaust fan, and a radiator with three 120mm exhaust static fans mounted on top, placed below the radiator.
I'm asking if everything is positioned correctly.
According to the Owner's Manual, the diagrams are recommended, but since my radiator handles exhaust by routing air through the fans and out of the case, I shouldn't have cold air entering it or hot air passing through the intake fans. I'm a bit confused about this setup.
Regarding the tubing, should I stick to the manual's suggestions or adjust the inlets and outlets of the pump, waterblock, and radiator? The manual says diagrams are ideal but not mandatory, so I'm wondering if changing some connections would help.
Thanks!
Jonathan James Harris shares his thoughts on the topic. He notes that using top radiator fans as intake sources is generally not a concern due to the advantages of colder ambient air compared to heated internal case air. He suggests keeping the current setup, mentioning only minor adjustments related to fan performance and RPM versus exhaust capabilities. He also recommends adding filters outside the case to maintain positive air pressure and reduce dust buildup.
The fans positioned at the top of the radiator appear to be facing backward. Usually, front, bottom, and side fans draw in cool air, whereas top and rear fans expel warm air from the enclosure (heat ascends).
I have the top fans drawing air from inside the case and then directing it into the radiator before releasing it back out. The front side of the fan is pointing down, which indicates the air enters from there. This setup matches what I see in the picture.
The wires on the side facing down suggest air is coming from outside the case and moving into the radiator and then out again.
Regarding the rear fan, it appears to be blowing air in the opposite direction. You may need to adjust its orientation if you want it to push air out of the case.
The exhaust fan is positioned correctly. If you intended to direct the top radiator fans’ airflow as exhaust, the three upper fans are facing the opposite direction. A straightforward method to determine the airflow direction, regardless of the fan brand, is to examine the label on the center of the blade, which displays voltage or RPM details. The side showing this information indicates the direction of air movement. If only the manufacturer logo or a blank area is visible, that side will not contribute to blowing air forward. Hope this clarifies things.
Jonathan James Harris shares his thoughts on maintaining optimal conditions inside the case. He notes that using top radiator fans as intake sources is generally acceptable, especially considering the advantages of cooler ambient air compared to heated internal air. He suggests keeping the current setup, though adjusting fan performance and RPM in relation to exhaust capabilities would be beneficial. He also recommends adding filters on the outside of the case to manage dust and improve air quality. The single exhaust fan should effectively expel hot air without disrupting positive pressure, and fine-tuning its speed will help maintain a balanced environment.
Jonathan James Harris explains how to check the correct orientation of your exhaust fan. If you want the air from your top radiator fans to exit as exhaust, ensure the three top fans are facing in the opposite direction. A practical method is to check the label on the center of each fan blade for voltage or RPM details; the side showing this indicates the airflow direction. He notes that using hotter internal temperatures from the case can be less effective compared to cooler ambient air, but your current setup seems optimal. He also asks for recommendations on suitable rear exhaust fans, suggesting your current configuration is acceptable unless fan performance and speed are mismatched.