Use various cooling fans for optimal water cooling performance.
Use various cooling fans for optimal water cooling performance.
Hi, I was considering purchasing an NZXT Kraken x61 watercooling kit.
I’m using a Fractal design Define R5 case and intended to position the radiator in front, since I don’t like the appearance of the case when panels are removed for mounting a radiator. The only adjustments needed would be shifting my HDD cage slightly back, similar to what others have done.
My original plan was to swap the two front Fractal fans for NZXT’s push-pull fans so it would be a push configuration.
However, I started wondering if placing both NZXT fans in a push-pull arrangement at the top of the radiator would be feasible, while keeping one original Fractal fan at the front bottom. This would result in a top section with two 2000RPM fans and a lower section with one 1000RPM fan.
Would this unusual push-pull setup function properly, or would it be better to stick with the two 2000RPM NZXT fans in a straightforward push configuration?
Thanks!
place the two identical fans in a push/pull arrangement, then add a third fan at the bottom or top of the radiator.
avoid using mismatched fans on opposite sides of a radiator, as it will accelerate bearing wear faster than usual.
if you need a recommendation, check http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...835608044; two would suffice.
please also remember that for radiators, it's better to use fans with large blades and tight gaps compared to high-speed fans with smaller blades and wider gaps.
A fan that spins more slowly in the pull setup can actually reduce cooling efficiency. The improved airflow from a faster fan is being blocked by the slower one instead of moving freely. Using identical RPM cfm fans in a push-pull arrangement works well. I've noticed cases where a single pull fan performs better than a mismatched push/pull setup, especially when the intake fans are strong.
A slower fan in the pull setup actually slows down cooling. The fan that provides better airflow pushes air against the slower one instead of letting it flow through it.
I would use the same RPM cfm fans in a push-pull arrangement.
I've noticed cases where a single pull fan works better than a mismatched push/pull with the wrong fans, provided the intake fans are good.
Yes, I would never choose a slower fan for the pull configuration. Instead, I'd pair both NZXT fans from the radiator with the push/pull setup at the top, and one of my stock Fractal fans as the push fan at the bottom.
Or simply stick to a push configuration using only the NZXT fans.
My question is whether it would be preferable to use a) 3 fans—2 at 2000RPM set up in push-pull, and 1 fan at 1000RPM in push—or b) 2 fans at 2000RPM also in push-pull.
place the two identical fans in a push/pull arrangement, then add a third fan at the bottom or top of the radiator. avoid using matching fans on opposite sides of a radiator, as this can cause premature wear of the bearings. if you need a recommendation, check http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...835608044; two units would suffice. generally, it's better to use fans with large blades and tight gaps on radiators compared to high-speed fans with larger gaps. your question asks whether it's better to use a) three fans (two in push/pull at the side near the tubing) or b) two 2000RPM fans in push mode. the optimal choice seems to be the three-fan setup, positioning the two push/pull fans closest to the radiator tubing.
You should likely handle the situation without too much trouble.