What or how many radiators are required for a custom loop?
What or how many radiators are required for a custom loop?
MartinsLabs has conducted thorough evaluations of the push/pull theory, alongside fan shrouds and without them. From their standpoint, fans running below 1300rpm tend to perform better than push, while those above 1500rpm outperform pull. Fans operating between 1300 and 1500rpm show no significant difference. Push/pull offers an edge over both methods because the pull direction usually generates sufficient vacuum to straighten the airflow, counteracting much of the turbulence typical in most fans, thanks to their wide angled flow zones. For fans like the Noctua nf-f12 and similar focus flow models, push/pull becomes nearly unnecessary as the airflow aligns almost perfectly with the fins, minimizing turbulence. It's a straightforward principle. On the pull side, a vacuum remains consistent regardless of speed, and lower speeds are more efficient since there’s no turbulence to manage.
@Splas0rr gave a brief clarification. NF-F fans direct the airflow, causing it to enter straight ahead, which you can notice even from afar. The pattern resembles a straight line. On other fans like Corsair and NF-P, the air moves more sideways, forming a vortex. I lack sufficient knowledge in aerodynamics and thermodynamics to scientifically compare the cooling effects. From personal experience, though, controlled flow reduces noise and improves air movement through the radiator and case, which is why Karadjgne offered a simple explanation.
Karadjgne continued discussing the push/pull theory with fan shrouds and without, highlighting how fans under 1300rpm perform better than push, those above 1500rpm outperform pull, and fans between 1300-1500rpm show no significant difference. He explained that push/pull remains superior as the pull side usually generates enough vacuum to straighten airflow, reducing much of the turbulence caused by most fans. This is especially true for Noctua nf-f12 and similar focus flow fans, where the flow aligns almost perfectly with the fins, minimizing turbulence. On the other hand, lower rpm works better when fans push against III, but at higher speeds you need either high sp or high cfm to manage the fins effectively. On the pull side, a vacuum remains consistent regardless of speed, making lower rpm more efficient. Karadjgne also questioned whether any recent high-density radiator tests from five years ago were relevant, noting that while he respected the original reviewer, it's crucial for current hardware discussions.
Martin has stopped working but sometimes gives feedback. SkinneeLabs handled things for a while, but I believe he disappeared for a while.
I believe the last remarks might have strayed from the main point. The louvered /\/\/\ fin design and straight alignment effects on the focused flow fan or "old" tilted flow fan are unrelated; both will experience the same air pressure due to their closeness.