Which GPU radiator fans push or pull for better cooling?
Which GPU radiator fans push or pull for better cooling?
I'm setting up a new rig using an Nzxt G12 water cooled Titan XP Sli with 2 krekan X41 140" Radiators. I'm considering placing the fans either between two fans facing out from the case rear in push-pull arrangement, or inward facing into the case for better airflow. Also, I'm curious if using a fan sandwich improves performance since some people think it does. Please let me know your thoughts.
USAFRet :
In short, there isn't a completely certain solution either way.
It depends on your gear and situation.
I understand someone shared a YouTube clip about the pull method rather than push, but their point was about dust building up between the radiators and airflow.
That makes sense.
Usually, fans that push air through the radiator are better.
Using front intake or top exhaust works too.
This way, any dust tends to stick on the fan blades instead of the fins.
And the fans are simpler to maintain—just take them out when needed.
I own two 1080ti's with water cooling and both are running on push/pull (sandwhich). However, I’m not sure it will make a difference. Your Titans should be operating well below the thermal throttle, even if you save just a few degrees. My temperatures never exceed 50C.
If your CPU has an air cooler, consider directing airflow out of the case to avoid hot air reaching the cooler.
The fans you use are the main concern—bad fans will be noisy. I’ve used Corsiar ML Pro 120mm and they work well. If your setup is too loud, you might want to check them out.
Yeah, I've got my CPU watercooled with an Nzxt X62. It's not something I usually do, just not a fanboy, lol. I'm planning to add 6 140" Corsair red LED fans in the next step. Would it still matter if I try to improve airflow or cooling from the case?
Blowing out keeps the heat from warming other components inside the computer, BUT you must be sure to provide airflow to things like the VRM chips next to the CPU. This is a very common mistake with H2O systems.
The timeless issue...whether air is entering or leaving.
Some insist fans on a radiator must be blowing in, without any exceptions.
Others argue the opposite.
In truth, it depends on your specific situation.
I reviewed a graph from NZXT recently...the difference was probably just a few degrees.
when it blows in, it can raise the temperature of your motherboard
If it blows in, it will warm up your motherboard.
True. However, the opposing view suggests you're pulling in cool air from outside via the radiator...
USAFRet:
jimmyEatWord :
if it blows in, it will heat up your motherboard
True. However, the opposing view suggests you're pulling in cool air from outside through the radiator...
that might only be accurate for an extremely powerful and rapidly rotating fan, which I believe doesn't actually exist.
USAFRet:
jimmyEatWord:
if it blows in, it will heat up your motherboard
True. But the other side argues you're pulling in cool air from outside through the radiator...
That might only be accurate for a very powerful, rapidly spinning fan—which I don't think exists.
No, I meant a radiator mounted frontally with fans drawing in cool air from outside.