AF Push/Pull vs SP Push

TheNoviceModder · 7 Feb 2015 at 18:57

So it's a simple question: 6x Corsair AF140's on a 420 rad in push/pull config, vs 4x Corsair SP120's on a 480 rad in a push config.

Which will do a better cooling job and which will be the quieter setup (if both set to the same rpm's)?

NMBlack · 7 Feb 2015 at 20:41

SP120 for rads....you need static pressure to push the air through the rad and will give you better cooling. AF fans are good for airflow through the case if you haven't got obstructions. Both will be as noisy as each other depending on the speed you set them to.

SAFry · 8 Feb 2015 at 16:13

I always thought you wanted SP for push and AF for pull or unimpeded intakes or exhausts. Static pressure being when you are blowing up against something close.

But what I was going to say was I have push/pull and full manual control of my fans, push is definitely louder than pull but is more effective at cooling. So in quiet mode I have pull at 66%, push at 33% and it's pretty much silent. The push fans blowing right into the rad grills is the noisiest part of the system so keep them under control if you want quiet.

TheNoviceModder · 8 Feb 2015 at 19:33

NMBlack said:
SP120 for rads....you need static pressure to push the air through the rad and will give you better cooling. AF fans are good for airflow through the case if you haven't got obstructions. Both will be as noisy as each other depending on the speed you set them to.

SAFry said:
I always thought you wanted SP for push and AF for pull or unimpeded intakes or exhausts. Static pressure being when you are blowing up against something close.

But what I was going to say was I have push/pull and full manual control of my fans, push is definitely louder than pull but is more effective at cooling. So in quiet mode I have pull at 66%, push at 33% and it's pretty much silent. The push fans blowing right into the rad grills is the noisiest part of the system so keep them under control if you want quiet.

I know the difference between AF & SP & what they're each designed for. I just wondered if having 6 AF140's in push/pull would be the same as having 4 SP120's in just push. Or if they'd be better or worse.

SAFry · 9 Feb 2015 at 18:09

I would guess, the 4 in push on a big rad would be more effective but slightly louder at high speeds.

TheNoviceModder · 9 Feb 2015 at 18:20

Okay, thanks

SAFry · 9 Feb 2015 at 18:53

Only my guess! Love to experiment if I had the cash.

But anyway, if you wanted to upgrade later you could get another 4 AF for the pulls on the other side. If you want quiet I say pull is the way to go.

You must have something pretty big planned, I have an AMD FX-6350 OCed to 4.2GHz with a cheap h55, one 120mm push, one pull. Web browsing it goes down to like 10C. I have an alarm set to go off at 75C, it's never gone off..

TheNoviceModder · 9 Feb 2015 at 19:06

Yeah, might just go push/pull with both SP & AF. I do indeed have something big planned. Got a build log if you're interested titled Project: Molten Gold. Currently got my Intel 4820k at 3.8GHz (not OC'd yet) being cooled with a H100i.