AIO Position Advise Needed Please

nialliscott · 29 Apr 2017 at 21:05

Hello,

I have ordered my first AIO which is a NZXT Kraken x62 (it comes with 2x 140mm fans) and I am trying to work out where to fit it within my case, I have been doing a lot of research but it does not seem cut an dry. I have a Phantek Ethoo Evolv case which comes with 3x140mm fans and I have an Asus z270e motherboard to control the fans.

I think there are 3 options:

1) Kraken in the front as an intake with 2 case fans in the top and one at the back all acting as exhausts, I would need to manage the speed of the exhaust fans to try to maintain a positive pressure (I think that is correct).

2) 2 case fans in the front as intake and 1 case fan at the back as exhaust, the Kraken in the top acting as an exhaust (pulling air from within the case). Again I would have to control the internal air pressure with fan speed.

3) 2 case fans in the front as intake and 1 case fan at the back as exhaust, the Kraken in the top acting as an intake (pulling air from outside the case). I think positive air pressure would be easier.

Am I heading in the right direction or have I missed something? I am looking for some advice about where to start with it? I am looking for a 5Ghz overclock on a 7700k (silicon lottery allowing) so I think that heat could be an issue.

Many thanks for any help offered.
Niall

spolsh · 29 Apr 2017 at 23:01

If you use the kraken as an intake, you're bringing warm air into the case. Using it at the top as an exhaust is probably the "best" way.

Mickcas · 30 Apr 2017 at 01:18

To be honest i run a kraken x52 (240 version) and have tried both front intake and top exhaust and saw very little difference, CPU temps pretty much the same, GPU temps about 1-2c lower with top exhaust. Not enough to make one much better than the other. I'd go with most convenient, mines currently as intake but I'll be switching out to top exhaust once i decide on which front intake fans to go for for more positive air pressure.

doyll · 30 Apr 2017 at 10:58

The top venting of Evolv ATX is not great, but if you block all unused openings in the fan / radiator mounting tray is works pretty well with top exhaust. The advantage is front intakes can then supply cooler air to GPU. I suggest back filtered intake.

gbgt2 · 30 Apr 2017 at 14:59

Yes number 2) is how I have mine setup and it works fine. I've also blocked all unused openings in the fan / radiator mounting tray and moved the front panel out slightly to leave a bigger gap for the front fans to pull air in. Not sure these mods make a huge difference but every bit helps. A vented top panel would help a lot I think with a top mounted rad and I plan to get one.

varkanoid · 2 May 2017 at 10:07

I have the Kraken X41 (1 x 140mm) and I have it as a front intake but thats because my bottom 140mm fan and side 140mm fan also bring in cool air. If you can get it on the front IMHO its definitely the way to go in my experience. Cooling the GPU is more important than cooling the CPU and it helps greatly if you have other cool air intakes. I can see from the pics you dont have a side fan but you will probably find as others have said there will only be a 1-2c difference. Dont forget its a double edged sword. On intake your GPU gets cool air but CPU gets slightly warm air. However if you have it as top exhaust you not only get warm ambient air blowing onto the RAD but potentially heat rising from the CPU and GPU.

Horses for courses do whatever you feel is best dont read too much into it as everyone's case is different. I would also recommend a good fan controller with temp sensors as its an excellent way of monitoring what your fans/temps are.

What do you use to cool your CPU?