Computer on Stilts?

sneakysnail · 26 Sep 2015 at 21:57

So I have a my 290x connected to a dual 120mm Rad that I currently have 3 potential mounting positions for. i can mount it vertically close to the front of the case where the 2 case intake fans blow directly onto, or I can mount it into the bottom of the case as an intake. Or potentially on the side window but meh

Mounting the rad in the bottom of the case is also problematic because it blows the hot air out of the rad up onto part of the 290x and more importantly right at the intake fan that blows air onto the VRM heatsinks. With it laying on the bottom of the case VRM temps have got to around 100C during intense gaming sessions. my new EK Vardar ff5-120's that I'll be mounting soon might increase those temps during load though.

So how much clearance do I need at the bottom of the case for fans to work effectively? and what's the best way to gain that clearance? are there longer stilt like feet that I can find? haven't had any luck so far. Ideally I'd like to mount the rad vertically near the intake and raise the case up and mount some more intake on the bottom so I still have positive air pressure.

mickyflinn · 26 Sep 2015 at 22:18

Front of the case mount rad and fans blowing out the front, top rad blowing up, rear, bottom and side all intake.

sneakysnail · 26 Sep 2015 at 22:36

mickyflinn said:
Front of the case mount rad and fans blowing out the front, top rad blowing up, rear, bottom and side all intake.

considered that also, need to get that bottom intake air flow sorted first though and then some more fans otherwise I'm going to have negative pressure. Also means running 11 case fans :eek:

mickyflinn · 26 Sep 2015 at 22:54

Wow 11 case fans , take off the side panel lol.

Mr Evil · 27 Sep 2015 at 00:44

The case doesn't need to be very high for cooling purposes; as long as the total area of the gap under the case is large compared to the area of the fan, it won't restrict airflow significantly.

A bigger problem with bottom mounted intake fans is that they suck in dust. I mounted a computer on a stand for this reason:

Threepwood · 27 Sep 2015 at 08:50

Front mount the rad. Maintain Positive pressure with side panel fans blowing in.

The PC needs as much clearance as the feet on the bottom of the case gives. Sit a piece of wood on the carpet (I presume this is why you are worried) and sit the PC on that bit of wood, job done.