Extra Rad, which one and how much temp drop

sellw88 · 19 Jun 2014 at 17:36

Hello All,

After a weekend of gaming at a rather warm LAN event, I am after some advice.

Issue:
When gaming, my pc ended up rather warm (65 degrees or so), and I have reason to believe my fluid was around that temperature too (judging by how hot my tubing, fittings and rads were).

I am currently running my CPU (4770k stock) and GPU (OC'd to max in catalyst (1125/1575?)) on the following rads:
XSPC RS120 & black ice GTS240

Now, the easiest root I can see in my case setup is to remove the 120 which seems rather low FPI, and replace it with a higher density 240mm rad (XSPC EX240 or another GTS240)

How much of a temp drop would I see in doing this, and which of the two rads is recommended?

Unfortunately I can in no way get a 360 to fit without loosing all of my hard drives

Any advice would be appreciated

Jokester · 19 Jun 2014 at 17:38

Adding what is effectively another 120mm isn't going to give you much, maybe 2-3degC cooler.

Uncle Petey · 19 Jun 2014 at 17:38

Possible to get a pic of your setup?

Ploppy2k3 · 19 Jun 2014 at 18:00

if you have no room have you though about externally mounted rads?

you really need 1x120 minimum per GPU or CPU but if you intend to run at LAN parties you should go to 240 for the CPU and GPU as they ar ebeing hammered.

people shy away from externally mounted stuff but if its out the way on the back its not visable anyway and has better cooling then internally mounted with stock fans etc

sellw88 · 19 Jun 2014 at 18:26

Please excuse the terrible diagram:

Would it only be 2-3 degrees cooler as it is an added 120 with a lot more fin density?

Ploppy2k3 - with the added rad i would be at the '240' each for the CPU and GPU. I would not be willing to go external as i have just set this loop up in its current state... adding a rad would be simple - but im wondering if the cost ~£40 can be justified by the drop in temp i want

Uncle Petey · 19 Jun 2014 at 18:29

Tbh, 360mm should cover your needs adequately enough. I have a suspicion that your case airflow restriction along with the sweatbox conditions of a LAN event is the real problem here

Getting a slightly higher density rad won't make much difference.

Kipz · 20 Jun 2014 at 00:01

Can you not move to roof rad a little more towards the front of the case, move the 120 in the front to the rear exhaust port and then get another 240 rad for the front. That way instead of just adding 120 space to your loop you're adding 240.

I have a H440 and have managed to shove a 120 and 280 up front and a 240 in the roof.