Fan Setup

XBloodyR · 12 Aug 2021 at 08:42

So I just bought myself a Lian Li Lancool 2 Mesh RGB which is supposed to be one of the best, if not the best airflow cases out there.
I intend on keeping the 3x front RGB fans as they are and additionally I have 4x Bitfenix Spectre Pro 120mm which also kinda fit with the white color of the case.
Also I could potentially use a worse stock fan on the rear of my current case the Bitfenix Aurora, but I am leaning towards not doing that, because more fans is not always better.
So far I think the best setup for the 4 Spectre Pro fans might be, 1x rear(exhaust), 2x top(exhaust) and 1x bottom above PSU(intake). This should give me positive pressure and also great temps for the GPU.
Now the real question for me is if it makes sense to actually place another intake fan at the bottom above the PSU, I feel like it might throw of the balance too much or not show any effect at all.
I've been finding a lot of videos testing fan setups but none seem to have bottom fan setups. Usually the conclusion is that 2-3 front fans as intake and 1 rear 1-2 top as exhaust is the best with the 3rd bottom fan also being amazing for the GPU temps.

Jay85 · 12 Aug 2021 at 09:56

Generally if you have more intakes than exhaust that will give you positive pressure in the case. Obviously location matters but having the 3 upfront, 1 at the bottom and 3 for exhausts should give you the same effect as your intakes outnumber your exhausts.

Always best to try it and see what temps it gives you, alter if needed. Trial and error is whats needed as not only different fans will produce different results but fan speeds as well.

XBloodyR · 12 Aug 2021 at 10:06

Jay85 said:
Generally if you have more intakes than exhaust that will give you positive pressure in the case. Obviously location matters but having the 3 upfront, 1 at the bottom and 3 for exhausts should give you the same effect as your intakes outnumber your exhausts.

Always best to try it and see what temps it gives you, alter if needed. Trial and error is whats needed as not only different fans will produce different results but fan speeds as well.

I find it kinda difficult to test these types of things personally, because there is so many outside factors that would mess with the testing especially because the difference should be miniscule in the first place. But I guess there is not other way.

doyll · 12 Aug 2021 at 13:21

Indeed, it's very hard to test these things. I use 2, sometimes 3 cheap indoor/outdoor digital thermometers with wired remote sensors and set sensors an inch away center of component cooler fan/s to monitor air temp entering coolers at different loads and fan speeds. Then I adjust fan speed curves so case fans move enough air to supply coolers with coolest air. Once fan curves are synced well enough to keep air temp entering coolers less than 3c warmer than room when both CPU & GPU are under heavy load I call it good. Link below is basics of case airflow and image of cheap indoor/outdoor thermometer:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/forums/posts/30354296/