Improve my cooling - spec me

Benny144

Benny144

Benny144

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Joined
2 Feb 2016
Posts
321
Location
East Midlands
Ok so I've got a xigmatek Aquila case.
Hardware description in signature.
For cooling I have a OCUK All in one 240mm rad on the top of the case running two 120mm fans, a 200mm fan that came supplied in the front and and 120mm fan in the rear.
So the CPU is kept very cool by that radiator but my GPU regularly gets up to 83/84'C which is way too hot, and playing any modern games on a moderate overclocking causes it to crash after a short time.
So I've got a few options as I see it, listed them from least to most expensive as I figure it:
1) upgrade the case fans, I'm not sure how good these xigmatek fans are so maybe just getting more air passing through the case will help. What fan change would you recommend?
2) cut apart the AIO and re use the rad but with a new GPU block, CPU block, pipes, pump and reservoir. Again, what parts would you recommend?
3) run a water cool loop just for the GPU. I can fit a 120mm or 140mm rad behind the 200mm intake fan. Will the centre of the fan block too much of the rad? If not, what is the most economic way to do this?
4) a new full custom loop. So a new 240mm rad, pump, Res, CPU and GPU block. I could even add a second 120/140 rad to the front of the case all in one loop if it would help.

Thanks in advance.
 
So here's my attempt. Way way over budget so would be interested to see some more value specs.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £383.38
(includes shipping: £11.70)
​
 
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What direction is your top radiator airflow? We need to get air as close to room ambient as possible into your GPU. If we can bring the air temp into it down 10-15c, your GPU temps will come down the same amount.
 
Benny144 said:
Intake, trying to get positive pressure.
Click to expand...
I'm afraid that may be part of your GPU cooling problem. You are pre-heating the air when it goes through the radiator and that is raising the temperature of air in side the case .. the air that is going to GPU to cool it. If the air from radiator is 10-15c above room air, the GPU will also be running about 10-15c hotter. ;)

If you can turn the fan to exhaust without too much trouble, try it and see what the GPU temps change to.

Another option is monitor air temp going into GPU fans with something like this
How to monitor air temperature different places inside of case:
  • A cheap indoor/outdoor thermometer with a piece of insulated wire and a plastic clothespin works great (aquarium / terarium / fridge remote sensor thermometers too)
  • Made up with floral wire and tape. (or single strand insulated electrical wire) If sensor is metal, wrap it with tape too. We don't want anything to short out with metal. ;)
    e65759c3-fbf9-414f-9f1f-f5941d540397_zps2fe90c77.jpg
  • Clip and position sensor where we want to check the temp. Make it easy to see what the air temp going into components actually is relative to room temp. ;)
  • When system is working air temps going into coolers will be 2-3c warmer than room.. up to about 5c is okay.

Please feel free to make suggestions and/or ask questions.
Click to expand...
 
doyll said:
I'm afraid that may be part of your GPU cooling problem. You are pre-heating the air when it goes through the radiator and that is raising the temperature of air in side the case .. the air that is going to GPU to cool it. If the air from radiator is 10-15c above room air, the GPU will also be running about 10-15c hotter. ;)

If you can turn the fan to exhaust without too much trouble, try it and see what the GPU temps change to.

Another option is monitor air temp going into GPU fans with something like this
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the help, I'll give those fans a switch and see what happens. Reckon I should swap my rear 120 into an intake as well?
 
So swapping that fan direction seems to save me about 5 degree, problem is i've had instability issues so also gone back to stock clock so cant be certain the fan directino has helped or not.
 
Trying to reduce the cost... not much better.
Could save another £20 and go for the magicool pump/res which would mean i could mount both rads on the top of the PC (the bay slot is taken up by one rad) instead one on the front and one on top. But there's not ETA on the magicool pump and it looks a bit cheap.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £311.37
(includes shipping: £11.70)
​

The lowest i can figure:

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £266.86
(includes shipping: £11.10)
​

or...
My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £165.49
(includes shipping: £10.50)
​
And I've just contacted OC to find out if they'll be stocking the pre filled nano block or i need to order from EK direct.
 
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