Need a case to cool a 6950 Frozr III

blonkster · 24 Aug 2011 at 13:38

I'm building a new system (2500k based) and need a case that can keep the above card cool. It dissipates the heat inside the case, so I fancied a Nzxt Phantom, with a 200mm side fan blowing onto the GPU, rear and top fans as exhausts and an extra 140mm inlet at the front.

However, if the side fan is installed you cannot fit a tall cooler, or a H50 style watercooler as there is not enough space.

So, would the lack of the side fan make much difference to the GPU temp?

I did wonder about fitting the side fan to cool the GPU and mounting a H50 or H20 620 in the 5 1/4 drive bays. Has anyone here tried that?

I really like the look and layout of the Phantom, but if I cannot get good airflow I may have to look elsewhere - and the HAF cases are ugly!
I considered a Lancool K62, but like cases with doors and smooth lines, any other thoughts on a 'classy' looking case if the Phantom is no use?

Thanks for any advice

Blonkster

stulid · 24 Aug 2011 at 13:45

Silverstone Raven RV03 is just £119 now.

blonkster · 24 Aug 2011 at 14:27

Thanks, but don't like the gold strips and not sure how good cooling would be from reviews. I need it to have good airflow with fans on a low setting, so its nice and quiet.

stulid · 24 Aug 2011 at 14:37

blonkster said:
Thanks, but don't like the gold strips and not sure how good cooling would be from reviews. I need it to have good airflow with fans on a low setting, so its nice and quiet.

They do one with Grey trim called - SST-RV03B-WA

http://www.silverstonetek.com/raven/products/r-spec.php?model=RV03&area=en

And the cooling is the best you will realistically get, two 180mm air penetrator fans in the floor blowing straight up out the roof.

A 120mm in the roof area and plenty more fan slots about the case,

blonkster · 24 Aug 2011 at 15:08

Thanks, looks better in grey - also £20 quid cheaper elsewhere :-)

I'll go read the reviews, especially the crazy layout...

stulid · 24 Aug 2011 at 15:13

blonkster said:
I'll go read the reviews, especially the crazy layout...

Innovative

blonkster · 24 Aug 2011 at 16:18

stulid said:
Innovative

Indeed

Do you know if mounting the 6950 vertically would have any effect on the cooling capabilities of the heatpipes?

stulid · 24 Aug 2011 at 16:24

blonkster said:
Do you know if mounting the 6950 vertically would have any effect on the cooling capabilities of the heatpipes?

Interesting question

one which i have seen the answer too - http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=19855364

blonkster · 24 Aug 2011 at 16:29

Doh - I should search here before Google!

blonkster · 24 Aug 2011 at 19:41

After doing some more research it looks like the RV cases may not work well with various heatpipe style coolers, but its not obvious if the TF3 would be affected.
I've posted on the MSI site to see what they say.

It looks like I may end up with a HAF case, as it seems to work with anything you throw at it, but its ugly and I'm not sure how quiet it would be :-(