New build - Cooling layout advice

GordyR

GordyR

GordyR

Soldato
Joined
1 Dec 2003
Posts
6,506
Location
Kent
Hi all,

It's been nearly five years since I last put a build together, and I could use some advice and opinions on how best to setup my new case in terms of airflow while still considering aesthetic.

My desk layout requires that I either have my PC underneath on the floor, or on the left hand side of my two monitors, with the visible case window against the wall.

For years now my main PC has been on the floor, out of site; and I fancy a change. I would like to see the thing, and I would like to at least consider the aesthetic somewhat.

I've therefore ordered a Bequiet! Darkbase Pro 901 which is fully invertible, so that I can switch everything over and get my PC up on to my desk to the left of my monitors, with the window fully visible.

For context, here's the relevant parts of the build:
  • Ryzen 9950x
  • Asus ROG Crosshair x870e Hero
  • Corsair Dominator Titanium 96GB 7000mts
  • Old Zotac 3090 (I'm holding out for the 5090 so this is a stopgap and therefore doesn't require too much consideration)
  • CORSAIR iCUE LINK H170i LCD 420mm AIO Liquid CPU Cooler (comes with 3x QX140 fans)
  • 1x Corsair QX140 fan
  • The Bequiet! case also comes with 3 140mm Silent Wings 4 fans (which I may or may not use - since i'm going with the iCue aesthetic).

The case supports the following radiator setup:

  • Front - Up to 420mm
  • Top - Up to 360mm
  • Side - Up to 360mm

And fan support is as follows:

  • Front - 3x up to 140mm
  • Top - 3x up to 140mm
  • Side - 2x up to 120mm
  • Rear - 1x up to 140mm
  • Bottom - 1x 140mm or 3x 120mm

So, given that I've gone with a 420mm AIO, that will need to go in the front as intake and the extra QX140 fan I've bought can be the rear exhaust.

That seems like a given to me, but from here I'm not sure where to go for optimal airflow while balancing it with the Corsair iCue aesthetics that I really do like.

I have these 3 Silent Wings 4 fans that come with the case, that in the above configuration will be doing nothing. They're too big to use on the side as extra intakes, and i'm not sure whether they should go on the top as extra exhausts, given that I would like to minimise dust and if possible achieve mildly positive air pressure.

I'm more than happy to buy some more Corsair iCue fans in order to complete the look, and I was thinking 3x QX120's would look nice as extra side intakes, but I don't want to do so at the expense of a good solid airflow setup.

Basically, I'm just after some opinions from those with more experience in terms of configuring airflow than myself. With this case and these components available to you, how would you configure your fans? Would you make use of the 3x Silent Wings in some way? What about the bottom fan space? Use one of the silent wings there as it won't be visible? If so, intake or exhaust?

Would having extra top exhausts be a bad idea in terms of air pressure? Would 3 more QX120's on the side be a good decision if I perhaps ramped them down a little in order to avoid messing up the radiator intake airflow? More iCue fans on top for a total complete iCue look? I'm a little lost and the options feel a bit overwhelming.

Really, I'm looking for a decent balance of aesthetics and performance, and I don't want such a large case to feel too empty.

Anyway, all opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Something else to note, is that when the 5090 comes around, I may decide to get a second radiator for the GPU and mount it at the top.

EDIT2: I've just had a thought. I could use the 3 silent wings 4 fans the other side of the AIO radiator in a push pull configuration. And since they won't be visible inside the case (they would be pushing cold in air from behind the radiator), this might make good use of them. They are however different specs in terms of RPM etc. The Silent wings are 1100 RPM and the Corsair's are 2000. Are there any issues with this? Could I just run the pulling Corsair's at a lower RPM so that they're roughly matched or am I asking for trouble?
 
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Hi

3 x RGB 120 mm at the top and then hold fire until you get the 5090 with top mounted rad, then you could move the RGB fans from the top to the side.

I would also consider RGB or braided colour cables if you like that stuff would certainly add to the look.

Don't get overly concerned about positive and negative pressure as long as temps are fine, it ain't going to take much cleaning one every couple of months

Informative video

 
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mickyflinn said:
Hi

3 x RGB 120 mm at the top and then hold fire until you get the 5090 with top mounted rad, then you could move the RGB fans from the top to the side.

I would also consider RGB or braided colour cables if you like that stuff would certainly add to the look.

Don't get overly concerned about positive and negative pressure as long as temps are fine, it ain't going to take much cleaning one every couple of months

Informative video

Click to expand...


Thanks, much appreciated.

Perhaps you’re right and I’m procrastinating a little too much about the whole air pressure thing.

This sounds sensible to me and gives me a clear path as the upgrades come over the next twelve months or so.

Given that I’ve sold myself into the iCue ecosystem now for better or for worse, getting the cables makes sense too, and I definitely like the look; although I’ll probably just add them onto my Christmas list as people always struggle to know what to get me. It’s got to be better than socks right? :p

Thanks again, happy to hear any more views but I think you’ve probably hit the nail on the head.
 
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GordyR said:
Thanks, much appreciated.

Perhaps you’re right and I’m procrastinating a little too much about the whole air pressure thing.

This sounds sensible to me and gives me a clear path as the upgrades come over the next twelve months or so.

Given that I’ve sold myself into the iCue ecosystem now for better or for worse, getting the cables makes sense too, and I definitely like the look; although I’ll probably just add them onto my Christmas list as people always struggle to know what to get me. It’s got to be better than socks right? :p

Thanks again, happy to hear any more views but I think you’ve probably hit the nail on the head.
Click to expand...
Your welcome.

It's a work in progress.

Google Corsair RGB mite give you some ideas.

RGB Socks for you :D

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"Electronic circuit motherboard fluorescent RGB edition" Socks for Sale by angelisart

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For context, here's the relevant parts of the build:
  • Ryzen 9950x
  • Asus ROG Crosshair x870e Hero
  • Corsair Dominator Titanium 96GB 7000mts
  • Old Zotac 3090 (I'm holding out for the 5090 so this is a stopgap and therefore doesn't require too much consideration)
Click to expand...

Sick build. The motherboard and RAM are just amazing.

Expensive. But amazing.
 
GordyR said:
Thanks!

I run a software development company so I like to tell myself that I can justify it from a productivity perspective.

In truth I just like shiny things and it’s been a while since I’ve splurged. :D
Click to expand...
I’d do the same if my the computer I used could directly improve my productivity by reducing code compilation or rendering or increase multitasking.

Linus Torvald runs a completely silent Threadripper setup with a ton of ECC ram and really high end components to make the development of the Linux kernel faster by speeding up compilation.

I would buy a more expensive 2 DIMM overclocking focused motherboard if I could (Unify-X, Tachyon, Apex, etc) because they are so cool.

Edit: oh good gravy, they make an Apex Encore. ~£650. If I were a rich man..
 
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JollyJamma said:
Edit: oh good gravy, they make an Apex Encore. ~£650. If I were a rich man..
Click to expand...

I was very close to waiting a bit and switching back to intel for Arrow lake. If I had done, the z890 version of the Apex encore likely would have been my board of choice; she’ll be a beauty I’m sure.

But for my line of work the 9950x, especially now that they’ve fixed the latency and upped the TDP a little, is just a perfect fit. Gaming is a secondary concern for me so the x3D when it arrives wouldn’t be worthwhile.

I guess if intel pull something special out of the bag with Arrow lake I can always sell the CPU and motherboard and make the switch then.
 
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mickyflinn said:
When's Build day I'm excited ?
Click to expand...

Just waiting on the RAM. Should hopefully arrive by Wednesday.

It’s torture having these sat on my windowsill on a Saturday, with no way to make use of them. :(


IMG-8961.jpg
 
mickyflinn said:
Now I'm also scared I've just noticed liquid metal be careful on those expensive parts.
Click to expand...

It’ll be fine… At least I won’t be lapping the CPU as I used to. ;)

mickyflinn said:
Have you seen the thermal grizzly kryosheets ?
Click to expand...

Actually no I hadn’t! I’ve just checked out the reviews and they seem fantastic. I might have to have a rethink.
 
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From experience, I wouldn't recommend Corsair fans, ICUE is not a great piece of software, I recently changed all mine out for Lian-Li UNIs which I found to be a much better system for both installation and aesthetics, the LCD ones are nice as well if that's your thing.
 
Lord-Jaffa said:
From experience, I wouldn't recommend Corsair fans, ICUE is not a great piece of software, I recently changed all mine out for Lian-Li UNIs which I found to be a much better system for both installation and aesthetics, the LCD ones are nice as well if that's your thing.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I’m more than aware that there are far better fans out there. But this build for me is all about a balance of performance and aesthetics, and I really do like the look.

I’m sold on the iCue stuff, as daft as it may be.
 
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