Passive watercooled pc (not under load)

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Hi,

quick question, would i be able to run the fans on my radiator off when the computer is idle? (currently 3 140mm exhausting out the top). in idle my temps are under 30 degrees most the time, for web browsing etc.

so would it be okay to run the fans off and then power up as temp goes up? as asus ai suite doesn't have this option.

i have hardware labs 420mm rad in there with a ek CPU block and pump combo with a D5. using 13mm/19mm tubing.

i intend on adding my hardware labs 280mm rad and my 2 7970 blocks, just haven't had enough time.

so my question could apply to both my current and future situation differently.

other fans 2 bottom 140mm intakes thats it, i have the option to run these on/off in ai suite on a temp graph which is basically what i want for the cpu as i prefer positive air pressure.

otherspecs may be important?
3770k
asus maximus v formula
7970 cf
nzxt 810

Thanks in advance
 
Depending on your setup you might find the pump noise is more of an issue than the fan noise (when fans are already at low speeds).
 
In theory - Yes

But it is not recommended as passive cooling radiators will result in unstable temperature of the fluid...

Reference:
http://martinsliquidlab.org/2012/02/04/passive-0-rpm-fans-radiator-test/

exactly the answer I was looking for, sounds like I will just need to wait for my ideal 140mm fan.

Depending on your setup you might find the pump noise is more of an issue than the fan noise (when fans are already at low speeds).

pumps not an issue for me runs 2000rpm silent and is mounted on sugru, as are my harddrives, great for soundproofing.
 
May I ask why? I wanted to do this a long time ago (and achieved it via Zalman Reserators) however I found it to be pointless as the performance difference gained by using inaudible fans was significant.
 
I've be using passive and semi passive loops for years (even on OC'ed cpu/gpu's that were folding 24/7) without any issues with excessive heat.
Reserators, Cape Corra, Konvekt-o-Matic, radient pannels etc
BUT if going for a passive build you need to pick cool running hardware AND have a roof or external rad.

That said of all the loops I've build - semi passive is by far the best.
As ubersonic said the use of even a single fan running at 7v give a massive cooling boost - an allows the use of low FPI rads.

I should note that the OP has 3 other fans in his case.
The two intakes and PSU fan, he is not looking to build a silent pc (just a quite one)
If you block up all the air gaps in the case so that the the rad (roof mounted) is the only way air can escape from the case.
And psu is on it's own air path.
You have your own semi-passive loop.

Or just run all your fans at 5-7v. If they are half decent they will just become white noise and you will not hear them durring the day.
I would not run CF'ed 7970 on an internal semi passive loop - forced airflow through the rad will be needed
 
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