Push - pull?

eddyc · 4 Mar 2011 at 13:29

Has anyone got any advice for push - pull configurations on coolers?

I am currently using an Apache on my Baram, pushing air through the cooler. I am hoping to knock some temps off to give me a bit more OCing headroom.

Should I:

1. Leave it as it is (because it wont make much difference?)
2. Buy another apache to pull
3. Buy a viper to pull (or i could swap them and have it pushing)
4. Buy 2 vipers and sell the apache
5. Other

Also would there be any trouble running 2 PWM fans off the same mobo header (with a Y cable). Am I likely to damage the header? I am currently running 2 3-pin case fans off my other header, that seems to be jogging on fine but I guess they are rather lower powered.

eddyc · 4 Mar 2011 at 14:37

Really? I had no idea that pull was better than push. Thats really good to know.

So all those coolers that come with the fans pre-attached for pushing have got it wrong. I reckon I will move my trusty apache to pull and see how that goes. Then maybe I'll buy another apache.

I am not too bothered by load noise (within reason!) but I really am bothered by idle noise. I guess I'll just need to have a play around and see what can be done.

eddyc · 4 Mar 2011 at 15:46

Does anyone know if there are any problems running push pull with fans that are not the same?

If I bought a viper and did push-pull with my apache would I be losing out / creating air flow problems?

eddyc · 4 Mar 2011 at 15:57

The Asgard said:
That's the key have a play around. Remember just because your temps are 2'c lower doesn't mean you will get a better overclock. For me it's all about balancing the noise against performance. Does the extra 100 MHz and additional voltage and noise make a real world difference?

Very true. I am hoping to get a better overclock (currently temp limited) but 2*C would probably not make a real difference, especially as I can fully expect the temps in my room to increase by a lot more than that when we hit spring / summer. Winter is never really the best time for stress testing :rolleyes:

eddyc · 4 Mar 2011 at 16:30

Simon42 said:
One thing I would avoid is mixing different fan models even if they are the same speed and very similar specification. I've tested this a couple of times and also used two matching fans but varied one fans speed from the other and it increased the noise.

Due to unmatching vibrations or something? Interesting. Okay, if I do decide to go for push/pull I will either get another apache or jump to 2 vipers.

Thanks for the advice.

eddyc · 5 Mar 2011 at 12:11

Cheers for that. I had forgotten that they existed. Out of stock though. No rush though. Am going to have a play around with configurations of my existing set up before I buy anything new.