What is the optimal cooling for this unusual layout?

[essdeeay]

I'm just building my computer after buying the parts separately. However, the CPU cooler (Dark Rock 4) is massive, and sort of obstructs the air flow (see pictures).

The default fan layout of the case (Bitfenix Prodigy M), has 1 x 120mm fan on the bottom (drawing air in) and 1 x 120mm fan on the back, pushing air out.

The graphics card (I believe) will be drawing air in from the top and pushing it out of the vents where the display ports are.

The question is what to do with the CPU cooler fan? Assuming it's best for the fan to be BLOWING across the fins, rather than drawing through, is it best to put the fan on the other side of the cooler?

Many thanks,
Steve

 

[EsaT]

Better to turn cooler to draw air from direction of PSU to igve fan more breathing room.
Fan having no breathing room is the worst option.

And make that bottom fan intake.
Coolest air inside case is at bottom and there's little sense to exhaust that.
Also that graphics card only keeps messing its heat inside the case and case fans have to create airflow through case to remove that heat.

 

[essdeeay]

Thanks EsaT... I couldn't work out why the cooler was that way, then discovered I could change the bracket config attaching it to the motherboard - DUH!

It's all built and working now, thank you - I'll post some pictures later on. I will say, however, that the BitFenix Prodigy M case is not very easy to work with (mATX board + massive cooler).

Cheers