Zalman S3 Tower

Nisar Khan · 25 Aug 2019 at 08:07

Hi folks I'm doing a new build using the Zalman S3 case. The issue I have is I can't get the power leads through to my msi B450 Tomahawk motherboard. I'm using a Formula Gold 550W psu which is at the botton of the case and when I add my RX580 I'm concerned about where the 2 fans on the RX580 will blow out any heat generated.

an0nym0us · 25 Aug 2019 at 08:33

There should be space on this side of the case to route the EPS and 24pin cables:

If the cables are too short, you can look into getting cable extensions.

Nisar Khan · 25 Aug 2019 at 10:10

Thank you Hitman for your reply. The EPS & 24 pin can get through but the motherboard covers 4 of the 6 cable cut outs so after pushing through the eps & 24 pin cables I can't seem to get any more through.
I also have an issue with RX580 the way it is installed requires the 2 fans to be facing down towards the psu , I am concerned about the gpu overheating because I can't see where all its hot air is going to be vented out.
Maybe I'm looking at it all wrong but I don't think the S3 hasn't been thought out well.

an0nym0us · 25 Aug 2019 at 13:21

Have you tried taking the motherboard out and passing the cables through before installing the motherboard?

I've never used this case before, so I'm just guessing by looking at pictures, but it looks like there should be enough space. Might need to temporarily tie some of the cables to keep them out of the way to enable you to install the motherboard.

pastymuncher · 25 Aug 2019 at 13:46

With regards to the gpu temps you could remove all of the pci blanking plates to improve ventilation in that part of the case. Install the psu with the fan facing down so it draws air through it from under the case. If the temps get too much you could always add a fan or two in the roof. I would have two fans in the front as intakes, maybe three if you want to make sure the hdd's have some air flowing across them and one (or two depending on temps) in the roof set to extract air. Just a single rear exhaust fan isn't going to be enough. For the gpu cables can't you route them through one of the three horizontal slots towards the front?

Nisar Khan · 25 Aug 2019 at 14:07

Hello Man Of Honour & an0nym0us
Thanks for the advice re the extra fans & I try as you suggest put the cables through prior to installing the motherboard. Man Of Honour the motherboard covers the 3 horizontal slots so i'm buggered there.

pastymuncher · 25 Aug 2019 at 20:17

It's pastymuncher, MoH was a award I was given on here a couple of years ago.

I think you misunderstood where I mean. I meant the horizontal slots above the S3 in the image above. The motherboard only comes as far as that step before the panel with the horizontal cable cutouts are so you should be fine routing the cable for the gpu through one of those.