- Aug 26, 2010
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I just upgraded to a i7 13700K and a RTX 4090, and I am reusing my previous build's NZXT Phantom 530 case, simply because it’s spacious, has good air flow and didn’t feel like changing it for no reason. I have replaced old fans, and added more, but now I have a concern about the airflow.

The thing is, given the size of the GPU, I think the current setup is creating an isolating effect for the CPU cooler.
I am using my previous build’s Noctua NH-D15, with two fans.
This is the case fan setup as it is now:
a. 1x 200mm front intake (NZXT)
b. 2x 120mm bottom intake (Corsair ML 120)
c. 1x 140mm rear exhaust (Noctua)
d. 1x 140mm top exhaust (Noctua)

(Forgive the cable mess. Partly because it’s just built, but also the 12VHPWR adaptor and PCI-E cables will have to be dangling in the open until I can get a Seasonic ATX 3.0).
Now look at the size of the GPU and the position of the top drive cage of the case. That drive cage in not removable, and given the front panel design, there is no opening or place to put a fan on the upper front (and the top of the front panel is closed anyway).
Air flow from the front 200mm intake is below the plane of the GPU. There is an overlap between the GPU end and the cage on the Y axis, so the airflow from the 120mm bottom intakes will not easily make its way to the upper area of the case. If I put my hand near the cooler intake fan, I can’t feel any real airflow there.
I am concerned that this will starve the CPU cooler for fresh air once I put all the panels back on. Even more of a concern given how hot the 13th gen runs, and its boost tied to the temps.
So I am thinking of putting a 140mm Noctua fan on the top, towards the front, for intake. This will blow air directly to the CPU cooler intake far from the outside.
Now my concern is what this will do to the overall airflow in the case. While the CPU heat has a path to flow out the case thanks to the rear 140mm fan being positioned right next to the cooler fin stack, the heat from the GPU will be dumped into the case, needing good airflow to remove it.
If I add the 140mm top intake in that position, it should alleviate the CPU cooler being starved for air, but I am concerned that it will create an opposing airflow i.e. the bottom 120mm intakes are moving air into the case flowing towards the top, helped along with the 200mm, where it flows over the components and is currently exhausted by the rear and top.
If I add a top intake, towards the front, it will move air downwards. CPU cooler get fed enough air, but could this now cause a problem with the airflow, so that the hotter air inside, mainly the GPU heat being dumped inside the case, might find it difficult to move out?

The thing is, given the size of the GPU, I think the current setup is creating an isolating effect for the CPU cooler.
I am using my previous build’s Noctua NH-D15, with two fans.
This is the case fan setup as it is now:
a. 1x 200mm front intake (NZXT)
b. 2x 120mm bottom intake (Corsair ML 120)
c. 1x 140mm rear exhaust (Noctua)
d. 1x 140mm top exhaust (Noctua)

(Forgive the cable mess. Partly because it’s just built, but also the 12VHPWR adaptor and PCI-E cables will have to be dangling in the open until I can get a Seasonic ATX 3.0).
Now look at the size of the GPU and the position of the top drive cage of the case. That drive cage in not removable, and given the front panel design, there is no opening or place to put a fan on the upper front (and the top of the front panel is closed anyway).
Air flow from the front 200mm intake is below the plane of the GPU. There is an overlap between the GPU end and the cage on the Y axis, so the airflow from the 120mm bottom intakes will not easily make its way to the upper area of the case. If I put my hand near the cooler intake fan, I can’t feel any real airflow there.
I am concerned that this will starve the CPU cooler for fresh air once I put all the panels back on. Even more of a concern given how hot the 13th gen runs, and its boost tied to the temps.
So I am thinking of putting a 140mm Noctua fan on the top, towards the front, for intake. This will blow air directly to the CPU cooler intake far from the outside.

Now my concern is what this will do to the overall airflow in the case. While the CPU heat has a path to flow out the case thanks to the rear 140mm fan being positioned right next to the cooler fin stack, the heat from the GPU will be dumped into the case, needing good airflow to remove it.
If I add the 140mm top intake in that position, it should alleviate the CPU cooler being starved for air, but I am concerned that it will create an opposing airflow i.e. the bottom 120mm intakes are moving air into the case flowing towards the top, helped along with the 200mm, where it flows over the components and is currently exhausted by the rear and top.
If I add a top intake, towards the front, it will move air downwards. CPU cooler get fed enough air, but could this now cause a problem with the airflow, so that the hotter air inside, mainly the GPU heat being dumped inside the case, might find it difficult to move out?