3 fan vs. 4 fans rads

[dawp]

I was wondering if there really is much of a difference between the 2 versions of the same radiator. I keep flipping between a black ice sr1 360 and 480. currently just have the cpu liquid cooled but plan on adding my 4870x2 in the near future.

 

[Kenmitch]

The diff is the amount of heat the rad can dissipate. If you plan on just running a single loop you may be better off just going with the 480 as long as it'll fit. I guess it would depend on your stradegy for water cooling....As in more quiet, better temps, overclocking headroom etc.

 

[dawp]

I can fit a 480 on top, tho I will have to relocate the external port to do it.

 

[Kenmitch]

I can fit a 480 on top, tho I will have to relocate the external port to do it.

Which case do you have? Dual rad possible?

I'm running a single loop CPU/GPU with a XSPC RX240 rad top mounted and what would be similar to a RX120 rear mounted in my HAF 932 rig. My 5850 is oc'd to 1000/1300. Gotta update sig as I switched to a 2500k at 4.6ghz. My temps dependant on ambient temp and how long the rig is on are very low. GPU stressed in 40's CPU stressed hard is in the 50's. If I was to do it again I think I'd get the RX360 for the upper rad. My goal was combo of noise and oc headroom.

 

[aigomorla]

the extra 120 will translate into less rpm fans for same cooling potential.

If you dont mind the noise, use whatever is easier for you to handle.

 

[dawp]

Which case do you have? Dual rad possible?

I'm running a single loop CPU/GPU with a XSPC RX240 rad top mounted and what would be similar to a RX120 rear mounted in my HAF 932 rig. My 5850 is oc'd to 1000/1300. Gotta update sig as I switched to a 2500k at 4.6ghz. My temps dependant on ambient temp and how long the rig is on are very low. GPU stressed in 40's CPU stressed hard is in the 50's. If I was to do it again I think I'd get the RX360 for the upper rad. My goal was combo of noise and oc headroom.

I have a rocketfish full tower made by Lian Li, I currently have a 120 on my back exhaust in a push/pull arrangement. I'll have to mod so I can mount a top rad but I've done that before on another case.

 

[mazeroth]

Any reason why you're not going with a better video card? Since you're going to be shelling out some dough to get that 4870x2 on water why not sell it and spend a few more bucks for a much nicer card? The newer 6xxx series run much cooler and are just much better cards.

 

[CFP]

Supposing you fully saturate the heat dissipation capacity of a 3 fan rad, the amount of extra heat you can dissipate by going to a 4 fan rad will be nearly linearly proportional.

As in, say for EXAMPLE, 3 fan rad dissipated 150w. A 4 fan rad will dissipate 200w.

Roughly.

 

[dawp]

Any reason why you're not going with a better video card? Since you're going to be shelling out some dough to get that 4870x2 on water why not sell it and spend a few more bucks for a much nicer card? The newer 6xxx series run much cooler and are just much better cards.

the hd4870x2 does everything I need it to. when I do LC it, i will be using universal blocks that can be moved to the next card(s) I get. I already have the swiftech heatsink for the card so I just need the blocks and a bigger radiator.

this is the one I plan on getting