Antec Sonata II: Air Duct Compatible with XP-90?

[TheJollyFellow]

Because it's on sale at NewEgg right now, I want to order one, but according to this site: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/217/3/, he was unable to use a XP-90C with it. I know the Copper version is exactly the same size as the Al version, but has anyone else has problems with either one? EDIT: WITHOUT Ditching the duct....
Thanks,
natewildes

 

[TheJollyFellow]

EDIT: WITHOUT Ditching the duct....

 

[InlineFour]

i've read the duct does more harm than it helps.

 

[Skyhanger]

I have the Sonata II and I say: DITCH THE DUCT.
It does more harm than good (screws w/ your cooling).

Whoever thought cpu ducts are a cool idea obviously didn't try testing it out throughly...

 

[gfngfgf]

I was not able to fit the duct with my XP-90 with the fan on. I suppose it might work if you don't attach the fan to the XP-90 (instead screw it into the opening on the air duct), but as others have said, I really don't think the air duct does much good.

 

[Unkno]

most of the time, the duct is useless. it depends on what components and fans you have in your case and your environment. every person's setup would be different and it's hard to tell whether the duct is useful for one particular setup or not. IMO, if you have time to kill, try with and without the duct. OR, just get rid of the duct if your lazy.

 

[humanure]

i built a system with this case, and tried it with and without the duct. with the duct installed, my temps went up by 10 degrees, it just interferes with the rear fan too much. other than that though, i am very happy with this case.


polite semi

 

[RalfHutter]

Re: the Sonata II Duct.

My usual advice is to try it yourself, but in this case, I'd definitely tell you to skip it altogether. I tried and tried, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get anything but warmer temps in the Sonata II system that I was using. Seems like everyone else is in the same boat.