• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Closed loop and fan recommendations

Gunslinger08

Gunslinger08

Lifer
Looking to upgrade the cooling in my PC a little bit for quieter operation and hopefully lower temps. The reason I'm working on this is that I'm considering upgrading from my Radeon 6950 to a 7970 or GTX 680 with a custom cooler that will dump heat into the case instead of out the back. My temps aren't crazy right now:
CPU: Anywhere from 32 to 43 while in Dota 2. Core 3 always seems 4-5 degrees warmer.
GPU: 66 while in Dota 2.

I have an Antec P183 with just the 2 included tri-cool fans at the back and top right now. I'd like to at least replace the fans with something better and stick fans into the 2 (currently empty) front slots. What are the best quiet, but high performance 120mm fans? I'll need at least 4 of them.

For my heatsink, I have the Scythe Mugen 3 sitting on top of my 2500k, with the default fan. Unfortunately, the height of my RAM prevented me from setting it up in a push orientation, so it's pulling air through the heatsink into the rear case fan that's probably an inch away. I'd consider replacing this with one of the simple closed loop systems if you think it's worthwhile.

I probably won't overclock, but I'd consider it and it would be nice to have some headroom. I used to be big into it, but now I've gotten to the point where I just want stuff to work during the few hours I have to play games. I started playing with the 2500k when I first got it, but ended up reverting to stock.
 
Last edited:
How quiet and how high performance? If you are currently using tri-cools, do you consider low, medium or high to be quiet enough?
 
The temps look fine but if you insist on upgrading anyway, get the Corsair H80 as that is the only AIO watercooling unit that would fit in that case. It should be set in the orientation of sucking air from the back and exhausting the air into the case, that should solve the problem you've mentioned with the new GPU dumping hot air into the case. Top fan should be exhaust.

Good fans could be any decently priced fans, probably a Scythe GT would fit the bill. A cheap Aerocool Shark does the job just as well for its given price.
 
dma0991 said:
The temps look fine but if you insist on upgrading anyway, get the Corsair H80 as that is the only AIO watercooling unit that would fit in that case. It should be set in the orientation of sucking air from the back and exhausting the air into the case, that should solve the problem you've mentioned with the new GPU dumping hot air into the case. Top fan should be exhaust.

Good fans could be any decently priced fans, probably a Scythe GT would fit the bill. A cheap Aerocool Shark does the job just as well for its given price.
Click to expand...

If you do this, I would recommend buying an air filter. The entire point of the P183 is that it is filtered and if you pull air from the back, you'd be bypassing the intake filters.

The H80 is fine... but the built-in fan controller is not quiet at all, IMO. Even on low. If you go the H80 route, don't plug the fans into the H80. Buy a fan controller and control the fans that way. Get a good fan with high static pressure (Scythe Gentle Typhoons, Corsair SP120).

To be honest, you could just set the H80 to pull from the case and exhaust out the back. You'll keep the proper airflow in the case and your temperatures won't be outrageous.
 
Are you planning on buying one of those WC kits?
My experience is that without a fairly large water volume or high CFM fans over a good radiator, water cooling isn't worth the effort or cost.
 
Last edited:
joshsquall said:
Any 120mm case fan suggestions? Cougar fans on Newegg seem to be a good value if the reviews are correct.
Click to expand...

Corsair Air Series are amazing. If you want the fans specifically to push air through the radiator, I suggest getting as high a static pressure rating as possible, so these would be best. The cougars you suggest are decent, but I would not recommend them for rads.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top