cost effective setup for better and quiter cooling?

[Wigwam]

Hi, i am looking to make some changes to the cooling in my rig [as per signature] which currently runs with the stock hsf [on 2100+ o/c to 2400+ on A7N8X] and 1 side case fan which exhausts [this was the default setup when i got the case]. the cpu diode temp is 54Cunder load with a M/b temp ofo 30C whilst the room tempo is about 25Cand whilst [just about!] bearable there is constant background whine...

i figured that, within a budget, i would:
buy a hsf like the Spire FanconRock2 which albeit not "heavy duty", would be much quiter than my stock and provide better cooling
buy a couple of panaflo 80mm L1a to replace the stock case fan and use 1 as a rear exhaust and the other to intake at the side [and see if that also makes things quiter - if i find the stock fan wasnt too loud i could always use it to exhaust to the top]

this would all come in at around $30Can from the prices i see...
the other alternative is to fork out about the same for a thermalight sk7 with a panafloLia and leave the case cooling as it is.

i assume the all round better cooling is the better way to go but i invite your advice/comments please about the pros/cons of my plan

also, i have one of these rear exhaust blowers donated to me by a friend which i havent yet done anything with until i open the machine up again.
what are the views of these - quiet and useful or noisy and not-so-useful?

Thanks

 

[Wigwam]

bump - anyone offer advice?

 

[mrzed]

I got the falcon rockII and it is not too bad. Cools decently too, but no way will it do as well as the SK7. It should be enough for what you are running though.

If you want to reduce noise, the side case fan is not the best way, as it allows a direct path from the noisy interior to the outside. At the very least, as you say, switch it to intake from exhaust. Along with providing better cooling, it will also help funnel the sound a bit.

If you still find it too loud, try the 7v mod on some or all of your fans.

The slippery slope to quieter computing is a dangerous one. As soon as you silence one thing, you notice another. It is more fun than OC'ing though, IMO, because it's easier to appreciate the results than getting another 8 fps.

 

[1sikbITCH]

It seems to me that even the SK-6 will probably cool better than your HS/ Fan and can be had for $10 US. That's like $1.50 Can?

j/k, soon you guys will be making jokes about the USD

I'd just get the SK-7 and panaflo now, and then keep an eye out for deals on case fans. Your cpu temp seems to be in more need of attention than the rest. And then, wait till you see some cheap case fans that will do the job for a few dollars apiece. A while back, SVC was selling fans for $1.99 and they even work

Even now with only the PSU exhaust, you might try having the side fan blow cool air in on your mobo and cpu instead of pulling out.
Also, if your case comes with a side fan, I'd wager there is a front intake fan mount too. Since you didn't mention it, you might not see it. It could be hidden in front of a plastic piece screwed to the front, holding the speaker. If there is a fan mount there, I would just remove the plastic piece for good. The speaker can just lay on the floor of the case or you can get creative with it. I'm not even sure it's necessary to have it at all.

Of course, I could be totally wrong. I'm still learning all this stuff myself.

 

[Wigwam]

thanks [both]
i am actually gonna do it the other way round - get the falconrock2 and the 2 panaflos now and see how it goeswith the better case airflowand better/quieter HSF; then when the sk7 is on a deal anywhere here in england [which is where i am - just taking advantage of my canadian wife visiting her folks for the fans - the thermalrights are just as expensive there it seems!] then maybe get that if the speeze is not making enough impact....[but i have been keen to try it given the reported happy customers and rock-bottm prce]

yes i know quiet pcs are a slippery slope as a friend is a nut! i want to try to balance both: bitta quiet and bitta o/c [really only cpu/mem]!

the case-box does have a front fan mount piccy on it [120mm no less!] but you're right on a cursory glance i didnt see it so when i install this gubbins i will look again and take the cover off - but i dont see any point of putting a fan there as the entire front of my case is fronted with no grills/vents etc etc.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Turn your case on it's side and look underneath. You should find an open space in the very front on the bottom. That's your airhole for the front intake fan.

 

[Wigwam]

aha - thanks!

 

[1sikbITCH]

No problem. I had to have someone point it out to me once as well.