Fan mods for Wavemaster case

[scrawnypaleguy]

Originally posted by: Ken90630
My first thought was as a CPU cooler, actually. I'm using a Thermalright SLK-947U copper heatsink that's paired with a Panaflo 12L right now, and that's a low-speed fan. I chose it mainly for its quietness, but I've always kinda thought it might be a little better to have a bit more airflow on that nice heatsink. If I can do it without introducing an unacceptable noise level, I'll do it. If not, I can live with the 12L. No probs so far.

That being said, I don't see any reason that fan couldn't work elsewhere on the case. Rear exit or top blowhole should both work. I'm using 12L's in both of those places now and am happy with the results, so I'm not itching to change them. They move enough air to keep the case cool and they do it very quietly. And I plan to use the stock intake fans until they start chattering or die a few years from now, then replace them with Panaflo's. If I buy one of those Silverstone fans, I'll prolly just hook it up and see how I like it, then decide how to use it (and whether or not to get more).

BTW, why did you think it might be necessary to Dremel the case? That fan has standard 80mm mount holes, doesn't it? I'm not seeing how it would require any additional space than any other 80mm fan.

EDIT: I see in your sig that you're using an L1A (same as my 12L) as your CPU fan. I assume it works well for you? How are your CPU temps? Heck, if it keeps your A64 3400+ cool, I'd guess I don't need to be the least bit concerned about my Athlon 2600.

I was talking about dremeling because I wanted to see if I could use it as a rear exhaust fan. I know that it uses the stock 80mm holes, but the dimensions of the fan blades themselves extend farther than normal 80mm fan mounts (obviously). Since the rear 80mm of the case is in really tight with it's surroundings (as in no space whatsoever) I was wondering if it would be possible to cut space on either side of the normal fan so that the 92mm fan blades would have room. Also, the 80mm cut out with a 92mm fan would defeat the purpose altogether, in my opinion.

As for my cpu fan, it does its job well. Usually I have Q-fan enabled in the BIOS, so it only has to move at around 800 - 900 rpm to keep the cpu at around 36C idle. This is with the stock cooler master fan on full, which normally is unacceptably loud for me at home, but noise isn't an issue at school. At load it never goes above 1700rpm even though it's rated at 2100 rpm, and even then temps never go above 48c. Does your hsf use an 80mm fan? If it does, I highly reccommend you upgrade.

 

[Ken90630]

I was talking about dremeling because I wanted to see if I could use it as a rear exhaust fan. I know that it uses the stock 80mm holes, but the dimensions of the fan blades themselves extend farther than normal 80mm fan mounts (obviously). Since the rear 80mm of the case is in really tight with it's surroundings (as in no space whatsoever) I was wondering if it would be possible to cut space on either side of the normal fan so that the 92mm fan blades would have room. Also, the 80mm cut out with a 92mm fan would defeat the purpose altogether, in my opinion.

Ahhh ... okay, I see what you mean. You're right -- there isn't much room in that exit fan area for anything larger. I'd be inclined to stick with an 80mm fan there and maybe put that Silverstone in the top as a blowhole fan instead. There's more room up there, although you might have to take your PSU, mobo, etc., out of the case just to get up there to work on it. Or maybe not ... I just know my case has quite a bit of cabling/wires up there!

Does your hsf use an 80mm fan? If it does, I highly reccommend you upgrade.

Yeah, like I said, I'm using a Panaflo 12L right now (80mm). It works fine and I don't have any known heat probs, but it has just been in the back of my mind that a slightly more powerful fan might dissipate the heat from the heatsink a little better. The lower the temps, the better, right? But it's more a casual thought than a pressing need to make a change. Truth be told, quietness is more important to me than lowering an already acceptable temperature a few more degress. And I don't overclock, so that's not something I have to deal with.

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

That's cool, but if you want quieter operation, then the larger diameter fan is definitely the way to go.

 

[Ken90630]

Originally posted by: scrawnypaleguy
That's cool, but if you want quieter operation, then the larger diameter fan is definitely the way to go.

I ordered one of those Silverstone FN82 92mm fans from SVC this morning (the one with the 80mm frame). I'll do a post if I have any newsworthy impressions of it.

 

[Markbnj]

Well I completed my mod this evening. Installed a 120mm Panaflo in the side panel, and upgraded the rear case fan to a hi-flow 80mm Panaflo.

The mod turned out well. I will post some pics tomorrow or Sun. after I drag the machine out from under the desk. I managed to locate the 120 dead center over the Zalman, and it clears everything else. I couldn't find door edge moulding anywhere, so I ended up splitting some black screen spline. It's ok for a temporary solution.

Idle temps have dropped from 42+ to 32+, so it has had a huge effect. I have the side fan on intake for the moment.

The only downside is that it's _loud_. I thought the 120mm fans in general were quiet, but this one is definitely not. It's a Panaflo M1A. Should I have picked a different fan?

 

[Ken90630]

The only downside is that it's _loud_. I thought the 120mm fans in general were quiet, but this one is definitely not. It's a Panaflo M1A. Should I have picked a different fan?

For the 120mm Panaflo's rated CFM, you'd prolly find it a challenge to find a quieter fan in that size. An L1A would definitely be quieter (and virtually silent), but it obviously wouldn't move as much air. And those Lexus and Yate Loon 120mm fans that everyone talks about would prolly be very quiet as well, but again, they're not going to move nearly as much air as your M1A.

Not to insult your intelligence, but are you sure the really noisy fan isn't the high-flow 80mm Panaflo? I'd think it'd be noisier than a medium-flow 120mm Panaflo.

Maybe use a fan controller to reduce your fans' stock speed?

Thanks for posting your results. I still don't quite understand how a CPU's temps can drop 10 degrees just by increasing intake air from the side of the case and output from the rear by a faster fan. It's not like your blowing 'cold' air directly onto the CPU or something, and its intrinsic temp should be what it is, more or less, regardless of general intake air into the case. Now a general drop in internal case temperature, sure -- that would be expected from your mods. Color me .

 

[Markbnj]

No offense taken . I can hear the 80mm, and I am sure both are contributing, but the real noise is definitely coming from the 120. I will either do as you suggest and put a pot on it to adjust the speed, or I will get a slightly slower fan and live with slightly higher temps.

As for the cooling effect, it doesn't surprise me as much. I am drawing in a crapload of room temp air and blowing it directly through the Zalman. That has to get the HSF operating at peak efficiency or close to it. That warm air then hits the motherboard and splashes out away from the cpu, and presumably eddies all over until it is drawn out by the Silencer or the 80mm rear, which is now a U1A Panaflo and moving a lot more air out.

Just checked and I got a couple degrees off the GPU as well.

 

[Ken90630]

As for the cooling effect, it doesn't surprise me as much. I am drawing in a crapload of room temp air and blowing it directly through the Zalman. That has to get the HSF operating at peak efficiency or close to it. That warm air then hits the motherboard and splashes out away from the cpu, and presumably eddies all over until it is drawn out by the Silencer or the 80mm rear, which is now a U1A Panaflo and moving a lot more air out.

Yeah, I guess. No other explanation that I can think of. I guess I just don't have enough experience trying different cooling configs & measuring results. I only own one machine, and even though I built it myself, I haven't done much cooling experimentation. One of these days ....

BTW, this is unrelated, but if you're gonna stick with the extra side intake fan blowing air at your CPU & mobo, you know you're gonna have more dust intake. I saw these awhile back and thought they looked like the coolest thing since sliced bread, so I bought some. For those with dusty cases, they might be a good idea for long-term prevention. Just FYI.

Later.

 

[Markbnj]

Those look like a good idea, although I am betting I have overpressure in my case at this point. I'm going to hold a feather around some of the openings to find out. Not that it will keep the 120 from sucking in loads of crap. I'm considering one of those mesh grills with the integral filters as an alternative to a slower 120mm.

I'm really happy with the 32c idle temp, and 44c playing BF2 for three hours last night. I might have to try for 2640 mhz now.

What I really want to do is put a Thermaltake Symphony alongside my desk and get rid of all the fans in the case (except the PSU). .

 

[culex44]

Jojo7:
Can you tell me how do you realize your mod on the panel of the wavemaster. Which tool did you use?

 

[Markbnj]

He used a 4.5" holesaw, as mentioned in another post. I decided not to, based on the $25 cost of said holesaw at Home Depot. Instead I measured and then positioned the fan grill, and with it taped down I first center-punched the screw holes, and then scribed around the outermost ring with an awl. Once this was done I removed the grill and drilled a .5" hole in the middle, as well as 3/16" holes for the screws. After that it was a simple matter to use a pair of Wiss metal snips to cut out the circle. It isn't _perfectly_ round, but it is too close to tell with the border moulding installed.

Frozencpu.com sells all the parts, including the edge moulding, screws, rubber grommets, grills, etc.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I went to Fry's yesterday, a friend bought a digi-cam i bought canned air

While in the store i looked over some of the cases talked about here at C&C.

I took a close look at the Coolermaster Wavemaster. That is a nice case. She sat there so
pretty in bright yellow. The front door and little top cover for the ports were of VG build quality. The fit,feel and finish were excellent. Nice indeed. I was impressed,no lie!

The one glaring thing that i did not like about the case. The front intake holes are restrictive.
Too few and too small. The intake fan is not even close to the front of the case. The fan not being fitted on the front panel on the inside combined with the restrictive holes would cause the intake fan to just recirculate air already in the case. This is a very bad thing.

Now that you have a proper intake,it might be wise to reverse the stock intake fan for exhaust so it is not fighting your more powerful side panel fan. This would help move a little air over the HDDs when the rig is used at low fan settings. Take no offence as none is intended. Just my 2 cents.

Galvanized

 

[Markbnj]

I agree completely. The holes are way too small, and the positioning of the fans is not optimal at all. Too bad for such a nice case.

My current setup is: 1 120mm side fan intake. 2 80mm front fans intake through restrictions as noted. 1 80mm blowhole fan intake. 1 80mm rear case fan hi-flow exhaust. 1 120mm PSU fan exhaust.

I ordered a lower flow Vantec stealth 120mm to replace the medium flow Panaflo in the side position, since the Panaflo is just too loud. I also ordered a silencer gasket for the rear case hi-flow, and rubber grommets to further isolate the mounting of the 120mm on the side panel. Gonna be installing that stuff tonight.

I think I may turn the blowhole fan around and use it for exhaust, on the theory that warm air would build up at the top of the case. Still not sure what to do about those two front fans, but I may go for a more aggressive mod, cut away those small holes and mount some sort of a grill. Need to take a closer look at it. I'm idling at 32c atm, but that will go up when I replace the med-flow 120mm with the stealth.

 

[Markbnj]

Finished my re-mod tonight, with excellent results. The goal was reached, but there were some pit stops along the way. First step was to install the edge moulding and grommets from Frozencpu. Much more professional looking than my hacked up job. By the way, I give props to Frozencpu.com, they have good stuff, and they ship fast.

Now, time to come clean. Ken90630 wrote a couple of days ago...

[Not to insult your intelligence, but are you sure the really noisy fan isn't the high-flow 80mm Panaflo? I'd think it'd be noisier than a medium-flow 120mm Panaflo. ]

Heh, my intelligence deserves insulting . I tell you, I had my ear right next to that 120mm Panaflo, and I would swear on anything you like that the noise was coming from it. To cut to the chase... the really noisy fan was the 80mm Panaflo. I figured this out after I replaced the 120mm Panaflo M1A with a Vantec Stealth. Oops. Still, I do like the Vantec better. It's a little quieter, and slimmer by about 1/3. I pulled the little Panaturbo and replaced it with the original Coolermaster rear case fan.

So here is the cool part, no pun intended. Before the remod I was idling at 32-33c. After installing the Vantec, replacing the rear Pana with the original CM 80mm, and flipping the blowhole fan to exhaust, I am idling at 30-31c.

Not sure why. The Pana was moving more air than the Vantec (it ran 1k rpm faster), and the CM is certainly moving less air than the turbine-powered Pana 80mm. Whatever, got a couple degrees back.

Edit: overall, since I began a couple of weeks ago, idle temps are down 12 deg c. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

What's the noise like now that you have some slower fans?

 

[Markbnj]

Much quieter. Maybe a shade noisier than the stock case with stock fans, but not at all annoying.

 

[Ken90630]

My money would be on the simple reversal of the blowhole fan as the real key to your latest temp drops. Blowhole fans are always intended to be used as exit fans rather than intake, and I have to say I was kinda surprised to read your previous post in which you mentioned you'd been using it as an intake fan. :Q I was gonna say somethin', but I figured you must have had a reason for doin' what you were doin'. But as you yourself recognized, hot air rises ... hence using blowhole fans in the tops of cases to blow it right outta there! [ Again, no offense. ]

Awhile back a writer in Maximum PC said something to the effect of, "We think every computer should have a blowhole fan in the top!" I think I agree, unless the user is in the habit of placing drinks on the top of the case. One spill could prove disastrous! :laugh:

If you really wanna get cute, you could use a PC Power & Cooling Silencer fan as the blowhole fan. That little 80mm jobby is pretty comparable to a Panaflo 12L or L1A, I think, in terms of airflow & noise (not a ton of airflow, but virtually silent). It also has a thermal sensor that ramps up the speed as ambient temperature rises, so I think the blowhole location might be an ideal location for that fan. And of course, it 'ramps down' when the machine isn't breaking a sweat. I installed one in a friend's machine recently, in that exact spot, and I can't hear it at all (even at its highest speed). Has a 5-year warranty too. Then again, any quiet fan with decent CFM performance will work fine there as well.

Glad you reached your goal.

 

[Markbnj]

[One spill could prove disastrous! ]

Don't think I haven't thought about that! I don't place drinks on the case, ever, and this one is under the desk anyway, but I have had nightmare thoughts of tipping over a coke, having it run through the little port in the desk where the cables go, and thence down onto the top of the case.

I think you are probably right about the blowhole being the reason for the latest drop in temps. I was using it as intake because I was over-supplied with exhaust, and afraid I wasn't getting enough cool air in. Once I added the 120mm on the side I knew that was no longer an issue, so I flipped the blowhole.

 

[Ken90630]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
[One spill could prove disastrous! ]

Don't think I haven't thought about that! I don't place drinks on the case, ever, and this one is under the desk anyway, but I have had nightmare thoughts of tipping over a coke, having it run through the little port in the desk where the cables go, and thence down onto the top of the case.

Heh heh :laugh: ... stranger things have happened. Awhile back I was standing over my desk, holding a glass of iced tea (full, of course :roll: ), and for some inexplicable reason it slipped out of my hand. Fell straight down about 2 feet, hit the edge of the desk, and the tea shot straight up and out over the desk and down inside my keyboard. :| It shorted out the key sheets (the electric traces in those clear plastic things under the keys) and ruined the keyboard. I took it apart and could see the burn marks. Needless to say, I was not pleased. :laugh:

And now, thanks to you, I'm gonna be paranoid about those wire holes in my desktop too. I'm sure some LAN-partygoers could tell some stories about spilled-drink disasters down the top of their cases. " ... and now my Athlon FX-57 has Red Bull all over it. And my rig won't post. How do I clean the CPU?" :laugh:

 

[Markbnj]

[" ... and now my Athlon FX-57 has Red Bull all over it. And my rig won't post. How do I clean the CPU?" ]

I'm not positive which is the greater tragedy: having ruined the computer... or having consumed Red Bull.

::shudder::

I've never tasted brake fluid, but I bet that's what it tastes like.

 

[Ken90630]

I'm with 'ya. :laugh: I've never tasted RB either, but I've heard there's almost enough caffeine in it to wake the dead. I knew a couple classmates in college who tried it, and they said it does a pretty good job if you need to stay up half the night studying for a test the next morning. But it's gotta be kinda bad for you if you drink it often enough. I'm kinda sensitive to caffeine, so it would prolly wind me up pretty good. :laugh: