Fractal Design R3 + H100?

[NatePo717]

Whole system is:

Case: Fractal Design R3
Mobo: Asus P8Z68 V Pro
CPU: 2600K @ 4.523 and 1.315v
RAM: 16 GB of 1600 Corsair Vengeance
Current Heatsink: 212+ (push/pull config)
Graphics: SLI 560ti's
SSD: Crucial M4

Anyone think this would fit or have experience with this combination? I'm trying to figure out an upgrade for my 212+. I am currently hitting 80C under full load/mid 30's idle. Ambient temps are somewhere around 66-68F. Was thinking an H100 might be nice but don't think it will fit without blocking the top of the motherboard. I'm open to suggestions for what could work for me. Custom watercooling options are welcome too. I have money to spend . Open to air cooling solutions as well though I'm trying to stay away from the massive air coolers but am still open to their consideration.

 

[lehtv]

H100 won't fit Define R3. H100 needs 120mm mounting holes spaced right next to each other, but the R3 has 140mm mounting holes on the top with 120mm in the middle of each 140mm square, so H100 won't fit.

If you want a better preforming cooler, buy a bigger tower heatsink. 212+ is quite tiny compared to lots of other towers such as NZXT Havik 140, Cooler Master 612, Scythe Mugen 3, Thermalright HR-02 Macho, Noctua D14 and so on and so forth.

 

[NatePo717]

I had a feeling it wouldn't fit. It's a shame, I like the case and simplicity of the cooler.

So are big air coolers my only option with this case? It's seeming like that is going to be the only option unless there is some way I could do a custom water setup. I've been wanting to try water, just never got around to doing it.

What if I were to do something such as...

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...ftech_MCP35x_Series_15165.html?tl=g30c107s152 for a reservoir with the Swiftech MCP355™ addition
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9...ealth_280_Radiator_-_Black.html?tl=g30c95s930 for a radiator

and... I don't know for a block. If I could fit the 140 rad in the top of my case (fans on outside blowing in) it could fit... maybe. The rad is only a few mm thicker than the 140mm I'm using at the top of the case already so should fit right in (31.5mm vs 25mm). I don't know if this would be a good solution though... Thoughts?

 

[dma0991]

It will not fit. A quick check at Fractal's page does not show that it has support for radiators. It has to be of the correct spacing between each set of fan holes, 120mm or 140mm. Even if I'm wrong and the spacing is suitable for a radiator, there isn't much clearance in that casing itself, much less than my 400R.

The tall VRM heatsink is creating clearance issues with my 400R and I had to put my fans outside of the casing. The same will happen to your Fractal R3 except that you will have clearance issues even with the radiator inside and fans outside.

Your best bet is to get the Noctua NH-D14 but check for height clearance or the Corsair H80.

 

[lehtv]

I'm not the right person to ask for help with water cooling... I've never done it myself. All I can say is that compared to 212+ there are a lot better air coolers which allow you to improve your temperatures significantly at a fraction of the cost of a good water cooling setup.

It may also help to buy a couple of extra case fans if you're only running the two 120mm fans that came with the case.

Your best bet is to get the Noctua NH-D14 but check for height clearance or the Corsair H80.

D14 is pretty expensive though. Could get the temps down from 80C to 70C for almost half the cost of a D14 (any of the other coolers I mentioned above). If you want the best though, D14 is the one to get. But it's massive. Be warned.

 

[ethebubbeth]

Sounds like corsair needs to make a 2x140mm kit

I would second the HR02 Macho if you decide to stick with air. I have one on my 2500k and it's a great performer for the money.

 

[beginner99]

Noctua NH-D14 fits in the fractal case.

Only down side is that any change you will make will be difficult to do and often you have to remove the heatsink which is pretty annoying due to the close fit.

So my recommendation would be to get one in size between the 212+ and Noctua NH-D14.

 

[NatePo717]

I sent an email to Fractal regarding 140/280 mm radiators and if they would fit or not. Taking a few measurements in the top of my case last night made it seem like a thin radiator SHOULD fit. The case does come with holes in the back for hoses for watercooling. From the PDF on the case "Features: Water cooling holes. Four W/C holes"

I'll let everyone know what they have to say... if they ever get back to me on it.

 

[dma0991]

Taking a few measurements in the top of my case last night made it seem like a thin radiator SHOULD fit..

I made that assumption based on the fact that the H100 is able to fit in a 400R with the fans in the casing. Now that I've done it, I'm still wondering if the H100 is actually much thinner than a standard 240mm rad because it didn't fit. Probably the tall VRM heatsink is to blame.

 

[NatePo717]

I gave their tech support department a call. They've said they sent my inquiry to their design team in Sweden and that they'd be taking some measurements and test fittings for me for tomorrow. The tentative answer is "it should fit" in regards to a 280mm slim radiator either on the outside or inside of the case. If inside, fans would need to be outside and could not do a push/pull. Radiator on the outside and could do a push/pull. Will have more tomorrow hopefully.

 

[beginner99]

I gave their tech support department a call. They've said they sent my inquiry to their design team in Sweden and that they'd be taking some measurements and test fittings for me for tomorrow. The tentative answer is "it should fit" in regards to a 280mm slim radiator either on the outside or inside of the case. If inside, fans would need to be outside and could not do a push/pull. Radiator on the outside and could do a push/pull. Will have more tomorrow hopefully.

IMHO it fill fit since you can put 2x 140mm fans there (+ NH-D14). However the question is if the holes for the screws match.

 

[NatePo717]

This was the response I had from Fractal. It seems they are working on a compatibility list at least.

"Sorry for the delay. We don’t currently have a compatibility list but we are working on one. I’m not sure what the completion date will be. The best information that would be available can be found on forums. Without modding the only radiator that fits with minimal effort is a 120mm on the back exhaust fan. You can put radiators on the top of the R3 pretty easily but as for the internal ones a list hasn’t been created. Hope this helps. Should you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email."

I think I'm going to try water cooling in it. If it doesn't fit... I'll mod. Time to do some component research. I'm pretty much decided on a block. The Raystorm looks fantastic.

 

[dma0991]

You're gonna butcher a good case just to fit a loop? If Fractal can't give you a straight answer it is most probably never meant to have a rad fitted in it. The spacing between each fans holes for your case aren't the standard 15mm and you might have to drill some holes to make it mount properly.

If my assumption is correct, you will have to mount your fans outside of the casing and the rad inside, sandwiching the grill in between as there is inadequate space for a rad and fans inside the casing. A more extreme method would be fans inside and rad outside, with 2 holes drilled to allow tubes to pass through. This will allow you to have thicker rads if you don't mind having a thick rad sticking out like a sore thumb.

The Raystorm looks very nice with a blue themed rig, like mine but I did not put the blue LED as the cables are a little bit stiff and I don't want to route a molex extension to the other end of the casing to light it up. Try not to use a bay reservoir, it is a PITA to fill and mount, I mention this because I'm using it. Use an internal reservoir, easier to remove the loop out of the casing and easier to fill.

 

[x110x]

i have fractral design define r3 and i"ve downloaded its tech. info guide.
http://www.fractal-design.com/downloads/defineR3_rev_1_1.pdf

defineR3_rev_1_1.pdf : that"s mean revision 1.1 ? maybe my pc case diffrent than others?
can i use corsair h100 ?

and here is some technical info:

Pc case has : 2 top 120/140mm exhaust fan (optional)
Corsair H100: Radiator dimensions: 122mm x 275mm x 27mm
Fan dimensions: 120mm x 120mm x 25mm
Hydro Series H100 requires a case with dual 120mm fan mounts with 15mm spacing for a 240mm radiator

http://www.corsair.com/en/cpu-cooli...00-extreme-performance-liquid-cpu-cooler.html


what"s problemm with this case , h100 is big for this case or its small ? i dont understand. can somebody explain that?
can"t i use this holes?

i will buy today corsair h80 or corsair h100 please help me

 

[lehtv]

The 120mm mounting holes are the ones diagonally inwards from the 140mm mounting holes. The spacing between the 140mm slots is correct for H100, I believe, but since the 120mm slots are aligned in the middle of each 140mm slot, the spacing between the 120mm is too much for the H100. Looks like 25mm spacing or so.

 

[dma0991]

what"s problemm with this case , h100 is big for this case or its small ? i dont understand. can somebody explain that?
can"t i use this holes?

The holes I've highlighted in purple is the only holes that matters to you, the holes further out are meant for 140mm fans or 140mm/280mm radiators which the H100 isn't. The 15mm spacing refers to the green arrow. If the distance between each hole is greater or less than 15mm, you can't fit a standard radiator without doing some mod.

 

[dbrons]

I think dma has covered it. I was going to say that I don't think it would be too tough a mod. But I will say I have the H-60 similar to the H-80, and in push-pull, it does a great job cooling my 2600k.

I have it pulling air into the case from the rear with a filter I attached , and a 140mm Noiseblocker up top as exhaust
Dave

 

[lehtv]

The holes I've highlighted in purple is the only holes that matters to you, the holes further out are meant for 140mm fans or 140mm/280mm radiators which the H100 isn't. The 15mm spacing refers to the green arrow. If the distance between each hole is greater or less than 15mm, you can't fit a standard radiator without doing some mod.

Actually no. The way you've illustrated, the mounting holes would be for "120 x 130mm" fans. As I said in my earlier post, the 120mm holes are diagonally inwards from the 140mm holes. Here are the correct 120mm mounting holes outlined in red.

The spacing between the 120mm fan locations, below, is about 3.5cm. I just physically measured it.

 

[x110x]

The outer ones are correct, the inner ones are not. The way you've illustrated, the mounting holes would be for a 120*130mm fan. As I said in my earlier post, the 120mm holes are diagonally inwards from the 140mm holes. Here are the correct 120mm mounting holes outlined in red.

The spacing between the 120mm fan locations, below, is about 3.5cm. I just physically measured it.

ok , that"s mean i can mount a h100 to this case ?
i am from germany , i can send it in 15 days ( cancellation right ).
i will try it and than i can post here pics etc. all people says , you can or you can not but i coudnt find any real attempt to mount it. i hope i will be first

thanks for all answers :thumbsup:

 

[dbrons]

lol OK lehtv, but I think his point was clear. He had all the outer holes correct on the diagonal and if you used them it would be pretty obvious where those other screws went

But in a way you point out what I was thinking in that I wonder if instead, you could use those in-line holes to make the H-100 fit....might need some washers or something.

Anyway I'd go with the H-80
Dave

 

[dma0991]

Actually no. The way you've illustrated, the mounting holes would be for "120 x 130mm" fans. As I said in my earlier post, the 120mm holes are diagonally inwards from the 140mm holes. Here are the correct 120mm mounting holes outlined in red.

The spacing between the 120mm fan locations, below, is about 3.5cm. I just physically measured it.

I could only be so accurate with a blurry picture. Here, you've won the internet.

ok , that"s mean i can mount a h100 to this case ?
i am from germany , i can send it in 15 days ( cancellation right ).
i will try it and than i can post here pics etc. all people says , you can or you can not but i coudnt find any real attempt to mount it. i hope i will be first

thanks for all answers :thumbsup:

With the corrected picture that lehtv provided, I can say with great confidence that you have zero chance of mounting it without modification. 15mm is more like the distance that I've highlighted in green earlier, the corrected spacing is way off. I have my rig beside me now and I could guess the spacings of a standard radiator.

 

[lehtv]

I could only be so accurate with a blurry picture. Here, you've won the internet.

Thanks

With the corrected picture that lehtv provided, I can say with great confidence that you have zero chance of mounting it without modification. 15mm is more like the distance that I've highlighted in green earlier, the corrected spacing is way off. I have my rig beside me now and I could guess the spacings of a standard radiator.

Yep.

 

[Kenmitch]

I think it'll still have issues with the motherboard after relocating the second fans holes. Didn't do much research on it but did see a couple of no goes. Too close to motherboard is issue.

 

[x110x]

Today I purchased a corsair h100 and i am waiting. i hope i will receive my cpu cooler tomorrow or "the day after tomorrow" :thumbsup: then we will see


http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/5445/pic0016f.jpg http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8951/pic0018j.jpg
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/9973/pic0019n.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9964/pic0020ox.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6871/pic0021z.jpg
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/8733/pic0022u.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9404/pic0023h.jpg
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/374/pic0024b.jpg
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5020/pic0025n.jpg

 

[madwedge]

Hello. First post!!

I'm been reading this thread (and a dozen and one others!) as I have the Fractal Design R3 and have been interested in adding a water cooling loop.

I think it's safe to say that it's impossible to fit a 240 or 280 rad (unless you take out the hard drive bays and mount it at the front).

What I was wondering though, is would it be possible to fit single 140mm Rads. Maybe three of them? Was thinking one on the back, one at the top and maybe one at the bottom?

All thoughts and opinions welcome.

Thanks