good fans to pair with fan controller?

[birthdaymonkey]

Here's my system:

Lian-Li PC-V351
Seasonic M12II 620W PSU
Phenom II 940 @ 3.6 GHz (1.4v)
Gigabyte GA-785 GM
4 GB Kingston DDR2
GTX 460

Cooling:
Scythe Big Shuriken HSF with stock fan upgraded
Noctua 80 mm exhaust fan (1800rpm)
2 x Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120 mm intake fans (1150rpm)

I was running this system with no issues with an X2 555 BE @ 3.8GHz, but since dropping the quad core in, there is just too much heat in this little box to get a decent OC.

CPU core temps gradually creep up until the system becomes unstable under Prime95. Part of the problem might be the crappy TIM I'm stuck using while I await shipment of new stuff.

I'm thinking airflow might be an issue too, however, so I'm considering my options for adding some high RPM intake fans and putting them on a fan controller. (I guess the other option would be a better CPU cooler, but I'd have to get either a Corsair H50, which fits into this case with modding [I don't have any experience or tools], or go with the new Noctua CH14, which is ridiculously expensive for a cheap CPU like mine.)

I love the case so I want to keep it, but I need better cooling it seems. Can anyone recommend what they think I should do in this case? or which fans might help/work well? I'd want something that can put out high RPMs at full bore but be turned down and operate silently when I'm not pushing the system. Currently looking at either a Scythe or a Silverstone 3.5" drive bay fan controller and unsure of what fans would be best.

Thanks!

 

[zagood]

I'm thinking airflow might be an issue too

That's probably the case, especially with that...enclosure...

Pop off the side panel and run the same tests. I have a feeling you'll see a good 10C+ difference at load.

If that's so, choices are water, cutting the case, or new case. Even with water it'll be tough unless you cut, or mount the rad outside the box. You can probably mount a H50 on one of the front fan mounts, but those damn side vents are so restrictive...

Anyway, google for Lian-Li PC-V351 Fan Mod and you'll get some pretty good ideas of what you can and can't do.

Have fun!

 

[birthdaymonkey]

That's probably the case, especially with that...enclosure...

Pop off the side panel and run the same tests. I have a feeling you'll see a good 10C+ difference at load.

If that's so, choices are water, cutting the case, or new case. Even with water it'll be tough unless you cut, or mount the rad outside the box. You can probably mount a H50 on one of the front fan mounts, but those damn side vents are so restrictive...

Anyway, google for Lian-Li PC-V351 Fan Mod and you'll get some pretty good ideas of what you can and can't do.

Have fun!

Thanks for weighing in, Zagood. I was afraid people were going to say that. I take it you think adding stronger intake fans is just a waste of time?

I'm thinking that at this point it might be wiser to just get a new case. As for modding, I'm really not that comfortable with metal cutting tools and I'm afraid I'd spoil the looks of the unit, which is what I like about it in the first place.

I'm thinking the Lian Li PC-V354 would be a great replacement. Reviews suggest it's got much improved airflow, and it can take a tower cooler, AND it has a fan controller built in. The looks aren't quite as striking as the 351, but they're still nice. I just need to find a place in Canada that has this in stock... or wait for newegg.ca or ncix to get it in stock.

 

[gaban]

perhaps a front to back airflow hsf would give better airflow in your casing than downward hsf since the hsf sits in between intake and exhaust. scythe mini ninja should fit but a bigger one could also fit. Make sure to check the dimensions properly if you decide to buy one. I ended up buying 3 heatsinks for my thermaltake lanbox lite ....
you can also control fans using software with speedfan if you are using motherboard fan pins.