Radiator size question for 4770k + 2 R9 290's

Maverickbcp

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Nov 7, 2013
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Anyone have a similar setup? How much rad space are you using to cool them? I've seen the various "rules of thumbs" so to speak is a 120.1 for every 120/150w you're putting out. I've read the 290's can put out upwards of 400w when overclocked and the 4770k can pull 135-150w. Sounds like I'd need somewhere between 120.6 and 120.8 rad space.

Thinking about putting either a 420mm or a 480mm Alphacool XT45(maybe a Monsta) in the top of my case along with either a 280/360mm at the bottom. I'm using a Phanteks Enthoo Primo and would like to keep the hard drive cages so no 480mm on the bottom. I'll still have space for another 280mm if needed to go with the first two and may slightly mod the bottom hard drive cage wall to accept a 420mm rad instead of the 280/360mm.

Opinions/suggestions?
 

OVerLoRDI

Diamond Member
Jan 22, 2006
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My gut says 120.6 min, but it also depends on the noise threshold you want to roll with. Slower speed fans means, more radiators required. So yes your estimates are pretty spot on.

What Case are you trying to throw this together in?
 

Rinaun

Golden Member
Dec 30, 2005
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4.140 (or 5.120) would be the absolute minimum you could get by on (would be close no OC). I would suggest 6.140 (or 7.120), with 7.140 (or 8.120) if you're doing serious overclocking or want abnormally low load temps.

For reference, I use a 120.3 Thermochill with 2000RPM fans, a D5 pump, and a I7 2600k with gtx580OC. I get load temps of around 55ish.

(LxWxH) x 0.00023129193 = Watts dissipated for 10°C delta-T (estimated) is a formula I've seen mentioned on a few other forums.
 
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guskline

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2006
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BrightCandle uses 130 watts dissipation per 120mm rad at 800 rpm fan speed as the denominator with total wattage as the numerator.
OC'd 290s would be@400watts per card max so (400+400+150=950/130=@7.3 rads. A 480 at the top and a 360 at the bottom should be fine.
You will need a large case or do an external mount of the radiators.
 
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Maverickbcp

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Nov 7, 2013
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BrightCandle uses 130 watts dissipation per 120mm rad at 800 rpm fan speed as the denominator with total wattage as the numerator.
OC'd 290s would be@400watts per card max so (400+400+150=950/130=@7.3 rads. A 480 at the top and a 360 at the bottom should be fine.
You will need a large case or do an external mount of the radiators.

Ya that was my thinking too. 800rpm? Most things I've read have shown it much higher but that would be nice to use 120.6/120.7 and get a good delta at 800rpm.

I'm using the Phanteks Enthoo Primo as I mentioned earlier. It can fit a 480mm at the top and bottom of the case, a 240/280mm in the front and side of the case, and finally a 120/140mm in the rear of the case. I got plenty of space :).
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
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A 480 on top and a 360 on bottom should be sufficient, but you're likely to see slightly higher than 10C deltas (which shouldn't cause a problem). I don't know if a 360 on the bottom would allow you to keep the HDD cages though.
 

Maverickbcp

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Nov 7, 2013
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A 480 on top and a 360 on bottom should be sufficient, but you're likely to see slightly higher than 10C deltas (which shouldn't cause a problem). I don't know if a 360 on the bottom would allow you to keep the HDD cages though.
You can do a 360(or a 420mm with slight modification to the hard drive cage wall) and still keep the cages. if I stepped up to a 480mm I'd have to remove the bottom cage.

Go to Phanteks site. Their homepage has a sweet video that shows the water cooling capabilities of this case. It's pretty ingenious all the little things they did to this case especially considering it's their first one ever. It's already up for case of the year awards.
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
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You should be okay with a 120.4 and a 120.3. I am pretty sure all the firgures from 290 powerdraw as from the wall, so, at 80% of 400w, you're looking at 320w.