I have a Thermaltake Matrix case with an 80mm side fan option (the holes are there for mounting and a honeycome pattern of cutouts for blowing air in). It appears the air would flow just above and to the back of the case compared to where the CPU would fit (I haven't gotten the mobo delivered yet). There are also some prepunched honeycomb arrows below the fan (the point here is light could come out). The case has a 120MM intake in front and a 120mm output in the back standard. Here is the newegg link to the case if you want to checkout the layout and side panel.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133018
I am going to be using an ASUS P5W DH Deluxe with an E6600 (as I said, yet to be delivered). I'd like to OC to 3.0GHz but the 3.6 holy grail is not out of the question; ie, I'm going to need better than stock cooling.
Based on the predrilled/prepunched holes on the side and the HSF's I'm considering here are my options:
1a) Get the Tuniq Tower and I believe there would be no room left for a side fan.
1b) Get the Tuniq Tower and replace the stock fan with a really good 120MM fan with an LED light.
This seems to be the very best cooling option. I think with an LED light on the fan some of the light would come out the prepuched holes and look pretty cool. Again, this would leave no room for a side fan of any kind.
Followup (1c?) considering the Tuniq has 9 blades and I've seen nothing about how the stock fan compares to aftermarket fans, which would be best - stock or aftermarket?
2a) Get the Zalman 9700 with an LED.
2b) Get the Zalman 9700 with an LED and an 80mm side fan (I'm 90% sure it would fit).
From what I've seen, I'd be able to OC to 3GHz with the Zalman but might not be able to reach the 3.6GHz range. The LED in the Zalman would easily show through the holes which again would be a cool effect. With an 80mm side fan, 1) I've heard it wouldn't help much and 2) would block a bunch of the holes reducing the cool effect.
The Zalman is about $80 and the Toniq Tower is about $60. I'd have to get an aftermarket fan for the Toniq with an LED, so its probably a wash if I want light coming out the holes. On the other hand, even an 80mm fan with the Zalman would blow down over a portion of the fins.
So, what would you do? I know, it's a really personal and trivial decision, but I'm just looking for any insight.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133018
I am going to be using an ASUS P5W DH Deluxe with an E6600 (as I said, yet to be delivered). I'd like to OC to 3.0GHz but the 3.6 holy grail is not out of the question; ie, I'm going to need better than stock cooling.
Based on the predrilled/prepunched holes on the side and the HSF's I'm considering here are my options:
1a) Get the Tuniq Tower and I believe there would be no room left for a side fan.
1b) Get the Tuniq Tower and replace the stock fan with a really good 120MM fan with an LED light.
This seems to be the very best cooling option. I think with an LED light on the fan some of the light would come out the prepuched holes and look pretty cool. Again, this would leave no room for a side fan of any kind.
Followup (1c?) considering the Tuniq has 9 blades and I've seen nothing about how the stock fan compares to aftermarket fans, which would be best - stock or aftermarket?
2a) Get the Zalman 9700 with an LED.
2b) Get the Zalman 9700 with an LED and an 80mm side fan (I'm 90% sure it would fit).
From what I've seen, I'd be able to OC to 3GHz with the Zalman but might not be able to reach the 3.6GHz range. The LED in the Zalman would easily show through the holes which again would be a cool effect. With an 80mm side fan, 1) I've heard it wouldn't help much and 2) would block a bunch of the holes reducing the cool effect.
The Zalman is about $80 and the Toniq Tower is about $60. I'd have to get an aftermarket fan for the Toniq with an LED, so its probably a wash if I want light coming out the holes. On the other hand, even an 80mm fan with the Zalman would blow down over a portion of the fins.
So, what would you do? I know, it's a really personal and trivial decision, but I'm just looking for any insight.
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