Best Fan Setup for My New Build with Fractal North XL and Noctua Fans
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TechGuru117
Hey everyone! I'm looking for suggestions on the ideal fan configuration and connection setup for my latest build. I've already received some good advice, but I want to make sure I've got everything sorted out before I finalize it.
Here's a quick rundown of my build:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
- Motherboard: MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi
- GPU: Gigabyte RTX 4080 SUPER WINDFORCE V2
- Case: Fractal North XL
- Fans: 4× Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM PP
- PSU: Corsair RM1000x (2019)
Currently, my setup has 3 front intake fans (from the PP set) and 1 rear exhaust fan (from the same set). I've just got my hands on 4 more NF-A14x25 G2 fans. The Fractal North XL features a PWM fan hub with 3 ports, and I'm using 2 of those. My motherboard also has several SYS_FAN headers available.
For airflow, I'm thinking of:
- Front: 3× intake
- Side: 2× intake (aimed at the GPU)
- Top: 2× exhaust
- Rear: 1× exhaust
Does this airflow plan sound good? Also, how can I set up a fan curve in BIOS that keeps things quiet during regular use but ramps up when needed? Thanks!
Answers
Your setup looks solid! Adding more fans will help, but keep an eye on the diminishing returns. What temperatures are you seeing under load at low fan speeds?
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Here are some photos of my recent build just in case they help you visualize your setup: [build pics](https://imgur.com/a/wSZ98Xt).
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TechGuru117: Thanks for the input! My temps under average use are pretty normal. Here’s a link to my current fan curves: [temp graph](https://i.imgur.com/zq11QlZ.png). Check it out!