Hey everyone! I'm diving into my first PC build and I'm feeling a bit lost, especially with the whole fan and airflow situation. I've got an AIO cooler that's too big for a top mount, and the advice I've been encountering is pretty mixed. Here's what I'm working with:
- **Case:** NZXT H5 Flow (2024)
- **Motherboard:** ASUS Z790 Gaming WiFi7 (ATX)
- **CPU:** Intel i7-14700K
- **Cooler:** Corsair Nautilus 360 RS (360mm AIO)
- **GPU:** ASUS RTX 5070 Ti
- **Fans:** 3 on the radiator, 2 additional Corsair RS120 fans, plus a preinstalled rear and front fan.
### Planned Fan Layout:
- **Front:** 360mm AIO as intake
- **Top:** 2x 120mm as exhaust
- **Rear:** 1x 120mm as exhaust
I'm thinking this gives a balance of airflow with 3 intakes (the radiator) and 3 exhausts (top and rear). My worry is how the AIO as front intake might affect GPU temps, but I've read the impact is usually small and that it's better for CPU cooling. Does this layout sound solid? Am I missing something? Thanks in advance for any guidance!
2 Answers
You might want to consider checking if you can mount the AIO as exhaust at the top instead. While it might not be officially supported, people have managed it with some adjustments. If you can swing that, it could actually help with temps, even if it means not using the rear fan for a bit. That way, you could keep the front fans as intakes without worrying too much.
Bringing heat from the radiator back into the case isn't ideal. If your only option is to mount the radiator in front, I suggest going for exhaust through the front and having intakes at the top and rear. This setup is totally viable and should help keep your case temps cooler!
I heard the opposite on some forums though. They say mounting the radiator as exhaust can raise CPU temps because it uses warmer case air instead of cooler outside air. Some suggested that keeping the AIO as intake helps CPU temps while letting the GPU manage its own heat better. It's super confusing!