I'm new to building PCs and this is my first setup. I'm feeling like my cooling for the RX 9070 XT might not be sufficient, especially since I've heard it can get pretty hot. If anyone has affordable suggestions to enhance cooling, I would really appreciate it! Here's my current build:
- Case: NZXT H6 Flow
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Motherboard: MSI X870 MAG TOMAHAWK
- GPU: RX 9070 XT
- RAM: Patriot Viper DDR5-6000 CL30, 32GB
- CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Air
- Storage: WD SN850X 2TB SSD
- Power Supply: Corsair RM1000e ATX 1000W
- Case Fans: 6 NZXT F120 Core
6 Answers
Honestly, with 6 case fans and a triple fan GPU, you probably don’t need any extra cooling right now. But don’t forget to check your fan curves! They might be set too conservatively, which can keep your temps higher than necessary. For example, I thought my setup needed more cooling until I noticed my case fans weren't really spooling up under load.
You might want to specify which model of the 9070 XT you have. That can make a difference. Most models are fine, but if you have the Gigabyte version, you might need to replace the thermal paste, as the stock stuff isn’t great. Just ensure the airflow direction of your fans is set correctly for optimal cooling.
I have the Gigabyte Gaming OC 16GB version.
Your build looks solid! The only potential weakness I see is your CPU cooler. If you want the best in cooling, consider an AIO, but I get that you might want to stick with air for now since you’re still learning.
I was advised against an AIO since I'm new and might not notice when it has issues.
What temperatures are you seeing while gaming? If you’re reaching anywhere near 70°C to 80°C, it might be worth looking into further cooling options or fine-tuning your settings.
I haven't tested it yet, but I heard it can get pretty hot, like 70°C under load!
I had a similar GPU and found that adding multiple quiet case fans really helped manage temps without the noise issues. I actually deshrouded my GPU and went with some Noctua fans which made a huge difference in noise while keeping my system cooler.
For your case, you could consider going with larger 140mm fans for better airflow and quieter operation. That could also help regulate temperatures more effectively.
Good point about the fan curves! I had a similar experience with mine where just tweaking the settings dropped my temps significantly. If you still find temps too high after that, consider undervolting the 9070 XT a bit—it worked wonders for me.