I'm about to build my first PC using the Phanteks XT V3 case, and I'm a bit stuck on how to set up my fans. The case allows for a maximum of three fans on the bottom/top and just one at the back. Here are the options I'm considering:
A: Three intake fans on the bottom, three exhaust fans on the top (with an AIO cooler), and no rear fan.
B: Three intake fans on the bottom, three exhaust fans on the top (with an AIO cooler), plus one intake fan in the rear position.
C: Three intake fans on the bottom, three exhaust fans on the top (with an AIO cooler), and one exhaust fan in the rear position.
Which configuration do you think would work best?
3 Answers
It's important to note that to achieve positive pressure and minimize dust, you typically want more intake than exhaust. With three top fans exhausting air and a rear exhaust as well, you might end up starving your AIO cooler. If the rear’s an intake, your AIO could benefit from cooler air intake. Just remember to put a dust filter on that rear fan if you go that route!
Option C is definitely the best choice. Having the rear fan as exhaust helps maintain clear airflow in your setup. Since you're already bringing in plenty of fresh air from the bottom, an exhaust at the rear will create a straightforward path for air to flow. If thermal performance seems off later, you can always adjust your fan curves to fine-tune things, but starting with rear exhaust is a solid choice.
I'm leaning towards option B, though! Using the rear fan as an intake might actually help with cooling your motherboard's VRMs, especially in a case like this. It adds a bit of positive air pressure, which can keep dust out. It all depends on airflow dynamics, but I can see benefits with that rear fan pulling in fresh air before it heads up to the AIO.
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