Question about H100i in Define R5 (Front mounting)

[Puddleuk]

So I've decided to upgrade (or downgrade to some people) from my Define R2 XL to a Define R5. The case was simply too big (and heavy!) for my needs and with my current configuration was not as silent as I would like, perhaps because I've overdone it on fans

 

My current configuration in R2 XL

• Top mounted H100i in push (exhaust)
• 1 Rear mounted 140mm (exhaust)
• 1 Bottom mounted 140mm (intake)
• 2 Front mounted 140mm (intake).

 

Fans are all the pre-installed fractal ones, I purchased an extra one before I had all my parts so there is a total of 4 fans, 6 if you include the ones on the H100i. So as you can imagine a bit overkill and not silent.

 

So when I get my R5 (Windowed by the way) i'm hoping to try something different and try mounting the H100i to the front but keep it as an exhaust and use a single rear fan as an intake. I just want to know if that is a good idea or not, I've seen people do it on builds but I couldn't tell if the rear fan was intake or exhaust.

 

Planned configuration

• Front mounted H100i (exhaust)
• Rear mounted 140mm (intake)

 

So... advice people, am I planning something stupid? lol. Also sorry if this is not exactly the right place, this topic could probably fit under cases but my main concern is the placement and position of the H100i so you guys know best

 

 

[LeeJC73]

Heat rises. You'll be exhausting the coolest air in your case. Doubt the air from the rad as intake will even get to the h100i. You'll also run at negative pressure so you'll end up with a high probability of dust accumulation.

[Puddleuk]

So basically I should do the opposite. Keep the H100i in the front but in pull (intake) and use the rear fan as exhaust. In that case to my next question, should keep the fan configuration like it is:

 

Fan>Cooler>Case or change is to Cooler>Fan>Case?

 

Made some images to show what I mean.

 

 

OR

 

[LeeJC73]

Precisely. Fan location won't make a difference to your cooling performance. The R5 is well isolated on the front end but you may notice less noise if you mount them inboard of the rad.

[Puddleuk]

Thank you, huge help.