Optimal fan configuration for my case (Define C)

Acquire · September 30, 2017

So I'm seeking some thoughts on my current fan configuration for my Fractal Design Define C.

Currently I have be quiet silent wings 3s (non high speed pwm versions) on the front and rear. Two 140mm in front and one 120mm on back.

On top I have the Fractal Design Celsius S24 with the stock fans it came with. The radiator is set as exhaust and on auto mode, which keeps the fans at very low speeds.

Right now things run pretty quiet and cool. Under gaming load the GPU gets to 76C at 42% fan speed and the CPU will be about 75C. The main thing I've noticed is that the silent wings fans, while beautifully quiet, appear to barely move any air even at higher speeds, especially the front intake.

If noctua made their standard fans in black I'd get them all around.

Anyways, any suggestions on possible improvements for this setup? Ideally I want all black fans. Would high static pressure fans be better on the front intake or even on the rear? Should I just leave it alone?

Theguywhobea · September 30, 2017

You have a net value of 1 fan blowing out so you have a negative pressure in your case. If you add any fans try to add another 1 or 2 intake fans that are filtered. Air Flow optimized fans should work fine on regular intakes, Static Pressure fans for the rad though

flibberdipper · September 30, 2017

The Define C has honestly sub-par front air intake, so you might actually want to use static pressure fans up there, but really if temps are in check then there's no point wasting money on fans.

Acquire · September 30, 2017

9 minutes ago, Theguywhobea said:

You have a net value of 1 fan blowing out so you have a negative pressure in your case. If you add any fans try to add another 1 or 2 intake fans that are filtered. Air Flow optimized fans should work fine on regular intakes, Static Pressure fans for the rad though

It's not possible to add more fans. Also, the cooler is set on auto mode, which barely spins the fans up.

LogicalDrm · September 30, 2017

Temps are good, you won't gain much by changing things around.

WoodenMarker · September 30, 2017

Your temps are good.

How are you determining that the fans are barely moving air?

zizar3 · October 9, 2017

On 9/30/2017 at 10:48 AM, Acquire said:

It's not possible to add more fans. Also, the cooler is set on auto mode, which barely spins the fans up.

Absolutely not true.

The top of the power supply shroud on the front side of the case is removable (also need to move your HDD stand) to allow another 120mm fan to be added to the front and bottom of the case.

I would do this if you're looking into increasing the cooling in your case. Also would create positive pressure which is good for cooling and for avoiding dust build-up.