PSU Shroud vs triple front fans

[dmmsta]

Wondering if anyone can comment on the impact of a triple front fan arrangement, with a case that has a PSU shroud.

 

I'm considering a Phanteks P400A RGB, which comes with 3 front fans OOTB.

The case has a PSU shroud, and I'm wondering if this impacts the value of the 3rd (bottom) fan?

Assuming that the PSU is installed with the inlet fan face down (and the exhaust obviously rear facing), is the 3rd fan at least 50% redundant.

Although there is a hole in the roof of the shroud next to the fan, it appears that most of the airflow will go to the dead space under the shroud.  While I can see this a benefit if spinning disks are installed where the HDD cage is I won't be using this (and removing it to allow for better cable mgmt).
I imagine that the airflow into the "dead end" space would cause counter-productive "turbulance" in the case (I have no aero-dynamics knowledge so just my assumption).

 

Comments appriciated.  I'm thinking that 2 fans up front would provide better, or at least more directed airflow to the GPU / CPU...

[Action_Johnson]

I think you're overthinking it. 

 

Yes that 3rd fan is mostly for the hard drives, no it's not going to make that noticeable of a difference, maybe measurable, but that's it. 

 

If it came with 3 fans, use the 3 fans. 

[Ralfi]

These are some GPU Load tests I did a few months ago as I was putting together a new triple fan setup in my Corsair 4000D case…I’ve changed my fan profiles since then, so take what you will from these results…

 

1 front fan actually provided the best temps for some reason - I didn’t have a room temperature meter on me then, so the ambient temp may have impacted things… 

 

Anyway, hope it helps…

 

3 x Front fans-GPU under load

‘Quiet’ Fan Profile for CPU/Case fans. GPU fans @ default restricted PWM threshold (66%)…

• CPU (120mm x1); 1010RPM
• Rear exhaust (120mm x1); 642RPM
• Top exhaust (120mm x1); 635RPM
• Front intake (120mm x3); 567RPM
• GPU (80mm x2); ~1567RPM

Noise: 39dB Average 

Temps: 98° (GPU Hot Spot), 86° (GPU), 42° (CPU)

 

2 x Front fans (upper & middle)-GPU under load

‘Quiet’ Fan Profile for CPU/Case fans. GPU fans @ default restricted PWM threshold (66%)…

• CPU (120mm x1); 1009RPM
• Rear exhaust (120mm x1); 635RPM
• Top exhaust (120mm x1); 636RPM
• Front intake (120mm x2); 564RPM
• GPU (80mm x2); ~1500RPM

Noise: 39dB Average

Temps: 99°, 85°, 42°

 

1 x Front fan (upper only)-GPU under load

‘Quiet’ Fan Profile for CPU/Case fans. GPU fans @ default restricted PWM threshold (66%)…

• CPU (120mm x1); 926RPM
• Rear exhaust (120mm x1); 549RPM
• Top exhaust (120mm x1); 544RPM
• Front intake (120mm x1); 549RPM
• GPU (80mm x2); ~1290RPM

Noise: 38dB Average

Temps: 95°, 83°, 39°

 

No Front fans-GPU under load

‘Quiet’ Fan Profile for CPU/Case fans. GPU fans @ default restricted PWM threshold (66%)…

• CPU (120mm x1); 983RPM
• Rear exhaust (120mm x1); 628RPM
• Top exhaust (120mm x1); 602RPM
• GPU (80mm x2); ~1418RPM

Noise: 38dB Average

Temps: 97°, 85°, 44°

[dmmsta]

Thanks for the info both. 
 

had a feeling I might be over thinking a little