High GPU Temps - Change AIO from Front to Top?

[alanp1995]

Hi, I am currently experiencing some high GPU temperatures in game, maximum temperature reaching around 88C and I would love to reduce that. I've recently applied fresh thermal paste to both the CPU and GPU to ensure the best possible outcome here. Currently, I'm running a 240 AIO intake on the front of the case and only a single 120mm exhaust fan at the rear. I invested in some Noctua case fans as you can see in the parts list below and before installing I would like to get your opinion on whether or not to switch the 240 AIO intake on the front, to a 240 exhaust on top. No doubt the 3 extra fans will help a lot, so they'll just go where the AIO isin't. Reason being, my CPU doesn't get challenged a lot in games and rarely goes above 65C, e.g. it has a lot of temperature headroom. Any quick tips before I undertake my endeavor, leave a comment below 

 

Note: I do have, and want, and need an overclock on my GPU to reach 144 FPS on Warzone 2, so this is why I'm exploring this option.

 

Many thanks.

 

CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Asus ROG Ryujin 240 RGB AIO 121.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
Motherboard: MSI Z390-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB (4 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
Storage: Sabrent Rocket Q 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive 
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200 RPM Internal Hard Drive

Video Card: MSI VENTUS OC GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB Video Card
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 275R ATX Mid Tower Case
Case Fan: Noctua S12B redux-1200 PWM 59.1 CFM 120 mm Fan
Case Fan: Noctua S12B redux-1200 PWM 59.1 CFM 120 mm Fan
Case Fan: Noctua S12B redux-1200 PWM 59.1 CFM 120 mm Fan

[Gorgon]

I doubt that you will be able to mount your AIO in the roof as your memory sticks are too tall.

 

Corsair states that there is clearance for a 240mm radiator in the top and the mounts are offset towards the glass but they don't specify the clearance anywhere.

 

If you can mount it in the top you should as you'll be getting the heat directly out rather than hot-boxing your GPU.

 

[jaslion]

The real fix would be a different case as this case is a notorious hotbox due to having the front sealed.

[alanp1995]

8 minutes ago, jaslion said:

The real fix would be a different case as this case is a notorious hotbox due to having the front sealed.

Very valid point. Any good cases under the $100 range based on your own research and experience?

Probably any that allow front airflow right?

Perhaps one that will allow me to top mount the AIO with the memory I have?

[-rascal-]

3 hours ago, alanp1995 said:

Very valid point. Any good cases under the $100 range based on your own research and experience?

Probably any that allow front airflow right?

Perhaps one that will allow me to top mount the AIO with the memory I have?

 

It was a reason why Corsair then introduced the 275R Airflow -- the solid front panel kills airflow.

You can do a quick test, and see if GPU temperatures drop with the glass side panel temporarily removed.

 

The 275R is a smaller mid-tower case, so it is smaller height-wise.

 

You have a couple of decent choices for under $100 USD (most of these have different color options):

• Fractal Design Focus 2 -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/jD92FT/fractal-design-focus-2-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-foc2a-03
• Fractal Design Pop Air -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/QnD7YJ/fractal-design-pop-air-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-poa1a-02
• Phanteks Eclipse G360A -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/pqzhP6/phanteks-eclipse-g360a-atx-mid-tower-case-ph-ec360atg_dbk02
• Corsair 4000D Airflow -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bCYQzy/corsair-4000d-airflow-atx-mid-tower-case-cc-9011200-ww
• Phanteks P400A -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/3RJmP6/phanteks-eclipse-p400a-atx-mid-tower-case-ph-ec400atg_bk

[Gorgon]

6 hours ago, jaslion said:

The real fix would be a different case as this case is a notorious hotbox due to having the front sealed.

@alanp1995I didn't realize that was the one with the sealed front.

 

Another option is a Fractal Meshify C or Meshify 2 Compact. - Better build quality than the Focus 2 and Pop Air but will struggle with large (long) GPUs with the radiator in front but you'll have issues with most mid tower cases mounting the radiator in top with taller (RGB) RAM.

[alanp1995]

7 hours ago, -rascal- said:

 

It was a reason why Corsair then introduced the 275R Airflow -- the solid front panel kills airflow.

You can do a quick test, and see if GPU temperatures drop with the glass side panel temporarily removed.

 

The 275R is a smaller mid-tower case, so it is smaller height-wise.

 

You have a couple of decent choices for under $100 USD (most of these have different color options):

• Fractal Design Focus 2 -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/jD92FT/fractal-design-focus-2-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-foc2a-03
• Fractal Design Pop Air -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/QnD7YJ/fractal-design-pop-air-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-poa1a-02
• Phanteks Eclipse G360A -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/pqzhP6/phanteks-eclipse-g360a-atx-mid-tower-case-ph-ec360atg_dbk02
• Corsair 4000D Airflow -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bCYQzy/corsair-4000d-airflow-atx-mid-tower-case-cc-9011200-ww
• Phanteks P400A -- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/3RJmP6/phanteks-eclipse-p400a-atx-mid-tower-case-ph-ec400atg_bk

 

4 hours ago, Gorgon said:

@alanp1995I didn't realize that was the one with the sealed front.

 

Another option is a Fractal Meshify C or Meshify 2 Compact. - Better build quality than the Focus 2 and Pop Air but will struggle with large (long) GPUs with the radiator in front but you'll have issues with most mid tower cases mounting the radiator in top with taller (RGB) RAM.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately all the mentioned options are closer to around the €150 mark on Amazon UK. I managed to find the NZXT H5 Flow on sale for €100. Seems a good option?

[Gorgon]

7 hours ago, alanp1995 said:

 

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately all the mentioned options are closer to around the €150 mark on Amazon UK. I managed to find the NZXT H5 Flow on sale for €100. Seems a good option?

You should have led with your in the UK as that will affect pricing. Most of us use pcpartpicker as it will show the best prices from multiple vendors once you set your region.

 

If you go to pcpartpicker, set your region to UK and filter for mid-tower cases and set your price limit you will see that the Fractal Focus2, PopAir, Define C and Corsair 400D Airflow, Phantechs G360A etc. all available for under 100 pounds.

 

Tech Jesus likes the Phanteks G360A better at this price point but the H5 flow is “fine” if you’ve drunk the NZXT kool aid and already have additional fans:

Top mounting the radiator again may be an issue with your tall RAM. The manual gives no RAM clearance values which, in my experience, means it likely only supports standard height RAM.

 

But at least the H5 Flow should, with a front mounted radiator, be much less starved for air and you could use your Noctua redux fans for top and rear exhaust and I expect your GPU will be much less hot boxed giving you a little more room for Overclocking it.

 

But if you really want good airflow then simple physics dictate you’ll likely need to move to a larger case.

 

Hopefully you are fine with the Front bottom air scoop and fan and the limitation that will impose on additional hard drives and less room for tucking away cables and the design also wasting one front usb3 connection.

[-rascal-]

16 hours ago, alanp1995 said:

 

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately all the mentioned options are closer to around the €150 mark on Amazon UK. I managed to find the NZXT H5 Flow on sale for €100. Seems a good option?

 

I didn't realize you were in the Ireland, when you specified "$100", sorry.

When I set the region to UK, there were still a lot of options, but changing it to Ireland, it really cut the options down.

 

No, do not get the NZXT H5 / H5 Flow / H510. 

I'd say save up a little bit more, and get the Corsair 4000D Airflow over the H5 Flow.

https://ie.pcpartpicker.com/product/WBVG3C/corsair-4000d-airflow-atx-mid-tower-case-cc-9011201-ww