HAF XB Airflow Question

kewiha · January 10, 2013

Hello, I understand a question makes for a poor introduction, but I can't decide on what to do. This question applies to a planned build, which is probably a faux-pas, but I have the cooler and case right in front of me. I have a Cooler Master HAF XB and a Corsair H100i, occupying the front fan mounts. It fits and everything, but the front panel was intended for dual intake. It would be very unsafe to blow the rad's air into the case, so it'll be an exhaust. For reference, here is the case:

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The two fans on the right are where the H100i will go. The 200mm mount is not pictured, but is dead-center on top. The 120mm rear is where you would expect it to be on a tower. They are occupied by Spectre Pros, and CM suggests using them for exhaust. Those are the only fan mounts (besides the dual 80mms at the bottom which will remain empty). The case is SUPER roomy and plenty of air can be drawn from the bottom of the case and the vented side panels. Will the PSU or something heat the air rising to the top half? It's the only hot component down there...

One attractive feature of the case was the incidental airflow the front fans delivered to the entire board. I think the H100i will get rid of that. So, here's the meat of the discussion: how should I orient my fans to provide maximum cooling where I need it? I'd like to do a mild overclock to the 3570k and MSI 660TI I am planning on throwing in there, but certainly not to the full potential of the H100i. I'm not a huge silence freak, but it would be neat if the machine ran kinda quiet as well.

Thanks in advance for any replies, they are much appreciated. I'm hoping the forum code is the same as I'm used to.