Which AIO Layout is Better?

[Ginny P the VT]

I'm kind of limited in AIO choices in my MagniumGear  Neo Air Chassis. i have a rear 120mm, or top 240mm, or front 240mm or 280mm as options. know front mounted radiators make pumps work harder then a top mount. but is the extra capacity of a 280 front mount create a better cooling solution then a top mount 240mm???

 

Thanks in Advanced.

[Imakuni]

You only really need to answer one question here: Do you want absolute maximum CPU cooling power? You will sacrifice GPU performance to do so, and remember that a cooler CPU won't make your system perform any better... but if you still answer "yes", grab a 280, stick it in the front and call it a day.

 

Otherwise, grab a 240 and put it in the top.

 

(And forget about 120 ones, they are stupid).

[Ginny P the VT]

12 minutes ago, Imakuni said:

You only really need to answer one question here: Do you want absolute maximum CPU cooling power? You will sacrifice GPU performance to do so, and remember that a cooler CPU won't make your system perform any better... but if you still answer "yes", grab a 280, stick it in the front and call it a day.

 

Otherwise, grab a 240 and put it in the top.

 

(And forget about 120 ones, they are stupid).

wasn't considering a 120mm actually. was more to reference my limited options in this pc case. if i do a front rad is tubes at the top or at the bottom best orientation?

[Imakuni]

2 minutes ago, Ginny P the VT said:

wasn't considering a 120mm actually. was more to reference my limited options in this pc case. if i do a front rad is tubes at the top or at the bottom best orientation?

As I said, put the AIO at the top and you don't have to worry about it  

 

At any rate, vertical mount ones should ideally have the tubes down. But if you can't make it fit, at the top is okay as long as the pump is lower than them. For more info, you can watch this.

 

 

[jaslion]

What cpu do you have?

 

Depending on that the choice od cooler can be made.

[TatamiMatt]

4 hours ago, Ginny P the VT said:

I'm kind of limited in AIO choices in my MagniumGear  Neo Air Chassis. i have a rear 120mm, or top 240mm, or front 240mm or 280mm as options. know front mounted radiators make pumps work harder then a top mount. but is the extra capacity of a 280 front mount create a better cooling solution then a top mount 240mm???

 

Thanks in Advanced.

If youre sticking with the 10400F, you can probably cool it with a stiff breeze, if you want much better cooling id recommend a thermalright phantom spirit, $35 and as good as or close to the cooling performance of a 240/280mm AIO

[TPCEA]

I'm assuming you're choosing an AIO for aesthetic reasons...

 

@Imakuniis correct. 

My testing shows that front mount beats top mount. Tubes down is better,  but it's ok to do tubes up if you have no choice.  The reason down is better has to do with air buildup in the loop, otherwise the temps are very similar. Have your fans on intake. 

 

Matt is correct about using an air cooler. 

[Mark Kaine]

On 7/11/2024 at 4:35 AM, Imakuni said:

And forget about 120 ones, they are stupid

oh yeah?

 

 

 

beats a lot of cheapish air coolers, and more importantly is actually usable and keeps up with an otherwise pretty high end build. 

 

love that channel and 50 shades of grey btw,  high performance/ budget builts rock! 

[Ginny P the VT]

seams like as long as the pumps lower then the rad tubes is okay.

[Stahlmann]

On 7/21/2024 at 1:41 PM, Ginny P the VT said:

seams like as long as the pumps lower then the rad tubes is okay.

Basically yes. Just make sure the pump isn't the highest point of the loop.

[Ginny P the VT]

On 7/30/2024 at 7:23 AM, Stahlmann said:

Basically yes. Just make sure the pump isn't the highest point of the loop.

very true on pump height. I'm switching cases for bigger AIO since my cat bent my current case beyond me being able to repair. the Thermaltake core 3 pro puts the top rad above the pump so should be good.

[Pawer8]

On 7/11/2024 at 4:49 AM, Ginny P the VT said:

wasn't considering a 120mm actually. was more to reference my limited options in this pc case. if i do a front rad is tubes at the top or at the bottom best orientation?

Bottom. Your rad will act like a reservoir. Containing all the air and stopping it from reaching the pump, which is bad.

 

It is important your pump always gets liquid and not air.

 

 

[TPCEA]

On 7/21/2024 at 7:41 AM, Ginny P the VT said:

seams like as long as the pumps lower then the rad tubes is okay.

The correct way to do it is:

1. Make sure the water block's tubes face up or sideways so that air doesn't get trapped inside it, which is bad even if the pump isn't in it;
2. The pump is not at the top of any part of the loop, nor in a position where air can get trapped in it;
3. The best position for cooling is with the radiator on the front or side;
4. The radiator can have tubes up or down, but down helps protect the pump because any air that enters the rad will get trapped in the opposite end; 
5. If the fans are weak in terms of static pressure then replace them with the strongest fans you can buy unless the pump is very strong (>~4500 RPM) and the fans have at least 2.5mmAq pressure; and
6. If the AIO is on the side and there are front fan spots, set the fans to exhaust. If it's on the front, intake is best. 

Edited August 26, 2024 by RevGAM
Added more about fans