H100i Placement

bjond · January 1, 2016

So I just picked up a H100i as it is part of my upgrade plan for my computer and I got a really sweet deal I could not pass up. I decided to mount it on the bottom of my NZXT Source 530 and I am extremely please with the results so far. I live in the northern US(it is winter and all) and my computer is located near one of my sliding doors, so the air over there is fairly cold. After playing some games for a few hours I checked the temperature sensor and found that my CPU is running 8-12c. My build is nothing top tier, and I have only started putting some better components in it, but seeing this was awesome.

I placed the radiator where I did because I knew there is cooler air where I was putting it. To improve intake, I have my case sitting on a piece of plywood to make sure my carpet didn't choke out the intake.

For people who are using all in one coolers, I wanted to hear where you decided to mount your radiator(and how your fans are in relation to it) and why.

zyntaxable · January 1, 2016

Placement of radiator only makes a few degrees difference, so it doesn't matter. But I higly doubt your temps are so low, how could you live in such a cold house?

Enderman · January 1, 2016

if your CPU is running at 8-12C im gonna guess youre using an AMD CPU

those always give wrong temp readings...

bjond · January 1, 2016

Placement of radiator only makes a few degrees difference, so it doesn't matter. But I higly doubt your temps are so low, how could you live in such a cold house?

Because I prefer it to be cool. I'd rather wear a long sleeve shirt inside than run my heater all the time

if your CPU is running at 8-12C im gonna guess youre using an AMD CPU

those always give wrong temp readings...

Yes I am running an AMD processor. I wouldn't know if the sensor is reading incorrectly. Aside from my computer sensors the only other temperatures I can go by are my thermostat and the outside temperature. My AC is set to run at 70F, outside it is 10-20F, my computer is right next to the door and the air is noticeably cooler...to the point where I have to wear socks. I can also say that it was running at 30-75C idle and under load with my previous stock cooler. So even if it is/was reading incorrectly, the thermal performance is a HUGE leap.

On that note, if you have legitimate suggestions on a better way to get accurate thermal readings, I am all ears!

Enderman · January 1, 2016

Yes I am running an AMD processor. I wouldn't know if the sensor is reading incorrectly. Aside from my computer sensors the only other temperatures I can go by are my thermostat and the outside temperature. My AC is set to run at 70F, outside it is 10-20F, my computer is right next to the door and the air is noticeably cooler...to the point where I have to wear socks. I can also say that it was running at 30-75C idle and underload with my previous stock cooler. So even if it is reading incorrectly, the thermal performance is a HUGE leap.

On that note, if you have legitimate suggestions on a better way to get accurate thermal readings, I am all ears!

AMD CPUs dont use sensors, they use an algorithm that estimates the temperature based on power usage and workload and stuff like that

when CPU temp drops below 30-40C the algorithm starts giving completely off readings

thats why a lot of people with AMD CPUs have temp readings that are below ambient temperature (which is impossible with air or regular liquid cooling)

the best way to determine the correct temperature is to read the socket temp (some motherboards have a temp sensor right below the CPU socket)

airdeano · January 1, 2016

preferable placement would be that the hoses from the radiator to the

pump/cold plate should be above the pump/cold plate. reasoning is that the

radiator is the built in reservoir to collect the air within the system. due to the

coolant expansion, this air allows the system to compensate for coolant

expansion. when the radiator placement is lower than the pump/cold plate,

the air travels up and induces the system to cavitation. air in the pump/cold

plate can/will damage the pump assembly (click/grind).

the source 530 has room to mount the radiator assembly in the roof.

bjond · January 1, 2016

According to the motherboard sensor I am getting 51.8F. And just to reiterate, in reply to your point, I am not getting cooler than ambient temperature. That would be physically impossible as I am removing heat, not 'cooling' so to speak. My setup happens to be next to a source of 'colder than ambient temperature' air.

preferable placement would be that the hoses from the radiator to the

pump/cold plate should be above the pump/cold plate. reasoning is that the

radiator is the built in reservoir to collect the air within the system. due to the

coolant expansion, this air allows the system to compensate for coolant

expansion. when the radiator placement is lower than the pump/cold plate,

the air travels up and induces the system to cavitation. air in the pump/cold

plate can/will damage the pump assembly (click/grind).

the source 530 has room to mount the radiator assembly in the roof.

Thanks for that info. I specifically wanted it on the bottom, but can definitely change it. I am going to monitor it over the next few days and see if I notice any inconsistencies in performance and will try it out on the top as well.