GPU runs cooler without side panel

[Lare111]

I don't have any overheating issues. My GPU never goes above 65C and CPU stays at 50C under 100% load. My PC is also very quiet even during heavy gaming. However I noticed that my GPU temperature drops down to 60C after removing the side panel or front mask and dust filter. Does that mean that I have a poor airflow in my case? 

 

My case is Fractal Design Define Mini C and I have 3 x Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 case fans which seems pretty good even with the dust filter. Exhaust is running at 900 RPM, top intake at 750 RPM and bottom intake at 950 RPM blowing cool air for the GPU. I have a spare Nanoxia 140mm case fan and I tried it as a bottom front intake and to my surprise it didn't reduce GPU temps at all. I also removed top moduvent to help hot air rise but that just added more noise. I came to a conclusion that if I want my GPU run at 60C with side panel on I would have to add very fast 140mm fans to the front. The problem is that I want my PC to be very quiet. I don't think there is any way to cool down my GPU better without adding more noise...?

 

[phongle123]

Of course. More airflow without side panel. But you're letting dust in.

As for the filters, you're less restrictive of the fans without the filters. But again, dust.

[Guest]

This will always be the case. You don't have an airflow problem really, that's just how cases work. Especially those w/ closed off front panels.

[Streetguru]

2 minutes ago, Lare111 said:

 

Your case isn't that great for airflow, but it should be good for noise

 

You could always undervolt your hardware to reduce it's heat output.

[Enderman]

That's the case for pretty much every case (haha)

[Guest]

Almost all cases get their hardware colder when you remove panels. It's normal. That's also why an "real test bench" has "optimal temps". (they usually don't have any sidepanels)

[Lare111]

I tried running intake fans at full speed and GPU maxed at 63C but my PC was quite noisy. I guess I have to choose either silence or good airflow. Still 65C for overclocked GTX 1070 which fans are running at max 1400 RPM isn't bad. My old Asus Dual 1070 ran at 77C max with 1750 RPM fan speed and I had to undervolt it. For some reason that GPU didn't run any cooler without side panel. My new Strix also dumps more heat in my case and I can feel that the window is very warm and exhaust fan pushes lot of warm air out. Front mask doesn't seem to restrict the airflow much but the dust filter does. I don't want dust in my PC so I'm keeping the filter. 

[Mick Naughty]

Need better fans or a better case. Don't worry about it and just let the components bake.

 

[Lare111]

42 minutes ago, Mick Naughty said:

Need better fans or a better case. Don't worry about it and just let the components bake.

 

I don't really think that there are any fans that move consiredably more air without making any more noise. I don't want any 2000 RPM jet engine fans since I like my PC very quiet even under full load and these GP12 fans are quiet until 1000 RPM. I also have couple Noctuas, Corsair AF120 and some Nanoxia and SilentiumPC fans but these Fractal Design fans seem to the be best choice in my case. And I also like the black and white color scheme.

 

I tried adding third front intake fan but that didn't help GPU and max temperature was 65C under load again. Third one mostly blows cool air to the PSU chamber and cools down HDD. By the way it's kind of interesting that mATX case can fit three front fans.

 

I know some cases have pretty bad front mask which reduces airflow too much. I had a Fractal Design Core 1300 once which was terrible and I had to modify it to improve airflow. However Define C has pretty open front mask. I tested the airflow with my hand and removing front mask didn't really do anything. So it's either no side panel, no dust filter, too loud but fast case fans or 5C higher GPU temps. I'm choosing the last one