Help with case fans

Linguado · December 28, 2013

This is my first time build a PC and I'm having some doubts about where to put the fans on my case.

I have a HAF XM windowed version by Cooler Master (http://www.coolermaster.com/product/Detail/case/mid-tower/haf-xm-with-side-window.html). The case comes with two 200mm fans (top and front) and a 140mm fan (back).

For the CPU cooling I'm probably going with the Corsair H100i which I will use with Corsair's SP120 Quiet fans.
What kind of fans should I use? Where should I put them? Should I put the radiator fans on Input or Output?

skullbringer · December 28, 2013

what Id do:

put the fans on the h100 on top of the rad so they are pulling out.

in the front put two AF140s and in the back one AF140, preferably with a dust filter on it. all 3 pulling in, you could get the new led versions of the af fans, if you could(available) /wanted to.

All fans quiet edition, running via 12V molex to 5V 3-pin fan adaptor(s) directly off the psu.

Linguado · December 29, 2013

Unfortunaly, this case doesn't support 2 140mm fans in the front. I'll probably just use 2 120mm.
I'm considering put the radiator on push pull as exaust.

iamthecpu · December 29, 2013

that would work if you have the room to do it with every thing installed

Covn · December 30, 2013

I doubt you'd be able to get a push pull on a top rad with this case, there isn't a lot of room above the motherboard tray. You could fit the rad on the inside of the case with 2 fans on the top (under the cover) pulling out over vice versa, but there's limited clearance from the top of the mobo to the top of the interior.

To be honest a push pull isn't really necessary, especially for a first build. Also, you will need long screws to go through the top fans, through the case and into the radiator. So make sure whatever set up you go for has the correct mounting options or buy em separately.

Depending on the other components I'd go with a 240mm or 280mm rad on top with 2 fans pulling out (mounted under the top cover). Stick with the rear 140mm and probably go for either a single 120mm or 140mm at the front, 2 x 120s isn't totally necessary and will add a lot of extra noise/cabling to deal with.