The Best P180 Fan Configuration

[lmnop]

I just received 3 Yate Loons on Friday and I'm wondering what is the best fan configuration for low noise and of course good airflow. I have searched and found countless configurations. Right now I have 1 Yate Loon in the rear exhaust, the stock Antec Tricool set to low in the blow hole, and a Yate Loon in the lower PSU chamber. I can definitely tell a difference in airflow when comparing the Yate Loon and Tricool exhaust fans. However, there does seem to be a slight increase in noise, from my previous all stock Tricool setup (2 exhaust on low and lower chamber on med).

I have read where a few people disable the blow hole fan and cover it up. I have been considering doing this since my case only has about 1/4 inch clearance on all sides in its cubby hole. Although, I'm not sure if it would be beneficial to disable it or just leave it as is?

As far as the lower PSU chamber fan, I have been considering putting a TriCool on low in there instead of a Yate Loon. Before I had the YL I had the stock TriCool set on medium and it generated a lot of noise. Exactly how much airfflow do I need down there to keep my HD and PSU nice and cool? My PSU is a Antec TruePower 2.0 and it's fan is usually spinning at 800 RPMs. Would a TriCool on low be enough?

I've also been considering using a YL in the provided plastic mount as an intake fan or as the "Middle Fan." Since I don't have any HDs mounted in upper drive cage, should I just put the fan in the "Middle Fan" position, opposed to the intake position?

Any feedback and/or configurations of your own would be greatly appreciated.

[natethegreat]

My P180 airflow config:

Side panel off (http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/518/dsc01587uh3.jpg)

[dtess17]

My P180 airflow config:

Side panel off (http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/518/dsc01587uh3.jpg)

very nice job on those wires.

what is keeping your hard drives cool though? did you mount one up in the front?

[natethegreat]

No no hdd's in the upper cage as I removed the trays to mount the fan there. The lower channel is set up so that the psu fan will draw air from the front of the case and over the hdd's. MBM5 reports hdd temps at ~44 C. I tried a fan in there but it did not cool the hdd's any better.

[thrawn86]

I've got the tricool 38mm and a yate loon in the top and back for exhaust, and two yate loons mounted in the front (1 on the stock mount, the other modded into the front lower chamber). if my psu wasn't long, i'd have another in the middle of the lower chamber as well.

[kill4killin]

Right now I'm using the stock tri-cool fans that the case came with. However, I have 4 yate loons in the mail right now and from what I have heard and seen, that setup above is the best one for optimal cooling/noise ratio. The only thing I would think would make the setup there better would be the lose of that fan on the top HDD cage, I don't know if that really is doing any good is it? Also, the lower bay fan is not really necessary unless you have that cage filled with hard drives. I have 2 drives down there and they are not running hot at all and the only reason I still have that lower bay fan in there is because I'm to lazy to take it out at the moment. The only thing you may want to consider is keeping that top 120mm fan in. I know some people say that you shouldn't use it. However, depending on what CPU cooler you are using, it may actually improve you cooling as well as I'm a believer in having negative pressure inside the case, so there should always be twice as much exhaust as there is intake.

[movax]

Oh. My. God.

I've had my P180 for a year and a half now, and it's never looked as good as that. I must re-do the entire setup this weekend! :D

[Hurin]

Just built a system for a friend. eVGA 680i motherboard. This case combined with that motherboard is a nightmare. Since the CPU socket is so far up in the corner, the top fan and rear exhaust fan butt nearly up against the Thermalright SI-128 heatsink/fan. I considered removing one of the fans. Now I see here that removing the top one is recommended. Why exactly do people recommend removing it?

(sorry to bold. But that's my primary question and I'm about to ramble.)
Other problem with this Mobo and case mix. . . the power supply's (Seasonic M12 700W) 8-pin atx power connector needed to reach the far, top edge of the motherboard. . . and was too short, so I had to route over the motherboard (not ideal). . . just barely made it. . . had to connect it while the motherboard was outside the case (again, because the SI-128 inhibits access to the plug because the CPU area is so far in the corner).

I'm a bit concerned that the two fans up there in the corner are not cooling as well as they could since the SI-128 is right up against them. But, oh well. . . I guess we'll see when I try to overclock this thing.

Best,

H

[_Durandal_]

Just built a system for a friend. eVGA 680i motherboard. This case combined with that motherboard is a nightmare...

Other problem with this Mobo and case mix. . . the power supply's (Seasonic M12 700W) 8-pin atx power connector needed to reach the far, top edge of the motherboard. . . and was too short, so I had to route over the motherboard (not ideal). . . just barely made it. . . had to connect it while the motherboard was outside the case (again, because the SI-128 inhibits access to the plug because the CPU area is so far in the corner).

I'll probably be in the same boat you are as I have parts arriving for a friend today that are nearly identical (P180 & 680i motherboard). Now the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 should have a long enough cable, but if not, I'm prepared to order from Performance PC's (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=186&zenid=34e841e3a911ef33c33be65f96190823) and get a 12" extension to re-route the cable.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Oh, and for the OP, if you want to know fan configurations, go HERE (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.html). Granted, this is with the slightly "older" P180, but they do a great job of testing every configuration...perhaps it will help? I believe the actual temperatures start on page 7. Good luck.

[kill4killin]

I wouldn't bother ordering a part for a PCP&C PSU. PCP&C PSUs have an amazing warranty that even covers if you mess up a cable mod so I would go ahead and just custom lengthen those cables to reach where you want rather than buying a part to make it reach.

[_Durandal_]

Well, I would kill4killin, but I already have the PSU in front of me, so I was hoping to just purchase a 12" extension and call it a day. I'd really like to avoid sending the unit to PC Power & Cooling just to have an extension put on.

[natethegreat]

The only thing I would think would make the setup there better would be the lose of that fan on the top HDD cage, I don't know if that really is doing any good is it? I think the Nvidia chipset would melt if I didn't let that passive cooler get some air
:D

The only thing you may want to consider is keeping that top 120mm fan in. I know some people say that you shouldn't use it. However, depending on what CPU cooler you are using, it may actually improve you cooling as well as I'm a believer in having negative pressure inside the case, so there should always be twice as much exhaust as there is intake.I have 3 different sets of fans for this case (The stock Tri-cools, a set of 4 Coolermaster Silent LED fans, and a set of 4 Yate-Loon D12SL-12's) and none of these fans made an impact on cooling when installed in the top position. Temps remained comparable with or without the top fan installed.

Couple more pics:
Front (http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/7679/dsc01597mh0.jpg)

Back (http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2623/dsc01593ma5.jpg)

Removing the grilles really help cut down on the noise :)

[lmnop]

currently i am using 1 yate loon in rear exhaust, 1 antec tricool on low in the top exhaust, 1 antec tricool on low in the lowe chamber, and 1 yate loon mounted on the upper HD cage in the "middle position." I also have a zalman vf900 on my gpu and an arctic cooling freezer 64 pro for my cpu hsf.

I do have a problem that I could use some advice on. I have a "humming noise" that has just started after installing my yate loons. I figured it had to be a fan so i went through and stopped each one individually, but the noise was still there. I've finally found (or at least hope so) that it is coming from the middle intake section in front of the upper HD cage. it doesnt hum when I have the case door open with the plastic door fully open and the filter screen out. but as soon as i close the plastic door a little bit, or even put the filter screen on, a hum begins. I have a hard time beleiving it could be something with the screen or the door, but there is a considerable difference in noise from with it open/screen out, than not. any ideas how i could fix this or what could be causing it? my case has been sort of jumbled around a bit with all the moving its done, probably loosened something up in the front fascia.

also natethegreat, how did you set up your lower chamber so it draws in air like you mentioned? is the case designed to flow like that or did you do something different? also, what RPM does your PSU fan spin at?

[snapshooter]

@ natethegreat : what did you use to remove these grilles ? I want to do that but don't know what tool to use !!!

@lmnop : I have exactly the same problem. That noise is there as long as I put the front dust filter on. If I take it off, it becomes quiet instantly ( and lower the temp by several degree as well ). Problem is my room is quite dusty so I have to use the filter. It is definitely caused by the lack of air. I'm hoping removing the front grille will reduce that noise even with the filter on.

And yes, removing the top exhaust fan reduces my CPU temp by about 3-4 C degree. Making it an intake fan reduces the temp another 2 C degree but I think it is not worth the added noise.

[movax]

Oh, and for the OP, if you want to know fan configurations, go HERE (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.html). Granted, this is with the slightly "older" P180, but they do a great job of testing every configuration...perhaps it will help? I believe the actual temperatures start on page 7. Good luck.
"older" P180? What changed? (And when I should ask too ;) ). I got mine about a year and a half ago.

[u8myrice]

So, 1 rear exhaust, 1 top intake, 1 mid front intake, 1 lower chamber intake, is the best configuration? What about the bottom from intake? If I shove a Yate Loon in there, will it improve my temps?

[MonoDestro]

There is no need for 2 fans in the lower chamber, as its only cooling HDDs. As long as you have some airflow its fine.

Man I really need to get working on my P180 build...so lazy.

[_Durandal_]

"older" P180? What changed? (And when I should ask too ;) ). I got mine about a year and a half ago.
They added a clip for the 120mm fan on the top HDD cage, so it could push a bit more air, removed the VGA duct (which was standard on the older model), and made the door all one piece as the previous versions were subject to warping.

To see what the "new" version looks like, go here: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page13.html

[lmnop]

And yes, removing the top exhaust fan reduces my CPU temp by about 3-4 C degree. Making it an intake fan reduces the temp another 2 C degree but I think it is not worth the added noise.

Did you block off the hole when you removed the top fan? Also, what type of CPU HSF do you have?

As far as my noise problem I am unsure if it is the front screen/door or not. It definitely sounds like a vibration of some sort. I have stopped all of my fans 1 by 1 and the noise was always still there. It also isn't my hard drive/hard drive bay. The noise does seem to go away or become much quieter when I open the door and remove the dust screen, but I cant tell if maybe the increased noise of airflow is just drowning it out? It drives me crazy listening to this thing.

[natethegreat]

I do have a problem that I could use some advice on. I have a "humming noise" that has just started after installing my yate loons. I figured it had to be a fan so i went through and stopped each one individually, but the noise was still there. I've finally found (or at least hope so) that it is coming from the middle intake section in front of the upper HD cage. it doesnt hum when I have the case door open with the plastic door fully open and the filter screen out. but as soon as i close the plastic door a little bit, or even put the filter screen on, a hum begins. I have a hard time beleiving it could be something with the screen or the door, but there is a considerable difference in noise from with it open/screen out, than not. any ideas how i could fix this or what could be causing it? my case has been sort of jumbled around a bit with all the moving its done, probably loosened something up in the front fascia.

also natethegreat, how did you set up your lower chamber so it draws in air like you mentioned? is the case designed to flow like that or did you do something different? also, what RPM does your PSU fan spin at?First off, how did you mount the top intake fan? Did you screw it into the case frame, or did you screw the fan into the bracket and then install it into the case? I noticed that if you don't use the bracket the clips for the dust filter will rub the fans blades when the filter is in.

As far as setting up the lower chamber to intake from the front of the case, all you have to do is put some tape (I used clear packing tape) around all the little vent-holes that surrond the psu mounting area. I marked the area in this pic (http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6685/tapedoffvv9.jpg). Taping this off prevents the psu from drawing air from the vent holes at the back of the case when no fan is running in the lower chamber.

@ natethegreat : what did you use to remove these grilles ? I want to do that but don't know what tool to use !!!I used a Dremel with a cut-off wheel. It worked well for the top, rear and lower-ront grilles but it is not easy to cut out the top-front intake with a Dremel. I think a nibbler might be a better choice for that job.

[kill4killin]

Removing the grilles really help cut down on the noise :)

Is that the window stripping around the edge or is your fan actually shaped that way?

[natethegreat]

Is that the window stripping around the edge or is your fan actually shaped that way? The fan is a normal 120mm Yate-loon D12SL-12, the black stuff around the edge is push-on rubber edge trim from
McMaster.com (http://www.mcmaster.com/) (do a search for part #8510K11) :)

[kill4killin]

O perfect, thats exactly what I was looking for for my project, now I will do that to my P180! Thanks

::EDIT::
Hey, how did you mount your zalman on the front, I have the same controller but when I try to mount my controller in my P180, those clips make it wiggle a lot.

[natethegreat]

Hey, how did you mount your zalman on the front, I have the same controller but when I try to mount my controller in my P180, those clips make it wiggle a lot. I just used the same rails that the optical drives get mounted with. I think I screwed the rails onto the controllers mounting bracket really tight though...

[kill4killin]

I just used the same rails that the optical drives get mounted with. I think I screwed the rails onto the controllers mounting bracket really tight though...

Ok, when I found the time I was gunna play with the brackets and see if I couldn't make a second hole in the bracket or something to mount it a little more securely because I was always having a problem with it slipping to far into the case or wiggling up and down. I'll let you know if I find a solution sometime.

[lmnop]

First off, how did you mount the top intake fan? Did you screw it into the case frame, or did you screw the fan into the bracket and then install it into the case? I noticed that if you don't use the bracket the clips for the dust filter will rub the fans blades when the filter is in.

I do not have a fan in the front intake, but I do still have the clip in. I have a Yate Loon clipped on the upper hard drive cage like yours. I have turned the computer on with the whole upper hard drive cage out and with the lower hard drive cage out, AND with the front fascia/panel completely disconnected from the frame and the humming was still there. I'm really not sure what it could be anymore, and it really depends on what angle you are listening from to hear it. When I'm working on it listening from the side I can't really hear the humming, but as I face the front of the case I can. Perhaps it could be a fan, although I have stopped all of them individually and the hum was still there.

Also natethegreat, do you know what RPM your PSU fan spins at?

[natethegreat]

Also natethegreat, do you know what RPM your PSU fan spins at? I swapped out the stock fan in my psu for a Yate-Loon but reviews say that the starting voltage of my psu is 5.5v. I have never heard this psu ramp up it's fan so whatever rpm's a Yate-Loon spins at at 5.5v is my psu's rpm :)