InWin 101C Build - Which Air Cooler?

E

enc0re

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 6, 2007
Messages
146
After 8 years on my 2500K based system, I am finally pulling the trigger on an upgrade. That's the longest I've ever been on the same system. The 2500K sure was a good chip.

I need advice on which CPU cooler to use for my new build. I like air cooling for its simplicity and reliability. Here is my planned build. I'm reusing my monitor (1440p/144Hz/GSync), hard drives, and power supply:

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/enc0re/saved/t8T8K8

101c_Versatile_01.png


The case in question (InWin 101C) is my choice for aesthetic, USB-C, and price reasons. But it has an awkward cooling set up. I intend to populate the three bottom intakes and one rear exhaust with SilentWings 3 High RPM. I will not be populating the two side exhausts as I think they would divert fresh air out the case unused. Those are probably more appropriate for radiator based set ups.

My plan is to use the Dark Rock Top Flow as a CPU cooler. Even though it is probably meant for SFF systems, I like the looks of top flow coolers (reminds me of my builds in the 80s/90s) and I like that it blows on the VRMs. I also hope that by swirling the air around the top half of the case, it will make sure I don't end up with any weird cooling gaps because of the case layout.

Is this foolish or a good plan? The alternative to the Dark Rock TF would be for me to use a Dark Rock Pro 4 or Dark Rock 4 (or maybe a Coolermaster Hyper 212 Black Edition upgraded with SilentWings fans).
 
Thanks for the feedback! So nobody is thinking I should go for a tower style cooler (Dark Rock Pro 4)?

I’m glad to hear that because I like the Top Flow cooler aesthetics.
 
enc0re said:
Thanks for the feedback! So nobody is thinking I should go for a tower style cooler (Dark Rock Pro 4)?

I’m glad to hear that because I like the Top Flow cooler aesthetics.
Click to expand...
I don't know. be quiet! rates the TF for 220W while the Pro 4 is 250W, so I don't think performance of the TF would be too much lower than the Pro 4. I'd compare reviews and look at the difference of delta T between the two. The 9700K can put out around 140-150W of heat while gaming with stock settings.
 
End result: I ended up getting an 9900K and consequently a Dark Rock Pro 4. Might not like the looks as much, but I want to play it safe with 9900K thermals.
 
enc0re said:
After 8 years on my 2500K based system, I am finally pulling the trigger on an upgrade. That's the longest I've ever been on the same system. The 2500K sure was a good chip.

I need advice on which CPU cooler to use for my new build. I like air cooling for its simplicity and reliability. Here is my planned build. I'm reusing my monitor (1440p/144Hz/GSync), hard drives, and power supply:

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/enc0re/saved/t8T8K8

View attachment 147412

The case in question (InWin 101C) is my choice for aesthetic, USB-C, and price reasons. But it has an awkward cooling set up. I intend to populate the three bottom intakes and one rear exhaust with SilentWings 3 High RPM. I will not be populating the two side exhausts as I think they would divert fresh air out the case unused. Those are probably more appropriate for radiator based set ups.

My plan is to use the Dark Rock Top Flow as a CPU cooler. Even though it is probably meant for SFF systems, I like the looks of top flow coolers (reminds me of my builds in the 80s/90s) and I like that it blows on the VRMs. I also hope that by swirling the air around the top half of the case, it will make sure I don't end up with any weird cooling gaps because of the case layout.

Is this foolish or a good plan? The alternative to the Dark Rock TF would be for me to use a Dark Rock Pro 4 or Dark Rock 4 (or maybe a Coolermaster Hyper 212 Black Edition upgraded with SilentWings fans).
Click to expand...
Keep in mind the case will only flow as much air as can both enter and leave .. if you have a cse with 7x vents and 5x intake fans in 5x of them the case will only flow as much air as can go out of the remaining 2x vents.

All of my builds have the PCIe back slot covers removed to increase rear vent area to improve front to back airflow .. and it does. ;)
 
doyll said:
All of my builds have the PCIe back slot covers removed to increase rear vent area to improve front to back airflow .. and it does.
Click to expand...
i do that and if theres room i add a fan there too. helps a lot!
 
pendragon1 said:
i do that and if theres room i add a fan there too. helps a lot!
Click to expand...
I rarely use exhaust vent fans anymore. But I do use good pressure rated fans on intakes, like 1.3-1.8mm H2O @1300-1600rpm. This give enough pressure differential to push air from intake on thorugh case with no problems.
 
enc0re said:
End result: I ended up getting an 9900K and consequently a Dark Rock Pro 4. Might not like the looks as much, but I want to play it safe with 9900K thermals.
Click to expand...

Just checking, how much clearance did you have with the cooler? I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on that case and the DRP4 without knowing someone's done it.
 
Hi,

I'm also looking at this case and cooler. Any pictures of it fitted inside the case and as above, is there any clearance issues?

The dark rock 4 pro pr meant to be 162.8mm
The InWin 101 is meant to only take a 160mm

Some pictures would be great if you could please.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top