Fan/Radiator Placement

[generallee989]

Hello all,

New here and working on my first build. I have a few questions:

1. Is it better to have the fans pulling or pushing air through the radiator?

2. Is it better to have the radiator against the case wall(with fans behind it) or the fans against the case wall(with the radiator behind them)as in the attached pictures?

3. Should I flush my system at first install to try and remove debris or deposits?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tsumi]

I would say... no difference as to whether it's against the case or not.

As for push vs pull, from what I've heard, pull has a better noise profile than push, while push performs slightly better.

 

[magoo]

I like to install the fans next to the case wall. Less chance for some object in the outside world to hit the radiator.

I use push+pull.....best of both worlds.

Yes, flush the components before you run the loop, removes any particulate.

 

[generallee989]

I would say... no difference as to whether it's against the case or not.

As for push vs pull, from what I've heard, pull has a better noise profile than push, while push performs slightly better.

Interesting, I was wondering about the noise factor too. I will have to look into that more. Thank you Tsumi.

 

[generallee989]

I like to install the fans next to the case wall. Less chance for some object in the outside world to hit the radiator.

I use push+pull.....best of both worlds.

Yes, flush the components before you run the loop, removes any particulate.

That is also a good idea with the push+pull but how is the noise level of it? Im trying to not get too loud because the monster case I had before sounded like a jet. Couldn't hear my own speakers at a normal level

What should I use to flush the system? should I get another bottle of feser fluid or Distilled water? Is it possible to put a filter or screen on there?

 

[Tsumi]

Flushing the system generally involves just running hot water through the components before you mount them, specifically the radiator. The radiator tends to have junk left over from manufacturing, and you want to get that out before putting it in your system, which may cause your pump to be damaged. It is not necessary to use distilled water, although it is preferred. The final flush (after no particles are observed) should be done with distilled water.

Push+pull will have lower noise levels for the same amount of cooling power. This is because you can run the fans at significantly lower RPMs for the same cooling power.

 

[magoo]

That is also a good idea with the push+pull but how is the noise level of it? Im trying to not get too loud because the monster case I had before sounded like a jet. Couldn't hear my own speakers at a normal level

What should I use to flush the system? should I get another bottle of feser fluid or Distilled water? Is it possible to put a filter or screen on there?

I use medium speed Sythe Slipstream fans.....you cant hear them at all.
If you have air cooled GPUs they will be the noisiest thing in the case.
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/sc12slsy68cf.html

Most radiators are flushed at the factory....at least Swiftech are. anyway, just boil up some tap water and run it through the components...final rinse is distilled, room temp......I flush the radiator,reservoir,blocks and pump at least once a year. I generally change tubing about once a year too.

I dont use any additives or dyes, just distilled water and silver coils.