Mounting a Quad 120mm Radiator

leSLIe

leSLIe

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Oct 18, 2004
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I've recently got all my watercooling stuff and now I have to install it :)
I bought a XSPC RX480 radiator and I'm wondering where to put it. On top of the case, at the side? advantages, disadvantages?
If on top, should the connection barbs be facing upwards or downwards?

There has to be some free space between the case and the radiator, for an adequate air flow, but how many cm?

Any insights?
 
If you add pics of your case or tell what case you have. this will help us better to assist you.
 
Hmm...if you are willing to cut big chunks out the roof you could mount it up there... Though from the looks of the pictures you would have to mound the radiator ontop of the case and then the fans inside, as there doesn't look like theres enough room for a decent thickness rad at the top (like with a few NZXT cases, they never put enough room up there :()

What you would have to do would be cut a big 480x120 hole. Fit a fan hole cover thing (my mind has gone blank at the name of it...) and then attach 4x120mm fans on the inside of the case. If its a big thick rad you will probably have low FPI, so slow fans without shrouds mounted right on the radiator will work fine. mount the rad ontop of the case. Possible problems with this placement would be that it cuts into the fan controller thing at the front. You might be able to cut through all of this, but theres no clear picture. You would lose the top 5.25 bay as it would be full of fans :D. It's only plastic and a little steel, so should be pretty simple/easy if you know your way round a dremel. All the fans as inlets (label down) and then fan at back as outlet.

If you do it like this, because of the small amount of space that you have to work with, id mount the nozzles up and feed in the back, rather than down and cut holes in the case. If you did was to do this, id have the nozzles at the front end, as that second fan looks like it would be a problem if you placed them at the rear.

Not sure where it would go on the side, as this would cause a few problems with this side panels being removable. The only places it could really go would be mounted sideways infront of the PSU (but this isn't possible as theres not enough horizontal or vertical room. The only doable option here is get rid of all the bays at the front and mount it there, but lose all of the 5.25 bays and the front 3.5 rack. Then add 4x120mm holes in one side and mount it there. But that would mean you lose...pretty much any drive space :D

The last option is a couple of quick connects and mount it in a rad box outside the case. This means less modding of the case, but more desk space is taken up. Plus you gain an extra box.
 
Like said above modding would be required. I know a rx360 rad will fit internally with no problem. That is the only knowledge I have about this particular case
If you want to mount the rad internally you would have to get a better case. The tj07 can fit a 480 rqd and 240 rad at the bottom with no modding involved.
My old setup tj07 with a 480 rad
picture.php
 
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You're better off mounting it externally with that case. Either on the side panel or off the back using a radbox.

I've looked at that case before, the coverings on top are going to significantly block airflow. And cutting cases without the right tools would be a real pain.
 
interesting :)
I'll mount it externally then. I'm gonna put it on top of the case (will have to make some custom spacers)
something like this:

wwww.jpg


yes, there will be 4 fans :p
watcha think?
 
don't know how that will look, personally too bulky looking an dout of place

could you not mount it off the back?
 
I'd go back to the TJ07 unless you're planning on flying that weird looking thing through Iranian airspace or something... :p
 
It does seem like the best thing would be to brace the radiator off the back of the case or with a separate rad box rather than bolting it on top.

Rather than a TJ07, spend a few dollars (or few dozen) and get something from CaseLabs if you decide to go the new case route.
 
Looks like it will turn out good either way you go. I suggest spend the extra on some good 90 degrees or even the curved fittings from bitspower. It will make things easier but also look a alot better too.
 
I was considering placing the radiator on top, because I don't have much room for a radbox on my desk

DSC01346_resize.jpg


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DSC01350_resize.jpg


The monitor and the case pretty much take all the space. Still I could try mounting it on the back in a vertical position, hmm...

I already have my watercooling gear, but haven't have time to play with it, hopefully I'll be on vacations in a couple of weeks, time enough to do this :eek:
 
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