Multi Radiator Loop question

[JLangevin]

The last watercooling setup I built was a 2x120 radiator cooling 1x8800 Ultra and 1xE6300 C2D, so its been a while.

So I am going to watercool my HAF 922 and I plan to use a 2x120 radiator up top, but want to add a single 120 to the rear, but before I get to my question, here is my hardware

Case - HAF922
GPU - GTX580 OC'd to 900mhz
CPU - Phenom P965 X4 Black Edition OCd to 4.1ghz

I am currently cooling with an TT Frio on the CPU which is keeping temps at roughly 30*c idle and 45*c load.

Stock Reference cooler on the GTX580 is yielding 45*c idle (Dual 1080p Monitors) and 65*c load (I use MSI Afterburner to engage fans earlier)

Here are my questions.

1) Is a 2x120 enough to cool this setup in an airconditioned office? My E6300 (which was overclocked from 1.86 to 3.1ghz and my 8800 Ultra were cooled plenty a single 2x120 radiator)

2) If I did decide to add the single 120 to the loop, where should it be in the loop? Before the large radiator, after it, after CPU but before GPU etc?

3) I want to avoid cutting the top of the case, so I am trying to avoid a 3x120.

Ideas and suggestions?

 

[DeathPrincess]

1) Depends on fans/radiator thickness and what you were aiming for (quiet/cold). 3x120 total area should be fine to stop things overheating with normal fans. Add more fans for better temperatures/louder setup.

2) Doesn't really make much difference where its placed. Stick it wherevers convenient.

3) 3x120 will cool like a 2x120+1x120 with a tiny bit less flow restriction, but not really worth cutting up things for the same performance.

 

[JLangevin]

Thanks for reply, you confirmed my suspicions... no real significant benifit over 2 radiators or 1 radiator equalling the same amount of cooling space. I was a little concerned about flow restriction but it sounds like as long as I have a powerful pump, it wont matter.

Now I just need to decide if I want to do some case mods and fit a single 3x120 or do my dual setup. Ive always modded the crap out of my cases so its a hard decision.

Here is my old build I mentioned in my OP... my custom Antec P182