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Need advice

K

Kalmado

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 14, 2014
Messages
293
Not sure where I should've really put this, but I figured I'd get the most exposure in this forum. A few days ago I experienced numerous freezes and a BSOD while playing Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. After the BSOD I opened HWMonitor and noticed my 4690k overclocked to 4.4ghz was idling at 55c on my Corsair H60. I immediately set the cpu back to auto and it didn't change temps at all. I fired up FC3 BD again and my Asus 290x crossfires were at 94c. Everything is housed in a Corsair Carbide 300R with 4 Corsair AF120 fans a one 140mm fan.

I looked into water cooling and 1) I don't have the money 2) honestly I don't think I have the skill to do it. So I'm here looking for advice on what to do to get my products to run cooler. Regarding the cpu I'm actually going to return the H60 as it's still under warranty and this isn't the first time this happened. I have a Hyper 212 Plus I plan to use.

Cpu cooler: Should I really sway from the 212 plus? I'm not trying to set any records and I only game and do normal activities.

Case: The most sense would be to go to a full tower for more space, but I really do not have the room. I'll be buying this desk soon and if I'm understanding correctly the case caddy will only house mid ATX. I was considering a Fractal R4. Should I be looking at a different case? If so, what would people suggest?

Case fans: Are the Corsair AF120s good enough? I was considering getting these Phanteks, Cougar Vortex, or possibly some of Deepcool's offerings. Noctua's are just too expensive. What suggestions for fans?

GPU: I was considering doing an AIO for the top card or getting Gelid Icy Visions for both. Suggestions?
 
Sounds like you don't want to spend much cash which I understand so
Yes AF120s are decent fans, but you may need to run them at higher RPMs , Hyper 212 is fine f you run stock, but it will struggle at OC temps.

Do what you can to increase airflow around the cards. If you have the 300R with the vented panel install some fans in that panel to blow onto your cards.
 
Check how much fluid is in the H60. I'm guessing there's not much. Check also that the pump is actually working.

With regard to the case and desk, your link doesn't work for me, but have you considered a rotated case, like the Silverstone FT02 or FT05?
 
zaniix said:
Sounds like you don't want to spend much cash which I understand so
Yes AF120s are decent fans, but you may need to run them at higher RPMs , Hyper 212 is fine f you run stock, but it will struggle at OC temps.

Do what you can to increase airflow around the cards. If you have the 300R with the vented panel install some fans in that panel to blow onto your cards.
Click to expand...
I'll try turning them up a little. Before buying the H60 I had a 212 Evo in a push/pull config and I had my 4690k overclocked to 4.4 without issue. I really do not need it to that and I'm thinking of just going with 4.0 for the extra performance. It's time for a cleaning so I'll install another fan on the side panel as I do have the vented panel. I currently have the 140mm fan on the side. My current desks pc placement allows for almost zero airflow and I'm betting that has a lot to do with it.

Quartz-1 said:
Check how much fluid is in the H60. I'm guessing there's not much. Check also that the pump is actually working.

With regard to the case and desk, your link doesn't work for me, but have you considered a rotated case, like the Silverstone FT02 or FT05?
Click to expand...
I'm betting your right on the H60. Since I'll be RMA'ing it I'm not too concerned. It's just been too much trouble than it's worth. The desk is a Walker Edison - Soreno L-Shape Computer Desk with Sliding Keyboard Tray. You can google to see. It's an open L-shaped desk with a pc caddy in the corner. Those Silverstone cases are awesome! But, my wife would kill me if I got that right now!! I may very well look into the Phanteks Enthoo Pro. I'd like to keep my case budget around $100 or less. I'm an extreme frugal shopper and can be patient for the right price. I just don't want to damage my parts in the meantime!

Any thoughts on the Gelid Icy Visions or doing a AiO on the cards? My only thing about that is my warranties will be void since my cards are Asus...
 
I'm a water cooling junkie but to be honest I put two noctua 120mm fans on some Enermax hyper 212 ripoff and it's giving my overclock 4820k running 4.6 a constant 31 degrees. I suggest checking out a couple noctua
 
trentchau said:
I'm a water cooling junkie but to be honest I put two noctua 120mm fans on some Enermax hyper 212 ripoff and it's giving my overclock 4820k running 4.6 a constant 31 degrees. I suggest checking out a couple noctua
Click to expand...
I'm familiar with the Enermax you're talking about as I've looked at them myself. I may very well do that when returning to air for the cpu cooler. Since posting about the 450D I've been trying to read anything I can find about airflow and I've seen nothing but positives about it. If I can work a deal I think I'm going to go after this case.
 
I don't get it? Why are you returning the H60 (which I assume is on your CPU) when the problem seems to be GPUs getting too hot? 55°C on the CPU is nothing, seems pretty normal for an AIO cooler. 94 on GPUs is way hot. You need to get those lower by either putting on better coolers or improving airflow in the case. If your case can fit side panel fans, try those as they can make a big difference.

The desk looks pretty awful to me. I would never buy anything that has a specific place for a computer case. Would limit your placing options and waste space if it's not right.

Oh and Fractal Design's cases aren't great for airflow. They are built to be quiet but even on the latest models still have some issues like the honeycombs on the vents (restrict airflow and make awful noise if the side panel is installed). I've got the R3 and it is sufficient after taking a Dremel to it but I would not really recommend the cases, there have to be better ones out there.
 
kasakka said:
I don't get it? Why are you returning the H60 (which I assume is on your CPU) when the problem seems to be GPUs getting too hot? 55°C on the CPU is nothing, seems pretty normal for an AIO cooler. 94 on GPUs is way hot. You need to get those lower by either putting on better coolers or improving airflow in the case. If your case can fit side panel fans, try those as they can make a big difference.

The desk looks pretty awful to me. I would never buy anything that has a specific place for a computer case. Would limit your placing options and waste space if it's not right.

Oh and Fractal Design's cases aren't great for airflow. They are built to be quiet but even on the latest models still have some issues like the honeycombs on the vents (restrict airflow and make awful noise if the side panel is installed). I've got the R3 and it is sufficient after taking a Dremel to it but I would not really recommend the cases, there have to be better ones out there.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if you didn't understand the OP, but 55c at idle is indeed a problem.

Regarding the desk, not sure why it's so awful? It's not as if I have to put the pc where the caddy is? And after reading more reviews about the desk it's recommended for those with anything other than a big box store desktop to not even use the caddy. I need a L-shaped desk as I'm about to start working from home and need more desk space. If you saw what I'm working with right now it would show how huge of an upgrade that desk is! I was already planning on creating housing for the pc, printer, etc for underneath the side I will not be working on. It may not seem like it makes sense when reading on a forum, but if you saw my apartment I think it would be easier.

Thank you for the comments regarding Fractal. I definitely will not be looking at them in that case. Regarding the gpus, any suggestion on different coolers?
 
The desk is fine imho, gonna have a lot of airflow with it. And if the case is on the partition probably even better because it will raise if off the surface for better air intake.

But in all seriousness you can easily get 2 noctua 120mm's for only $16 more than what it cost for 2 other 120mm fans and get some pretty amazing air cooling. I understanding saving money but hell if I'll send you $16 if you are that concerned. I promise you the difference is worth it.
 
I can't see heat being the issue. You have enough fans running to keep up with the 600w that system pulls.

Have you tried simplifying your setup by running with a single graphics card? Wouldn't be the first time someone encountered a CFX bug.
 
No word on whether his system is dusty or clean so far.
55C at idle suggests something is wrong, rather than needing a better cooler.
 
defaultluser said:
I can't see heat being the issue. You have enough fans running to keep up with the 600w that system pulls.

Have you tried simplifying your setup by running with a single graphics card? Wouldn't be the first time someone encountered a CFX bug.
Click to expand...
I'm running a Qnix 1440p monitor so I'd rather not drop a gpu. Although, for testing purposes I could definitely test it out. I plan to eventually upgrade to 4k so I'd like to make sure everything is running as good as possible.

Nenu said:
No word on whether his system is dusty or clean so far.
55C at idle suggests something is wrong, rather than needing a better cooler.
Click to expand...
Cleaning the pc is on the menu for tomorrow. I finally got my tools a few days ago but left them in my wife's car who is currently at work (3rd shift). Tomorrow I'll give it a cleaning, install the 212 plus with a push/pull (all I have for spare 120s are cooler master or bitfenix right now), and see what results I get. I'm still leaning very hard on getting that Corsair 450D if the person is willing to deal. Below is a picture of the interior of my case. While I'm happy with the psu, there aren't custom sleeves for it (that I know of) which is kind of making me regret the purchase. Spoiler for huge pic.

http://bucket.bluegartr.com/92a3cab090a272a7d9b164b00ded8597.jpg[/IMG]
 
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I'm not asking you to get used to running a single GPU, I'm just suggesting it could be the cause of your crash :D

You won't know unless you try.
 
I actually think for some reason you will get better results putting your fans on the other side of your rad. But I will let a better informed person make that call.
 
I would consider mounting the rad up top if you have room.

You have two 250w graphics cards there in the lower half of the case, using Axial fans (that recirculate the heat). You really need an unobstructed outlet right there above them, since it looks like you have two fans mounted up front to bring in fresh air.

There's lots of holes back near the front of the graphics cards, but they're not large enough to push out all that heat. You need an unobstructed outlet. This is exactly why they put those fan mounts on top - so the rad doesn't have to obstruct the GPU outlets :S

When you have blower fans, you can have the world's most positive pressure case with obstructed outlets, and it won't matter. But here you have to do something about the hot air, or it remains trapped in the case.
 
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defaultluser said:
I would consider mounting the rad up top if you have room.

You have two 250w graphics cards there in the lower half of the case, using Axial fans (that recirculate the heat). You really need an unobstructed outlet right there above them, since it looks like you have two fans mounted up front to bring in fresh air.

There's lots of holes back near the front of the graphics cards, but they're not large enough to push out all that heat. You need an unobstructed outlet. This is exactly why they put those fan mounts on top - so the rad doesn't have to obstruct the GPU outlets :S

When you have blower fans, you can have the world's most positive pressure case with obstructed outlets, and it won't matter. But here you have to do something about the hot air, or it remains trapped in the case.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the reply. Here is a link to my current desk which is probably a huge part of the problem. I probably should move the pc to anywhere but the housing area until I get the new desk. Before I got my 290x's I was running single Nvidia's at 1080p so I never noticed the heat.

I honestly have a hard time considering the Noctua fans due to them being 5x the amount of Cougars when on sale (I've bought Cougar Vortex numerous times for $5 AR). I know the Noctua fans are better, but my wallet screams no! :)
 
You don't need Noctua fans unless you need more quiet. But in exchange they move less air. Right now you need to make better use of your air, not REDUCE it:

Let's get this straight right away. YOU CANNOT SILENCE a system that uses at least 600w without a custom water loop. It's simply impossible. Most people who try to silence gaming systems try to keep them under 400w :D

You really didn't think this thing through before you bought the two R9 290x, now did you?

To keep the GPUs from overheating and throttling their clocks (and reduce their their fans likely cranked at 100%), you have to feed fresh air from the front of the case. And since the GPU fans don't pull air out the back through a blower, you need three fans mounted as outlet (one is obstructed by the radiator).

Buy one more 140mm fan for the other front fan mount. Move the extra 120mm fan to the top fifth fan mount as a third outlet. That should at least lower the GPU/CPU temperatures, and allow their fans to slow down. The two larger 140mm fans serving as intake will give you slightly positive pressure, which is what you want in a case without blowers.
 
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defaultluser said:
Let's get this straight right away. YOU CANNOT SILENCE a system that uses at least 600w without a custom water loop. It's simply impossible. Most people who try to silence gaming systems try to keep them under 400w :D
Click to expand...
It can be done.
Water cool the CPU with a large external radiator/large fan (200mm+) and fit AC Xtreme coolers to the gfx cards.
Or get 2 large radiators/fans and cool the gfx cards too.

I use a car heatercore for my CPUs rad with a 7V 200mm fan. (overclocked 6600K)
It performs almost identically with 5V but its silent regardless.
 
defaultluser said:
You don't need Noctua fans unless you need more quiet.

But in exchange they move less air.

Let's get this straight right away. YOU CANNOT SILENCE a system that uses at least 600w without a custom water loop. It's simply impossible. Most people who try to silence gaming systems try to keep them under 400w :D
Click to expand...
I'm not looking for pure silence. Everyone is always saying to get Noctua's for case fans. It's been mentioned in this thread a few times. That's why I mentioned about getting the Cougar's because they are so much cheaper and many reviews favor their price to performance.

defaultluser said:
You really didn't think this thing through before you bought the two R9 290x, now did you?
Click to expand...
I'm not sure what this is in reference to? Is it about noise?

defaultluser said:
Buy two more 140mm fans for the other front fan mount, and the rear mount. Move one of the extra 120mm fans to the top fifth fan mount. That should at least lower the GPU temperatures, and allow their fans to slow down.
Click to expand...
Since I'm going back to the 212 for the cpu I do not need to be concerned with rad placement. However, the rear of the Corsair 300R does not support 140mm fans.
 
While posting I was poking around and right now Tigerdirect has Cougar Vortex PWM CFV12HPB 120mm Case Fan in black for $4.99 after rebate. I have Tigerdirect's Inner Circle for the free shipping so no worries there. Looking at the Corsair 450D there are 7 spots for 120mm fans with two being in the front. However, the case comes with 2x140mm fans which I would assume would be best for the front. Thoughts on getting 3 of the Cougars?
 
Nenu said:
It can be done.
Water cool the CPU with a large external radiator/large fan (200mm+) and fit AC Xtreme coolers to the gfx cards.
Or get 2 large radiators/fans and cool the gfx cards too.

I use a car heatercore for my CPUs rad with a 7V 200mm fan. (overclocked 6600K)
It performs almost identically with 5V but its silent regardless.
Click to expand...

That sounds like a custom water loop to me. I believe I said you can silence 600w with a custom water loop.
 
Kalmado said:
Since I'm going back to the 212 for the cpu I do not need to be concerned with rad placement. However, the rear of the Corsair 300R does not support 140mm fans.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's why I edited my post. Best you can do is two 140mm fans up front :D

Are the AF 120 fans the performance or quiet edition? SPCR found the performance edition to be quite superb at moving air out of a case:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1342-page4.html

But quiet, they might not have enough airflow to cool your oven :D

If you have the performance editions, then I'd say use those for all three outlets, and add a new 140mm intake.
 
Air Series AF120 LED White Quiet Edition are the ones I have. I'm thinking they just aren't good enough for 2x290x. That's why I'm thinking of getting the Cougars, especially if I end up getting that 450D. I'd put two of the Corsairs on the 212 Plus and fill out the Cougars elsewhere.
 
Kalmado said:
Air Series AF120 LED White Quiet Edition are the ones I have. I'm thinking they just aren't good enough for 2x290x. That's why I'm thinking of getting the Cougars, especially if I end up getting that 450D. I'd put two of the Corsairs on the 212 Plus and fill out the Cougars elsewhere.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a plan then. You are definitely short of air for those GPUs!

Yeah, I thought you were CRAZY for getting rid of a great fan like the AF 120...and then I remembered they made a quiet version :D

EDIT: but I'd do some research before you pull the trigger. Just because you have low airflow fans NOW doesn't mean those Cougars are automatically better.
 
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defaultluser said:
Sounds like a plan then. You are definitely short of air for those GPUs!

Yeah, I thought you were CRAZY for getting rid of a great fan like the AF 120...and then I remembered they made a quiet version :D
Click to expand...
Haha right. I didn't realize what I got until actually having them in hand. Now to see about getting this 450D!
 
Small update. So the guy with the Corsair 450D won't budge below $60. Thing is, he's about 50 miles away from me so factor in gas and that changes the price. While I know that's still a good deal off of retail I found something else that had me second guessing it.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9862478&csid=_22

Thermaltake H35 including 3x Thermaltake Riing 120mm fans for $49.99 after rebate.

From what I've read the dimensions of the H35 vs. the 450D are almost identical. The H35 supports up to 8 120mm fans. I can also remove the HDD bay as I only have one SSD and one HDD (I can install up top with the optical drive). Downside is the front is pretty ugly and some reviews say it has a "cheap" feel to it.

So we're looking at $60+gas for the Corsair or $50 for the H35 with 3x120mm fans (which reviews show they are quality ranking up with the Corsair SP 120). I can also get the fans for $7 each after rebate up to 3. Thoughts?
 
Depends on what shipping cost is, the H35 looks decent it doesn't have a removable front or bottom dust filter, doesn't have grommets on all of the cable routing holes and the SSD mounting brackets do not seem as nice as the 450D.

Thats said it seems worth $50 .
 
zaniix said:
Depends on what shipping cost is, the H35 looks decent it doesn't have a removable front or bottom dust filter, doesn't have grommets on all of the cable routing holes and the SSD mounting brackets do not seem as nice as the 450D.

Thats said it seems worth $50 .
Click to expand...
Shipping is free. I definitely recognize it's not as nice as the 450D, but looking at total cost adding the 3 fans after rebate ($81 + gas to get the 450D) vs. $50 for the H35 plus fans is what has me leaning towards the latter. Also, I could add $20 worth of Free After Rebate items from Tigerdirect and use a $10 off $100 coupon to bring the cost down to $40.
 
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