NZXT Lexa Install

[Adamar]

I just purchased the components to build an AMD FX-60 based system (DFI LanParty UT RDX200 CF-DR with Two 1GB sticks of OCZ Platinum Edition DDR 500). I've never installed a water cooling solution before, but I intend to overclock the FX-60 as much as possible - so water cooling seemed like the best option. The NZXT Lexa case I bought is rather constrained, so I'll need a compact system. I've made a diagram of what I thought would be my best option, using some components fromDanger Den. It looks like it will work, though I am a little concerned about the radiator. When mounted, will the top of the BIX be flush with the top of my fan? I only have about 1/4" of clearance above my fan... If not, can the radiator be mounted outside of the case?

Here's a diagram:

 

[AceGoober]

Most single 120mm rads have more than 1/4 inch tall inlet / outlet area above the 120mm fan.

Your best bet would be to mount it outside the case by using a Swiftech MCB-120 RadBox.

 

[Justin_Diduch]

or just upside down... it will just take a bit longer to bleed.

 

[Adamar]

Most single 120mm rads have more than 1/4 inch tall inlet / outlet area above the 120mm fan.

Your best bet would be to mount it outside the case by using a Swiftech MCB-120 RadBox.

That's a good idea Unfortunately, that means I'll have to take off the cable management frame - but it is probably for the best.

 

[Adamar]

or just upside down... it will just take a bit longer to bleed.

Or I could do that... decisions, decisions

 

[AceGoober]

There is another alternative to mount the radiator inside the case...

As you can see from the pic, the Radbox has several slotted mounting points which allow for adjustment from 60mm to 120mm fan holes.

Instead of matching the 120mm mounting points with the rear case exhaust fan port, mount the Radbox down one row at the bottom and create a couple of small brackets to go from the top rear exhaust fan port mounts to the top of the Radbox.

I can post a drawing when I get home (about 4 hours) if I haven't made things clear.

 

[Adamar]

There is another alternative to mount the radiator inside the case...

As you can see from the pic, the Radbox has several slotted mounting points which allow for adjustment from 60mm to 120mm fan holes.

Instead of matching the 120mm mounting points with the rear case exhaust fan port, mount the Radbox down one row at the bottom and create a couple of small brackets to go from the top rear exhaust fan port mounts to the top of the Radbox.

I can post a drawing when I get home (about 4 hours) if I haven't made things clear.

That's a good idea. One concern I have though is heat generated by the radiator. Would it not be better for the airflow to go from inside the case, outside to the radiator?

 

[AceGoober]

Yes, it would be better, if the ambient temperature outside the case is lower than the ambient temperature inside the case.

 

[Adamar]

Yes, it would be better, if the ambient temperature outside the case is lower than the ambient temperature inside the case.

Ok. Question then: Do you think it is possible to use just the PCI pass-thru hardware from the kit and then mount the radiator directly to the back of the box, screwed into the fan holes? This would allow me to keep the fan inside the box, blowing air out onto the radiator mounted outside.

 

[AceGoober]

You could do that. There is a drawback though.

If you look at the picture, you will see the Radbox frame (on left) has openings on the sides. You would lose some airflow to these openings, reducing your overall cooling capability.

Ok. Question then: Do you think it is possible to use just the PCI pass-thru hardware from the kit and then mount the radiator directly to the back of the box, screwed into the fan holes? This would allow me to keep the fan inside the box, blowing air out onto the radiator mounted outside.

 

[Adamar]

You could do that. There is a drawback though.

If you look at the picture, you will see the Radbox frame (on left) has openings on the sides. You would lose some airflow to these openings, reducing your overall cooling capability.

True - but I'll have the same airflow if I had skipped the Radbox altogether and mounted the radiator inside the case

 

[AceGoober]

Not necessarily...

With the fan directly attached to the radiator, you will have directed airflow over the fins.

With the fan on the inside of the case and the radiator mounted on the Radbox outside of the case, the airflow will not be as direct.

 

[Fahey]

those cases and the Nemisis elit are the saming I tried to put in a Rad right ther it wont work my tubing was kinking everywhere the best thing to do is mount it on the back and above the first slot make some holes for it to sit and it works for me.

 

[AceGoober]

I partially agree.

It will depend on which slot he decides to put the pass through adaptor at and whether or not he decides to use anti-kink wrap.

He won't be able to put it at the first slot below the video card unless he wants to partially block the airflow to the video card.

The unknown factors here are which motherboard, what video card configuration and what expansion card(s) he might be using.

those cases and the Nemisis elit are the saming I tried to put in a Rad right ther it wont work my tubing was kinking everywhere the best thing to do is mount it on the back and above the first slot make some holes for it to sit and it works for me.

 

[Fahey]

Right there is where I made my holes for the rad

I had the barbs face in so no tube came bending out.

 

[willie92]

Why not mount the radiator near the top of the case in the 5.25 drive bays? Or on the bottom? Especially since you've got the opening there. That way its comletely internal...