Radiator inside case or out

[DanNeely]

I'm using a mozart tx case to build my nehalem system. It's a large model with enough space that I should be able to install my swiftec 2x120 rad inside instead of using a radbox to hang it on the back. Putting it internal would look much nicer, but how much would the increased amount of heat stuck inside affect my cooling?

 

[MrE]

There are a lot of dependencies involved, most of which revolve around how much static air stays inside the case. Also, it depends on the orientation of your fans on the radiator itself. Just figure that whatever your internal ambient air temp is, that will be the lowest ambient you can hope to achieve with your radiator. I personally like the "stealth" look of hiding the radiators inside the case as opposed to hanging them off the back or on top outside the case. The few degrees you incur shouldn't put you off from trying this.