Radiator/airflow question

[andytom]

Ok, first post, and the question is.

What would be the better radiator position, sucking cold air from outside the case through the radiator or sucking case air out? Basically the difference or mounting the radiator at the front of the case or the back. Reason being that I have just installed my first water setup with the radiator on the bottom of the case taking cold air in and blowing warm air into the case which is of course increasing my case temp. So performance wise what would create lower temps? One with increase case temp while the other would have higher temp air blowing throught the radiator and I would think not cool the water as effectively. Any ideas/testing done on this?

Andy

[Etacovda]

Your coolant will be effected by the radiator inlet temp. In short, the air outside your case should be colder than the air inside, so take the colder air.

[Mars]

Originally Posted by andytom

Ok, first post, and the question is.

What would be the better radiator position, sucking cold air from outside the case through the radiator or sucking case air out? Basically the difference or mounting the radiator at the front of the case or the back. Reason being that I have just installed my first water setup with the radiator on the bottom of the case taking cold air in and blowing warm air into the case which is of course increasing my case temp. So performance wise what would create lower temps? One with increase case temp while the other would have higher temp air blowing throught the radiator and I would think not cool the water as effectively. Any ideas/testing done on this?

Andy

This is a question left up for debate. Yes, always take the colder air. But, just because the rad is in the back of the case doesn't mean it's gonna get a 10 degree jump in temp. Hot air rises, so if you have your rad at where the power supply sits than yeah it'll be hotter than having it at the bottom. But if you position it around the middle of the case at the back (above the cards) it'll be pretty close, but still a couple degrees higher than having it way at the bottom front. It's a 50/50 win lose situation. Everybody here has it in a different place than the other person and it also has to do with what works best with your case.