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400c Custom loop ideas.


occhaz

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I realize that not many have this case. Wanted to pick your brains. Was thinking about removing the HDD cage but was wanting some idea/solutions to mounting a 3.5" hdd still.

 

 

 

Proposed plan was to do an SLI setup but wanted to do custom loop to increase the cooling. Unless you think the heat difference would be minor with added fans.

 

 

My options atm are:

 

Option 1:

 

H110i GTX mounted to front with maybe a push/pull configuration. Leaving the HDD cage/cover intact. And running the risk of heat of 980 TI 2 way SLI.

 

Option 2:

 

Custom loop with reservoir/pump set up in place of cage with with HDD mounted in alternate location. Possible mounting the HDD on its side directly behind where the cage would be on the cable management side of the case.

 

I could possible mold ABS plastic to form a cover for the HDD. Stuff like that is not hidden would be an eyesore for me.

 

Thoughts? Ideas?

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I don't think option 1 will be a problem as its basically the same setup as the marketing pictures for the 400C. For the cooler, i would recommend the H110i GT instead of the H100i GTX as the firmware will allow you to do more than the GTX e.g. basing fan speeds off a different temperature group, changing the LED based on a different temperature other than the coolant.

 

For option 2, have you considered looking into the Swifttech coolers that allow you to expand on it? as it may be a easier solution if you do consider watercooling the GPU as well.

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I have considered something along the lines of an EKWB AIO kit and adding GPU plates. Same thing as you suggested with Swifttech. I cant attest to Swifttechs build or parts quality.

 

I have an H110i GT already in my current tower. I though I had ordered the same cooler again. Then I realized I had I had gotten the GTX. I had no idea about the "actual difference" in the two AIO systems.

 

If anything I will swap the GTX out for the GT model which will go into current build then. If I do start to experience heat issues with the heat issues, I will start to look further, at a custom loop solution.

 

I will try to update the thread after the full completed build is completed. I only have one 980 ti atm. The second card is on the way.

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I have already requested a return/refund and bought a second case so that there is less turnover time.

 

On a side note, since i am running a Skylake I7-6700K. I've noticed my temperatures are considerably cooler compared to my older 4770k. So I bought an H80i Gt, and just going to run it as an exhaust to the rear of the case. I may just one fan on it as a pull configuration.

 

Furthermore, I am going to run three 120mm AF series fans on the front as an intake, and two more of the AF series fans on top of the case. I believe this will be an adequate system of air flow and cooling throughout the case. Im not 100% certain but there is always the tried and true method of "trial and error. I dont know if I should keep this thread updated at this point or just create a new one to show the build in final stages with temperatures.

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So I put in an H80i GT. I love the case. I dont like the lack of room for cable management. But I am running an EVGA SuperNova G2 1000. That PSU covers the hole to the cables through. So I had to run everything out the hole adjacent for the HDD trays. It was really a pain in the *** to run sleeved cables. I would not recommend this to you guys. But maybe you guys are better at cable management than me. I hope so.

 

I have 5 120mm Air Flow series with 3 on the front and 2 on the two. It seems to be doing the job for me. I have not had any heat issues yet. But I will put it through more strenuous tests later on to see how it really handles heat. I love the smaller build as opposed to my 750D.

 

Sorry for the crap picture and the dirty desk. Other projects.

 

http://puu.sh/n4PWc/4c18a4310b.jpg

 

Please, give me your thoughts. I really tried with the cables this time.

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Sharing my experiences on water cooling in the Corsair 400C.

 

I'm using a H100i GTX cooler, but mounted at the top of the case. I did not have good clearance with my Asus Maximus VIII Hero Alpha board (RAM obstructing the fans). So i shifted one of the radiator fans a bit off. Cooling was still decent to OC the 6700k to 4.5 Ghz. I guess a single H80i GTX shouldn't have an issue with space.

 

I have a pair of Asus Poseidon 980 ti, which is factory installed with both air cooled AND with fitted water blocks. I ordered a EK Predator 240 (and additional fittings), to mount at the front of the case to water cool the 2 GPUs. The parts haven't arrived, but should fit per my estimates. Of course, the 140 mm fan that comes with the case will have to be removed. The only remaining case fan will be the 120 mm at the back.

 

Does anyone have advice on the overall case air flow? The top mounted H100i GTX is blowing air out. The back 120 mm fan is blowing air in. I'm thinking that the Predator 240 should be blowing air out (instead of blowing hot air into the case).

 

I can take photos once I put everything together. The 400C is a great case IMHO.

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I have 5 120mm Air Flow series with 3 on the front and 2 on the two. It seems to be doing the job for me. I have not had any heat issues yet. But I will put it through more strenuous tests later on to see how it really handles heat. I love the smaller build as opposed to my 750D.

 

Given that I have the H80i GT, this is exactly how I would set up my airflow. Glad to hear that it's working pretty well for you.

 

And thank you for the feedback regarding the sleeved cables being too tight when using a 200mm PSU. I'll probably check it out myself and see if there's some kind of work around. Your build looks clean, nevertheless.

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Good luck with the Predator 240 kit. I would like to see that personally. I have a predator 360 kit sitting in the box still and have no clue what to do with it at the time. I wish there was just a bit more room on the back side of the case to mount my HDD next to my solid states.

 

I will say this, with the h110i GTX mounted to the front of the case, my cpu temps never hit over 60 while under moderate/heavy load and come somewhat close to mid to high 40s while gaming. The GPUs on the other hand, will hit mid 70s while playing a game with maxed settings. I know 70s is nothing for a GPU

 

I may go back to the H80i and change my fan setup around. Ive thought about doing 3 SP 120s on the front with the AF series on top. Trying to find a way to balance the flow out to get the cooler in and on the GPUs.

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  • 9 months later...

Any one with pics, can't function without them, j/k. I wanted to get a custom loop in for cpu and dual GTX 1080's. I know that's pushing it but not a big deal as I already have something similar minus the extra GPU and the pump/reservoir.

 

Anyone with custom loops out there?

 

Was considering removing the PSU covers and obviously doing away with the push/pull config so drop the pump down there, as the custom loop should provide better cooling, I think.

 

IMG_0229.jpg

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  • 5 months later...

197786.4176284dade7134c5d6941919383967b.1600.jpg

 

I just finished my custom loop in a 400c. Front 400mm x 60mm radiator, rear 40mm radiator. the rear radiator is too wide (130mm) to fit flush without a fan first. 5 HD120 and 2 HD140 fans more details can be found on partpicker

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