Corsair crystal 570x cooling advice

[Raediddy]

Hey everyone,

 

I’m looking to upgrade pretty soon and am currently planning my new build out using the 570x case. I’ve got a few questions on how best to setup the cooling.

 

I should note that I’ve only done one build before and still consider myself quite the novice, I want to put a lot more effort into this one so apologies for some maybe obvious questions!

 

The build itself will use an i5-8600k CPU and 1080 (open fan) GPU. CPU will have an AIO cooler.

 

I think I’ve settled on the idea of front mounting the CPU cooler mainly for aesthetic purposes, there’s more room by the front and it leaves the top of the mobo area less cramped. I ‘think’ the cooler I’ll use will be the H100i. However I would still consider the idea of a top mount if there was a good case to be made for it based on the below;

 

1) My question here is, can I use the SP 120 RGB fans that come with the case to cool the radiator? I believe they come as ‘push’ by default. I don’t really want to run a push/pull setup for the intake as I don’t like the look of the radiator sandwiched between fans, but I’m then concerned that not using the fans which come with the cooler will result in bad performance. Will they be adequate to cool the CPU on their own?

 

2) In terms of installing fans at the rear/top of the case. I’m going for a white theme across the build with the front fans set to white, white Corsair pro RGB ram etc etc. If I pick up extra fans such as LL/ML 120’s, does it matter what way round they face to see the LED ring? Would hate to set them to exhaust but not be able to see the lighting.

 

3) I’d like to try create a positive pressure environment to prevent dust intake. If I run the above set up with a front mounted radiator, 2 SP 120’s intaking through the radiator and the bottom one free. How many exhaust fans do you think I would need? 1 rear and 2 top seems like it could be too much exhaust.

 

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

[MikeyR]

2) In terms of installing fans at the rear/top of the case. I’m going for a white theme across the build with the front fans set to white, white Corsair pro RGB ram etc etc. If I pick up extra fans such as LL/ML 120’s, does it matter what way round they face to see the LED ring? Would hate to set them to exhaust but not be able to see the lighting.

 

The LL fans are only "visible" from one side (the front), so if you want to use it as an exhaust fan they will be visible from inside the case. If you want them to be seen from the top of the case then they need to be set as intake.

They still shine through the back of the fan, but you can't see the pretty "ring"-effect. I don't know about the other fantypes ML, HD, but from my understandings they are visible in both direction.

[c-attack]

1) I think front mounting is the way to go on the 460/570 cases. It always looks so top heavy with a 240 up top and more often than not, it isn't going to fit anyway.

 

2 & 3) My initial impression is always run the top and rear as exhaust, just keep your fan speeds reasonable to prevent an airflow imbalance. That said, I don't own the case and several people who do run the top as intake and force all the exhaust out the back. That is probably a debate for case owners, but it does play into question 2. As mentioned above, the LLs are a little different front back. As exhaust, you get the full ring effect. Not quite the same as intake looking at the sticker side. MLs also have a lot of black plastic, but their lighting effect is uniform from both sides. The HD are probably the best in terms of dual side lighting. Largely clear frame and blades let the light go everywhere. Looking at the back is not much different than the front, save a the clear X-frame support. If this is a potential issue, the HD may be the way to go.

[Raediddy]

Thanks guys both responses have been really helpful. I’m probably overthinking a lot!

 

You’ve helped me decide what I want to do, can’t wait to get building :)

[Raediddy]

1) I think front mounting is the way to go on the 460/570 cases. It always looks so top heavy with a 240 up top and more often than not, it isn't going to fit anyway.

 

2 & 3) My initial impression is always run the top and rear as exhaust, just keep your fan speeds reasonable to prevent an airflow imbalance. That said, I don't own the case and several people who do run the top as intake and force all the exhaust out the back. That is probably a debate for case owners, but it does play into question 2. As mentioned above, the LLs are a little different front back. As exhaust, you get the full ring effect. Not quite the same as intake looking at the sticker side. MLs also have a lot of black plastic, but their lighting effect is uniform from both sides. The HD are probably the best in terms of dual side lighting. Largely clear frame and blades let the light go everywhere. Looking at the back is not much different than the front, save a the clear X-frame support. If this is a potential issue, the HD may be the way to go.

 

Quick question for you, how do you control your fan speeds to keep them reasonable? Thought I'd have a play around with my current build, I have Corsair link which lets me alter the profile on my H110i but I can't make any changes to the front intake/rear exhaust fans.

 

Any suggestions for what RPM they should be at?

 

Edit: They're 3 pin that's why. I assume with 4 pin connectors on my new build I change the speed.