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Double radiator setup with GPU fans on top

M

Monso

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May 13, 2024
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Hello :)

CPU: Ryzen 9 4950X3D + Corsair H150i Link
GPU: MSI Geforce RTX 4090 SUPRIM LIQUID X

I've seen some claims that a GPU radiator should be set as intake. But on the MSI page for sample configurations, they set the GPU radiator as exhaust on the side:

case-20230113-1.jpg


I would prefer to put the GPU radiator on top and the CPU radiator on the side. Something like this (excuse the paint skills):

schema.png


Would this work? Or is there any reason not to do this? Thanks.
 
Overall, the difference should be negligible, like a couple of degrees difference at most for either component. If you feel like prioritizing, put whatever generates the most thermal load under expected usage on the exhaust side so it dumps less heat into the case (this should be the 4090).
 
If you have good airflow your looking at 2-3c difference depending on which is intake and out. can't go below room ambient temperature anyways.

Personally I'd make the GPU and CPU outtake in possible and draw the air from the bottom. Otherwise pick a direction and have air come in and go out like a air cooled case.

Don't worry about that odd second image layout. It's not going to be much bigger hassle and not worth it.
 
Whatever you put as intake will run cooler and whatever is set to exhaust will run hotter. I'd put the CPU rad in front in your case since the GPU wont really benefit from better cooling but the CPU might.
 
GPUs generate a lot of thermal energy compared to CPUs. So any air passing over the GPU rad will heat up, and your other components will run hotter. and CPU will get hot air to cool down it. Not ideal.
 
You need to put the GPU rad on top as an exhaust. These GPU AIOs run the water pretty warm, thus warming the air considerably and you do not want such warm air in your case.
 
Ah so you have AIO-cooled ones, at least it's easier to try different setups than as me with a custom loop. :D

I'd also have the GPU rad in top as it's most likely way better as it dumps its heat straight out of the case.
 
ir_cow said:
If you have good airflow your looking at 2-3c difference depending on which is intake and out. can't go below room ambient temperature anyways.

Personally I'd make the GPU and CPU outtake in possible and draw the air from the bottom. Otherwise pick a direction and have air come in and go out like a air cooled case.

Don't worry about that odd second image layout. It's not going to be much bigger hassle and not worth it.
Click to expand...
Can you ellaborate why it's not worth it? Some people seem to agree that the GPU rad should be on top. This is even in the manual for the SUPRIM LIQUID:

manual.png

Seeing this, for me the only logical place for the CPU rad is on the side. Hence my drawing.

de.das.dude said:
GPUs generate a lot of thermal energy compared to CPUs. So any air passing over the GPU rad will heat up, and your other components will run hotter. and CPU will get hot air to cool down it. Not ideal.
Click to expand...
If I understand, you're saying that because the loop of the GPU rad goes over the CPU, it will warm its environment and make the CPU rad work harder. Isn't that taken care of by the airflow? The exhaust fan at the back is right next to the loop.

My reasoning is: since the GPU makes the most heat, it should have priority on the best exhaust position at the top.
 
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Monso said:
My reasoning is: since the GPU makes the most heat, it should have priority on the best exhaust position at the top.
Click to expand...
You put whatever you want to have priority as an intake, there is no point to have the GPU as an intake because it will run very cool anyway.
 
The GPU AIO will run the water at least 15°C warmer than ambient, will warm the air by at least 10°C and if you put it as an intake you will make your PC case an oven! Especially in summer. Keep in mind that this is a 4090 on a single 240 rad!!!

OP, follow the graphic card manual!

These GPU with built-in AIOs run not that much cooler than cards with air coolers, their main benefit is that you can move the heat outside the case and you make this happen only when you put the rad on top as an exhaust.
 
Last edited:
schema.png


I fixed it.
 
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