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New to modding, need advice on "case" setup

dao

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Mar 8, 2016
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Hello everyone,
I hope i'm posting in the right section ! (Maybe needed to be in the cooling thread?)

Well, I just bought some gear to set up a custom computer. Since I don't have much space but know a bit about wood working I had the idea to build a small wood desk and include the case for my computer under this desk. The case wil be positioned horizontally and the airflow, I think for convience issues, inhale from the left side and exhale to the right side. Tell me if it's a bad idea, or if there is more efficient solution.
Since it's totally custom I can place all the elements as I want but here is the trick : I don't know which is the best placement, when cased horizontally to maximise airflow and keep my components cooled.
Any advice/experience would be greatly appreciated.
 

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Is it going in a drawer?

Can you do some more drawings.
 
No a drawer in my opinion make too much engineering for the cables and connections.
I will just add a removable plexiglass plate on top of my desk to keep access to the "case". Just like a window on so many manufactured cases do it now.
I didn't start my "sketches" yet cause I wanted to have input on the best agencement, but I can still start and show you if you need more image to get the picture :)
I read some tutorial about cooling online but they are all meant for vertical casing.
My issue here is how to keep the case with good airflow despite the horizontal casing. The good thing tho, is that i'm relatively free about components placement.
 
That will work, you just want the air to all go the same direction. But some up wit some plans.

Typically heat goes up but you can move it sideways.
 
It will also depend on what type of cooling you plan on using for the CPU, and for the graphics card (i.e. water cooled, air cooled, etc...).

Can you list your proposed specs?
 
It will also depend on what type of cooling you plan on using for the CPU, and for the graphics card (i.e. water cooled, air cooled, etc...).

Can you list your proposed specs?

I go for air cooling to keep it simple. But since I want to keep the opportunity to OC is it still a smart move?
I bought a bundle of : MSI Z270 GAMING M5, i7 7700k, and BeQuiet! PURE ROCK
I have a RX 480 MSI GAMING X
And recycle a Antec Current Gaming 620

Still didn't bought the additional fans because of the way i'm gonna organise my layout.
I was thinking about some Nanoxia Deep Silence 140mm or Enermax 140 TB Silence. Maybe a bigger one depending on the advice i gather here : a 200mm or 230mm.

These are I3p and other designs. He's kinda the master, Just for inspiration

http://www.l3p.nl/l3p-d3sk/other-desk-builds/

Those rigs looks nice ! Thanks for the link :)
 
As said, the air flow direction could work either way, but you will need to orient the motherboard properly to take advantage of said air flow. IE... if air enters from the left, make sure the CPU cooler is blowing the same way. Otherwise you will have fans battling each other and causing turbulence and hot spots.
 
There really is nothing complex about AIO coolers nowadays. They often mount easier than large air coolers, and accidents/leaks are very rare. AIO is the way to go with a 7700k.

My concern would be that the i7-7700k tends to run a little on the warm side, and that is a very low end air cooler. Not sufficient IMHO to cool that top of the line Kaby Lake proc (unless you want it idling in the 40's (C).

Even without overclocking, I would get a better cooler. Not to mention that RX 480 gives off a fair amount of heat itself.

You are looking at some pretty significant heat producers, and you are using a $35 CPU cooler. Not good.

You're gonna end up with a desk that can double as a space heater.

$50 after rebate:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181010
 
IMO 140mm fans will be too big for a desk setup, the depth of the "case" has to accommodate the fans and system you install.
Plan the depth of the desk, so you are comfortable with it, your legs should fit under it comfortably when sitting, and your arms should rest at ease on top.
Fans exhausting at the rear will keep the heat away from you as long as it has somewhere to go and isn't blowing directly in to a wall, front fan ducts can be placed under the front for intake, so they will be unobtrusive and less audible too.
Good luck with your planning, I hope to see some good designs come from this build.
 
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