Best air cooling setup for NZXT Noctis 450?

[RodroG]

I recently bought a NZXT Noctis 450 for my current gaming rig. I'm satisfied with that choice in terms of aesthetics, quality of materials, cable management, room size and cooling and storage capabilities. So I do not intend to discuss the benefits, defects or alternatives of this chassis. This is the chassis I have and with which I want to get the best air cooling config using the fans models I have too.

Noctis 450 specs:

• Dimensions: 220mm x 567mm x 544mm
  
• Material: SECC Steel, ABS Plastic
  
• Product Weight: 9.5 kg
  
• Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, microATX, ATX
  
• I/O Ports:
  - 1 x Audio/Mic
  - I/O Panel and Lighting System LED On/Off
  - 2 x USB 3.0
  - 2 x USB 2.0
  
• Filters:
  - Front (Included)
  - Bottom Rear(Included)
  
• Drive Bays:
  External 5.25": 0
  Internal 3.5"/2.5": 6+2
  
• Expansion Slots: 7
  
• Fan Support:
  - Front: 2x 140/3x120mm (3 x 120mm FN V2 Fans Included)
  - Top: 2x 140/3x120mm
  - Rear: 1x 140/120mm (1 x 140mm FN V2 Fan Included)
  
• Fan Model:
  - FN V2 140 (Case Version)
  Speed: 1,000 RPM
  Airflow: 50 CFM
  Noise: 21 dBA
  - FN V2 120 (Case Version)
  Speed: 1,200 RPM
  Airflow: 45 CFM
  Noise: 21 dBA
  
• Radiator Support
  - Front 2 x 140 or 3 x 120mm
  - Top 2 x 140 or 3 x 120mm
  - Rear 1 x 140/120mm
  
• Clearance:
  - GPU Clearance with HDD Cage: 294mm
  - GPU Clearance without HDD Cage: 406.2mm
  - CPU Cooler: 180mm
  
• Cable Management:
  -Lowest Point - 17.7mm; Highest Point: 32.5mm

As I said what I want to ask you is not for other chasis options or other chasis and CPU cooling options but for the best way to config my case air cooling system with this NZXT Noctis 450 so a liquid cooling setup isn't the issue of this thread too. My goal is to get the optimal air flow with this chassis and if possible with the current fans models I'm currently using.

My current air cooling setup on the Noctis 450 is:

• 3 x 120 mm AF (FN V2 120 - Case version) = Front Intake
  
• 1 x 140 mm AF (FN V2 140 - Case version) = Rear Exhaust
  
• 2 x 120 mm AF (FN V2 120 - Same case ver specs) = Top Exhaust

Do you think I'm fine with this air config? Should I change something like remove or add some case fan? I'd appreciate any thought, opinion or tip on this regard and thanks in advance.

Here is my current RIG:

• Intel Core i7-6700
  
• Cooler Master Hyper 212X EU
  
• MSI Z170A GAMING M7 (MS-7976)
  
• 32 GB (2x16 GB) DDR4-2133 Kingston HyperX Fury
  
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 G1 Gaming
  
• Seagate ST2000DX001 SSHD 2TB
  
• Corsair RM750x PSU
  
• Samsung S24D300H 24" @ 1080p / 60 Hz

[Supafly]

Top and rear for exhaust, front for intake.

Front Intake 3 x 120 or 2 x140
Rear Exhaust x 140
Top Exhaust 3 x 120 or 2 x140

I've been vague on the 120/140 options for a reason. Need to see the airflow figures.
Example:
Bit Fenix Spectre Pro 120mm
Air Flow (CFM): 56.22 CFM ±10%
Bit Fenix Spectre Pro 140mm
Air Flow (CFM): 86.73 CFM ±10%

3 x 120 = 168.66 CFM
2 x 140 = 173.46 CFM

For these fans the 2 x 140mm moves more air. However the 140mm are noisier.
140mm Noise (dB-A): 22.8 dB(A) vs the 120mm Noise (dB-A): 18.9 dB(A)

Only 5 CFM in airflow difference for 3 dB(A) of more noise at max speed. If you don't mind the slight noise increase the 140mm would be the obvious choice.

Just need to check the specs of the Fans to pick which is better or you prefer.

[RodroG]

Thank you dude! So according with your words should I add one 120 mm FN V2 (as exhaust) at top?

Currently I have 2 of these at top and one FN V2 140 mm at rear (all exhausting) and as front intakes it would be fine with the 3 FN V2 120 mm fans I have. I'm considering what you said about the CFM and Noise level rapport: both 120 and 140 mm FN V2 models have the same Noise numbers (21 dBA each) but 3 x 120 gives me 35 CFM more with an extra of 21dBA. Personally I prefer getting a higher air flow instead of a less noise level (I feel the Noctis 450 quite silent due to its built too).

Now I have another question regarding the possitive / negative pressure balance I'll get. With 1x140 mm at rear and 3x120 mm at top as exhaust fans I'd have negative pressure clearly... so do you think it is the best option for getting the less temps and the highest air flow?

[Supafly]

Never really paid much attention to the positive/negative air pressure tbh. Both have pros/cons can find them here
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/cooling-air-pressure-heatsink,review-32320-5.html

I used my fan set up when I replied. Although I have an intake on my side panel and a bottom fan too.
1 rear exhaust 1x 120
2 top exhaust 2x140
1 side intake 1x140
2 front intake 2x 120
1 bottom intake 1x120

Lots of fans I know, more running at lower rpms to move same amount of air with less noise :)

Was slightly positive when I did the math but as all intakes have filters that obviously reduces some airflow and possibly changes the positive pressure to negative. Have no way to check. You'd need to contact NZXT or find someone that has actually done tests to see how much the filters reduce airflow in yours although I don't think it matters as I'll point out in a moment.

If your happy with negative pressure what I said in previous post will be fine.
Front Intake 3 x 120
Rear Exhaust 1x 140
Top Exhaust 3 x 120

If you want positive pressure
Front Intake 3 x 120
Rear Exhaust 1x 140
Top Exhaust 1x140

Any more than 2 exhausts is going to result in negative pressure in that case even without taking fan filters on the intakes into consideration.

Only other way I see to use more slots for positive pressure is if you try
Front Intake 3 x 120
Rear Exhaust 1x 140
Above as normal but change Top to
Top Exhaust 2x120 (rear and mid)
Top Intake 1 x120 (front)

However the top front would likely pull some of the warm air from the topmid fan back into the case. It also doesn't have a filter so it will suck in dust too.

IMO I don't think positive airflow works well in that case. Always need more front/side/bottom locations and less rear/top for a good positive pressure setup. The fact it has filters (good thing) that reduce intake increases need for more intake options even more.

Edit: a few typos

[RodroG]

Thanks! The problem I just see is that when placing the third upper exhaust fan it would be totally perpendicular to the third upper intake fan so that the air that this gets inside it would be pulled out by that immediately and preventing the airflow from better reaching the CPU fan ... What do you think?

[Supafly]

FYI, I haven't actually looked at the case. If they are that close you're right exhausting the third top exhaust is likely pointless. As pointed out it will just be pulling all the air pushed from the top intake fan right back out making it pointless.

To maximise cooling you really need to either find someone has tested different configurations or try them out yourself. Each case can result in slight changes to expected airflow based on its interior, fan locations and obstacles (Drives.)

If you don't want to test....Stick to your configuation and change nothing as any changes will need testing.

A topfront unfiltered intake will likely pull in more dust than negative air pressure but if you're happy with that then test that option(2). Although, personally, I'd rather stick to filtered intake and negative pressure than using an intake fan at the top.

Option 1. Quickest/easiest option. (My choice)

With the info on the top-front and front-top fans being so close I'd try changing top 2 fans from 120mm to 140mm

Front Intake 3 x 120
Rear Exhaust 1x 140
Top Exhaust 2 x 140

Test before and after changing the 120s to 140s as the 140 will be closer to the front-top intake and may start exhausting the incoming cooler air as would happen with a top-front 120mm exhaust. Its one of those things you can't know/predict and needs testing. (Can test with just a single 140 in the top-front location before investing in a second 140 for the top-rear.)

Option 2. More thorough option

Keep everything the same and get a single 120mm fan to try, while testing. Before fitting run some tests while monitoring temps then add the fan as an exhaust and repeat the tests. Finally switch it to intake and repeat once more.( tried this on my setup and it added 2 degrees)

See which works best. It's hard to predict when the top-front and front-top are so close that they will be competing. If tests are better when the topfront is not powered then leave there unpowered and stick with original setup, or test further by removing it trying option 1.

I strongly believe option 1 would be slightly better than your current setup and would definately choose that over trying to use a topfront as an unfiltered intake fan.

EDIT: damn typo

[RodroG]

Thanks dude for all your detailed help. Yes, I'll try with your suggested Option 1 (Top Exhaust 2 x 140 mm) and after being tested I'll tell you back my cooling results. Now and before start testing this config I need to buy the two 140 mm fans. Do you think I'd fine buying the NZXT FN V2 140 model or better a different model? AF or SP fans?

[⛧EyMi Mayhem⛧]

NZXT FN V2 140 should work, but I also recommend to look at the bequiet silent and pure wings series. Or the Corsair AF120/AF140 series.

*

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TBombadil:

AF or SP fans?

AF = airflow, SP = static pressure, so for case cooling take af.

[RodroG]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von ⚝EyMi Mayhem⚝:

NZXT FN V2 140 should work, but I also recommend to look at the bequiet silent and pure wings series. Or the Corsair AF120/AF140 series.

*

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TBombadil:

AF or SP fans?

AF = airflow, SP = static pressure, so for case cooling take af.

Ok, thank you! I'll take a look to these other models too.

[Supafly]

You want to focus on AF in regrads to your fans, especially for your intakes.

Did a quick look and hopefully found the fan your refering to
NZXT FN V2 140 with airflow of 50 CFM??

As suggested above, post #6, you could also choose other brands
All of these are 140mm fans
Corsair Air Series AF140 = 66.4 CFM
BeQuiet Silent Wings 3 = 59.5 CFM
BitFenix Spectre Pro = 86.73 CFM

Bequiet fans are good. Have 2 on my heatsink that work great and are quiet which are the same as their case fans, I believe, so they are a good option.

I have 6 of the BitFenix fans I listed in my case plus the standard NZXT rear fan that came with the case. They a great fans, reasonably quiet compared to others even at higher speeds. If you have the money I highly recommend getting 1x140 for a top exhaust.

Which ever you choose to go for fit the top Exhaust Fan with best AF directly above or as close to your heatsink/fan as you can.

P.S. If you noticed the 140mm Spectre Pro has AF of 86.73 CFM which is 173.46 CFM for 2 and the 120mm has 51.3 CFM which is 153.9 CFM meaning 2x140mm Spectre Pros will actually push more air than 3x120mm fans. A good idea for you front intakes.

[RodroG]

@Supafly Money is not a problem and I want to get the best case air cooling config, this is my priority. Well If I understand you correctly you're now suggesting me a new fan setup using only 140 mm AF fans for Intake and Exhaust, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Your last suggested config would be:

Front Intake: 2 x 140 mm AF (BitFenix Spectre Pro?)
Rear Exhaust: 1 x 140 mm AF (BitFenix Spectre Pro or the standard FN V2 140 case version?)
Top Exhaust: 1x140 mm AF (BitFenix Spectre Pro too?)

That means replacing all the fan I currently have... are NZXT case fans really that bad? And with your above Option 1 should I replace all my NZXT fans too?

[Supafly]

Yes, sort of.

Nzxt are not all that bad just lower airflow than other aftermarket brands and models. The BitFenix Spectre Pro 120mm move slightly more air than the 140mm NZXT FN V2 51.3 v 50 and 30 CFM more when compared to the 140mm Spectre.
Currently you have
3 x 120 mm AF (FN V2 120 - Case version) = Front Intake = 135 CFM
1 x 140 mm AF (FN V2 140 - Case version) = Rear Exhaust 50 CFM
2 x 120 mm AF (FN V2 120 - Same case ver specs) = Top Exhaust 90 CFM
Exhaust 140, Intake 135

Doing a straight swap for Spectre Pros you'd get 159.9 CFM intake and 189.33CFM exhaust. Thats 19.3 more intake and 49.33 Exhaust difference.

If your sticking to NZXT/case fans do the testing as I suggested in post #5

If money isn't an issue buy and replace them all with Spectre Pros
Front Intake: 2 x 140 mm AF (BitFenix Spectre Pro) = 173.46 CFM Intake
Rear Exhaust: 1 x 140 mm AF (BitFenix Spectre Pro) Top-rear = 86.73 CFM Exhaust
Top Exhaust: 1x140 mm AF (BitFenix Spectre Pro too) = 86.73 CFM Exhaust

Intake and exhaust are both 173.46 CFM (although intake filters will reduce intake slightly) and will add 40CFM exhaust and 38.46 intake tcompared to using the NZXT fans. This is what I recommend if you purchase Spectre Pros.

While I don't think it will make a much of a difference, if at all you could use one of the left over 140mm case fans in the Top-Front spot for testing as described in post #5 intake/exhaust/nothing to find the best for that case/configuration and if one way is an improvement purchase another 140mm Spectre for that spot.

Hope all the makes sense?

[RodroG]

Yes, makes sense! Well I just purchased 5 x BitFenix Spectre Pro All Black 140mm (BFF-SPRO-14025KK-RP) for making and testing this setup (negative pressure balance):

• Front In 2 x 140 = 173,46 CFM (probably reduced by ~1/3 due to front filter)
  
• Rear Ex 1 x 140 = 86,73 CFM
  
• Top Ex 1 x 140 = 86,73 CFM
  **I'll test if I can get some colling improvement adding a 2nd top exhaust 140 fan.**
  
• TOTAL In / Ex = 173,46 (probably ~116...) / 173,46
  **+38,46 (probably ~26...) In and +33,46 Ex with respect to Current cooling setup.**
  
• Diff. In-Ex = 0 (probably ~ -57,46)
  **Theoretical neutral pressure but actually negative pressure.**

I know with a negative pressure balance dust control is the disadvantage I'll have, but it isn't my current priority and is compensated since I regularly clean the chassis interior and the room in which it is. Additionally I just purchase a Case Bracket so that it doesn't rest directly on the floor and rest higher relative to the ground (which greatly reduces the dust level inside).

[Supafly]

Cool, post back here once you've fitted and tested temps. Don't forget to test before fitting too so you have a comparison :)

Yeah the bracket, stands or trolleys are good for ground clearance and do reduce dust. After buying a few I actually opted for buying 4 wheels with bolt fittings (not the plate kind of fitting) for my current case, NZXT Phantom 410.

Removed and drilled holes into the feet(strips) on the bottom. Pushed a wheels bolt through the hole, fixed in position with the nut and trimmed the bolts down to size. Then repeated for other wheels and fixed them all to the feet before reattaching the feet to my case. Case now has 9cm/3.5 inch clearance from the ground to its base (not including the feet/strip part) and has wheels with 2 brakes. Looks nice and simple, wheels black and red to match the case which is a bonus too.

[RodroG]

Count on it! I have to say that here in Spain wasn't easy to find the BitFenix Spectre Pro... Well I could find them reasonably priced only in two e-stores (Wipoid and Coolmod) then by Amazon.es but much expensive and via ebay but paying a high prize due to shipping cost from UK... At the end I opted for Coolmod store which offered me the cheaper prize
Anyway I think they must first receive them from abroad as the shipping period that I have marked is 2-9 days. Strange provision situation for the BitFenix fans here in Spain...

[Supafly]

They long delivery time could just be that they sold out and are awaiting a fresh delivery

I couldn't find them locally where I am in Britain and I have quite a few places in my area and even the largest/cheapest place thats stocks the largest variety of components did have them. Though they do stock BitFenix Cases.

I was lucky when I got mine and got fan bundle deals. Think it was £24/£25 for 3x120mm and £28/£29 for 3 x140mm, not sure how much delivery was.....£5-£10 maybe but I did get them 2 days later, would have been next day if I had order earlier in the day