I need some help with an Antec C8 and Noctua IPPC fans (or not)
Posted by me_diocre@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Hi, everyone!
I was considering the Antec Flux Pro for my next build, but that case is extremely expensive in my country (Brazil), and looking for some alternatives, I've found the Antec C8 ARGB for less than half the price of the Flux Pro (BRL$ 2400,00 vs BRL$ 1000,00). According to the Gamers Nexus review, it's a good mid-range case, with nice GPU thermals and not so nice CPU thermals.
The ARGB version comes with 2 x 160mm fans at the bottom as intake and 1 x 120mm fan as exhaust. [Here is its fan and radiator support schematics.] (https://www.antec.com/product/case/images/c8-argb-pdt07.png)
Since I'm considering buying an Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 for the CPU, I believe the best option is putting the radiator on top, as exhaust, and fans as intake on the side. If I'm correct, should I put 3 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm on the side?
Now, for the fans, I'm considering Noctua's. But why did I mention the Noctua IPPC fans? Because of this:
NF-A12x25 PWM: BRL$259,00
NF-F12 IPPC-3000 PWM: BRL$229,00
NF-A14 IPPC-2000 IP67 PWM (I could only find the IP67 version): BRL$269,99
NF-A14 IPPC-3000 PWM: BRL$249,99
The NF-A14x25 G2 isn't available here, yet.
So, my questions are: is it reasonable to consider the IPPC fans? And which configuration would you choose?
Cheers!
BaronB@reddit
Gamers Nexus tests cases with a standard setup that uses an air cooler. Most dual chamber style cases suffer a bit when it comes to temps when not using an AIO.
Three best setup for the C8 is actually going to be the 360 AIO on the side as an intake, which will require remounting the fans so the hub supports face out. But having it at the top is fine too if you prefer and won't affect things significantly.
While the C8 can take 140mm fans, it's mainly to support 280 AIOs, but a large portion of a 140mm fan (or AIO) will be blocked on the sides because the case is designed around 120mm fans primarily.
The Noctua F12 IPPC fans are high pressure fans that are quieter than other fans like it, but not quiet compared to other consumer fans. Look at Arctic P12 PST, Thermalright TL-C12C, or Antec's own Tranquil 120 fans of you want more. But really if you setup the AIO as a side intake you do not need any more fans.
me_diocre@reddit (OP)
My concern about putting the AIO on the side is that I'd be throwing hot air inside the case.
BaronB@reddit
Indeed. But the GPU is getting most of its air from the bottom fans in the C8, so it shouldn't cause a problem. The air going through an AIO doesn't actually get that much warmer. People expect it to be burning hot because the CPU is so hot, but the liquid in an AIO is usually not getting above 40C at most, and the air passing through the radiator is generally only going to be 1\~2C warmer on the other side at most. Especially a 360 AIO. It's a lot of surface area and a lot of air flowing through it, so it just needs to be transferring enough of that heat into the air over time and over that volume of air to counter what the CPU is outputting from a tiny point. With a side intake AIO and no bottom fans vs a top exhaust AIO and side fans you're going to see at most that same 1\~2C temp increase.
But you can throw a third 140mm in the bottom too if you want to, or go with a top exhaust and side intakes. That just means now your CPU is what's running 1\~2C hotter.
me_diocre@reddit (OP)
Since the ARGB version comes with 2 x 160mm thick fans at the bottom, do you think it's better to get the non ARGB version and put 3 x 140mm fans there? Although I would fill the complete length of the bottom, the full cut-out design seems to benefit 160mm fans. Would I have more air intake with 3 x 140mm?
BaronB@reddit
Using extra thick 160mm fans are likely going to be better than three 140mm fans in that setup, so I'd stick with the ARGB version and those fans. And, as you noticed, the bottom is designed such that there's no obstruction when using 160mm fans, unlike the 140mm on the side intake where a portion of the sides are hindered by the 120mm fan mounting.
me_diocre@reddit (OP)
I understand.
I didn't want to take more of your time, but I have a question related to this topic. Since radiators limit the air flow, theoretically, using the AIO as exhaust makes it easier to achieve positive pressure inside the case?
BaronB@reddit
Theoretically, yes. If you're using all fans at 100% speed at all times, then having a 360 AIO as exhaust with three 120 intakes of otherwise similar fans will ensure a positive pressure.
But you can also just not run the exhaust fans at full speed and ensure positive pressure even if you have the AIO as intake. Positive pressure is also more about reducing dust vs temps.
me_diocre@reddit (OP)
Man, thank you a lot for your help!
Emerald_Flame@reddit
The IPPC fans are designed for industrial use cases and due to that they're extremely loud.
If noise is at all a concern for you, they should not be in your consideration.
me_diocre@reddit (OP)
Honestly, noise is not of much concern for me. But I've never had a IPPC fan, so I don't know how loud it can get. I'm more concerned about thermals, since it's very hot in here sometimes.
Are they much louder than conventional fans at the same speed?
Anxious_Scar_3544@reddit
at the same RPM only slightly, but you have the option to increase the revs if necessary.
If I were you I would go for the 14 industrial ones and optimize the fan curve.
I have both the normal and industrial ones.
me_diocre@reddit (OP)
I wanted the 140mm fans, but u/BaronB warned me about something I hadn't noticed.
Anxious_Scar_3544@reddit
Then take the 120, I would stay with the industrial ones because the difference at the same RPM is nothing transcendental
me_diocre@reddit (OP)
Yes, I'm leaning towards that, or the Phanteks T30, which seems to be on par with the IPPC.
Anxious_Scar_3544@reddit
No problem, I wanted to specify more than anything else because people tend to exaggerate the difference.
Maybe not even having tried them, let alone optimized the curve
me_diocre@reddit (OP)
I'm trying to find a video I've watched where the IPPC fans sounded like a Formula One car. But there was an obstruction near the corners of the fans, and a user pointed out that could be causing the high noise.
Anxious_Scar_3544@reddit
But in fact at 3000 rpm it really sounds so loud, they are for servers in fact.
But in classic use you decide how to set them, I can also stay under 1000 rpm without problems and they are very silent
Emerald_Flame@reddit
Yes, significantly.
Anxious_Scar_3544@reddit
at the same RPM only slightly, but you have the option to increase the revs if necessary.
I have both the normal and industrial ones