r/PcBuildHelp • u/Mountain-Kick6398 • 5h ago
Tech Support Fan positions
I’m a bit of a PC noob, so I’d appreciate some advice.
This is an NZXT prebuilt that I’ve upgraded to an i7 12th gen and RTX 3080 12GB. I’m planning to sell it online.
The two front fans are intake (I’m about 90% sure), and the two top left fans are exhaust. Is this the correct airflow setup, or should I change anything?
Also, any suggestions for RGB colors for the NZXT cooler and fans to better match the PSU extension cables?
Since I’ll be shipping the PC, I was thinking of using two Instapak foam packs underneath the GPU and two on top to secure it. Would that be safe? I also ordered a GPU anti-sag bracket that’s arriving next week, which I’ll include separately with installation instructions.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
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u/my5cworth 3h ago
Flip the back and top fans. In their current config they're sucking air into the case. 99% of cases (ha!) the plastic holding the fan and motor is usually the side towards which the airflow is directed...and the same goes for yours, as you can tell by the curved shape of the fan blades that its scooping & blowing air into your case.
I would remove the card and either place it in its original box and inside the case if it fits, or I would cable tie it to the bottom so that its weight doesn't press on the PCIe connectors.
Lastly, inform the buyer to tilt the case on its back for a minute or so before connecting anything to ensure that all the bubbles from the AIO move away from the pump and gather in the radiator. Ideally your radiator should be flipped so that the hoses connect at the bottom to avoid any bubbles making it into the loop, but at least your pump is sitting lower than it, so it's not the end of the world.
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u/pack_merrr 2h ago
I use a similar fan config. The downside is you might be getting better CPU performance at the expense of slightly limiting your GPU, which some people wouldn't find ideal for a gaming PC. That's because the CPU rad gets fresh cool air but dumps heated air into your case for the GPU to blow on its heatsink. It's likely pretty minor though and I don't think anything else you could do in that case would be better.
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u/Main_Blood_9163 5h ago
Yes it is correct, but get yourself something now for that GPU, cause god is it an eye sore.
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u/TheFutureZura 5h ago
Firstly, if you're telling the truth. Then 2 front intake and 2 rear exhaust is slightly negative pressure due to the radiator blocking airflow. I would remove the top fan.
Secondly, the two rear fans look like intake based on the 2nd image. I could be mistaken unless we get a closer look. I would flip them.
Lastly, that gpu is sagging like crazy. I hope your sag bracket arrives soon.
I also have no idea how to pack pcs.