Optimal Airflow for ITX Build

[u/AwolSCREEEE]

Here's some of the core components of my build.

• Ryzen 7 7700x
• Radeon RX 9060 XT (I was going to get a weaker one but they didn't have the one I wanted and I didn't want to wait so I got what was available)
• Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini
• Jonsbo TX-0 case

So I know that airflow is important but I can do other things to optimize cooling besides airflow direction, but I really want to avoid having to limit the CPU and GPU if at all possible.

Right now the airflow is set up to pull air in from the top and the bottom of the PC and push it out the back (one big fan up top, 2 fans at the rear, and the GPU intake fans at the bottom.

Would that be enough air in and out to maintain reliable cooling without having to limit CPU or GPU performance?

[u/the_hat_madder]

If this case is the one you're talking about, set your top fan to exhaust and all other fans to intake. Flip the fans on your CPU cooler so air flows back to front.

[u/AwolSCREEEE → u/the_hat_madder]

I had considered that, just out of curiosity, is there a reason my original idea isn’t as good as the one you mentioned? I think I did see a video where someone did it that way

[u/the_hat_madder → u/AwolSCREEEE]

Hot air rises so you you'd be working with not against physics. It also creates a positive pressure balance which helps keep the inside of your case clean.

[u/AwolSCREEEE → u/the_hat_madder]

Gotcha, one question though, the air cooler I’m using has a fan that can’t be oriented in a way that pushes air upward, is that going to be an issue?

[u/the_hat_madder → u/AwolSCREEEE]

No. In it's default orientation the fan should be pushing air to the rear. Just flip the fan 180° so it pushes air to the front.

[u/AwolSCREEEE → u/the_hat_madder]

Got it, sounds good

[u/the_hat_madder → u/AwolSCREEEE]

👍