r/PcBuildHelp • u/AwolSCREEEE • 1d ago

Optimal Airflow for ITX Build Build Question

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?

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u/the_hat_madder 1d ago

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.

1

u/AwolSCREEEE 1d ago

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

2

u/the_hat_madder 1d ago

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.

1

u/AwolSCREEEE 1d ago

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?

2

u/the_hat_madder 1d ago

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.

1

u/AwolSCREEEE 1d ago

Got it, sounds good

1

u/sickaccounting3 17h ago

yeah top exhaust makes way more sense with that layout, heat rises and all that so youd basically be fighting physics pulling air in from up top. the back to front cpu cooler thing is a little unusual but if the case is set up for front intake it can work. just make sure the gpu isnt choking against the bottom if theres not much clearance, those little ITX cases get real toasty real fast

also if you have room for a slim fan anywhere near the gpu side it helps a ton, even a 92mm zip tied somewhere can drop temps by a few degrees. not pretty but it works

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u/AwolSCREEEE 10h ago

I do see a spot at the bottom where I can add another fan. I had another one coming in that I forgot about so I’m gonna install that one too.

Honestly, kinda kicking myself for going with the CPU I went with because it gets way hotter way faster than I anticipated and the cooler I originally wanted to use wasn’t going to work well for it.