(02-12-2016, 07:33 AM)zozeri Wrote:Its always a good idea to use fans:(02-12-2016, 05:50 AM)mamexp Wrote: For anyone with non ref cards, the best place to put the fans is on the top of the cards, not side front and back like traditional cases. If you already bought non ref cards, you got no choice but making custom case for them.
This is why ref design is alot better for air controlling, front to back for rackmount.
Also another tip for anyone custom their case for air flow. Reduce the air volume in the case, so you can increase air velocity and control air going through hotspot.
I have managed to get a couple of reference design 7970s today, still on the hunt for some GTX 970 or 980 at bargain prices
Using my open air design will I require fans? I am assuming so and obviously do not want to burn my rig down.
However I have seen some mining rigs using 6 of the 7970s without fans.
Since my cards are ref design I take from your post that I have the fans placed at the front/back?
I have a bit of room on the front of the cards where I can mount around 3 fans.
1. Keep the lifespan of the cards longer. Even if your card runs below 80c its still putting alot stress on other components such as VRMs which many don't even monitor.
2. Control dust. If you control airlow you can control dust.