Which is The Best Configuration for 120 mm Liquid Cooling Fans?

Mounting Positions

We used the Zalman LQ315 liquid cooling system for this test because it is an average sealed watercooler, with a 120 mm radiator. It comes with a single fan but can be mounted with two.

We installed the radiator first on the rear panel of the case, and then on the top panel of the case. For each position, we tested the system with the fan (or fans) blowing air from the inside to the outside of the case (i.e., fans working in exhaust mode) and then from the outside to the inside of the case (i.e., fans working in ventilation or intake mode).

For each of those tests, we measured noise and temperatures with one 120 mm fan and then with two 120 mm fans. When only one fan was used, we performed two tests: first with it  mounted between the case panel and the radiator (which are calling “Position 1”) and then with it mounted on the inner side of the radiator (which are calling “Position 2”).

When we combined all different possibilities, we ended up with a total of 12 tests.

Figures 1 to 5 show some of the different positions we used.

Figure 1: Rear panel installation, one fan, position 1, exhaust

Figure 2: Rear panel installation, two fans, exhaust

Figure 3: Rear panel installation, two fans, intake

Figure 4: Top panel installation, one fan, position 1, intake

Figure 5: Top panel installation, one fan, position 2, exhaust