I fixed PC cooling.

Summary

This video details the creation of a custom airflow system for a high-performance PC build, inspired by automotive intake designs. By using 3D modeling and 3D printing, the creator designs intake and exhaust ducts to optimize airflow for the CPU and GPU. The result is a significant improvement in cooling performance, with reduced GPU temperatures and noise. However, the solution is highly tailored to specific hardware, showcasing the potential and limitations of custom airflow systems in PC builds. It’s a unique approach to overcoming common cooling challenges in gaming and high-performance setups.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Audi RS3 has undergone significant modifications, including a carbon fiber air intake from Eventuri for better airflow and performance.
• 😀 The idea behind the custom PC build is to optimize airflow in a similar way, aiming for smooth and large airflow paths to improve component cooling.
• 😀 The PC build uses high-performance hardware, including an Intel 13900K processor and an RTX 490 FE GPU, with an emphasis on cooling efficiency.
• 😀 Fusion 360 was used to model the custom fan ducts for the CPU and GPU, despite the complexity of 3D modeling such parts for the first time.
• 😀 Two key Fusion 360 functions, Loft and Shell, were used to create the custom fan ducts, which focus on directing airflow with minimal restriction.
• 😀 3D printing was used to create the fan ducts, with the process taking several hours and requiring precision for a perfect fit.
• 😀 The fan ducts designed for the CPU Cooler ensured cool air was directed into the heatsink, while hot air was efficiently extracted, reducing GPU heat interaction.
• 😀 A specific challenge was designing the GPU vents, which had to be split into two parts due to the large size, requiring careful mounting adjustments.
• 😀 The custom fan ducts led to an 8°C drop in GPU temperatures and a reduction in fan noise, improving overall cooling performance in the PC case.
• 😀 Despite significant improvement in GPU cooling, the CPU initially did not show the expected temperature drops, leading to further adjustments to the fan setup.
• 😀 After further optimization with fan speed adjustments and reversing some fan directions, the CPU temperature dropped by 10°C, resulting in improved performance and less thermal throttling.

Q & A

What inspired the creator to design custom airflow ducts for the PC?

The creator was inspired by automotive modifications, particularly the carbon fiber air intake system in the Audi RS3, which improves airflow to the engine. This inspired the idea of creating a more efficient airflow system for a high-performance PC.

Why did the creator choose the Eventuri carbon fiber air intake for the Audi RS3?

The Eventuri intake was chosen because it features the largest diameter tubing and the smoothest airflow paths, minimizing restrictions to the engine's turbo system, which improves performance.

What was the main issue with typical PC case airflow that the creator wanted to solve?

The typical airflow in most PC cases is inefficient, with air being pushed around randomly, and often recirculating heated air back into components. The creator aimed to design a more controlled airflow system to target specific components like the CPU and GPU.

What software did the creator use to design the custom airflow ducts?

The creator used Fusion 360 for 3D modeling the custom ducts, utilizing basic shapes and precise measurements to design the components and ensure a perfect fit inside the case.

How did the creator ensure the custom ducts would fit correctly in the PC case?

The creator carefully measured the PC case and cross-checked every dimension. Even a small error in measurements could result in a poor fit, so precision was key in ensuring that the ducts fit perfectly.

What were some of the challenges faced during the 3D printing process?

The creator faced challenges due to the large size of the ducts, which couldn't be printed in one go by the 3D printer. Some parts had to be split into multiple sections and rejoined. Despite this, there were no failed prints, and the dimensions were very accurate.

What was the primary benefit of using 3D printed ducts over traditional air cooling solutions?

The primary benefit of 3D printed ducts was the ability to create custom-designed airflow paths that direct air precisely to where it’s needed, such as the CPU and GPU, reducing heat buildup and improving cooling efficiency.

How much of a temperature drop did the GPU experience after installing the custom ducts?

The GPU saw an 8°C temperature drop, and the fan speed was reduced by 200 RPM, leading to quieter operation and better cooling performance.

Why did the CPU temperature not drop as expected initially?

The CPU temperature did not drop initially because the custom ducts were inadvertently causing recirculation of warm air around the CPU cooler. After adjusting fan speeds and reversing some fans, the CPU temperature saw a 10°C drop.

What was the final result after the adjustments to the fan setup?

After adjusting the fan speeds and reversing two of the case fans, the CPU temperature dropped by 10°C, and the hottest CPU core temperature decreased from 100°C to the mid-70s, preventing thermal throttling. The GPU temperature rose slightly, but the overall cooling configuration was more balanced and effective.