H440 Case Mod

Hardware Cases / Chassis
1

I need more radiator space in my H440.  I have a 360 in the front, the top, and a 140mm for the rear is on the way.  I am really looking to overkill this case and cram as much water cooling as possible.  Why?  Because I want to, no real valid argument against this right?  I have the case on my desk with the window facing the user because I like to look inside and marvel at its beauty on a daily basis. 

So I need more radiator space, how am I going to get it?  Since I have a 360 rad in the front, I have zero hard drive cages, which I'm fine with because my raptors are mounted in the SSD slots.  Since I don't have any hard drives, I was going to cut out the cage holder and mount another 360mm right there.  The only problem with doing that is that the intake fans on that radiator are going to be drawing air from sound deading foam.  Obviously a problem.  To get airflow there, I have been throwing around the idea of removing the foam (or leaving it there) and drilling holes or slots into that area and have the fans draw air in from the side. Note, I am 100% OK and capable of handling such a job and I have the tools.  I really don't want to do a full cutout and mount a premade grill in that area, because asthetics are extremely important to me in this regard.  I've shown these pictures to a few of my friends, and I want to know your guys's opionions on how it looks.

I've done a bit of paint work.  I decided that holes are a no go, and that hexagons are too much work.  When I added slots (with rounded ends, it makes a difference), it just looked right.  The question I have for you my friends, is this:

a lot of smaller slots?  Or fewer larger slots  These are stock photos edited in paint

 

<a href="http://s87.photobucket.com/user/gb1024/media/H440biggerslots.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k127/gb1024/H440biggerslots.png" border="0" alt=" photo H440biggerslots.png"/></a>

 

<a href="http://s87.photobucket.com/user/gb1024/media/H440coolingmod.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k127/gb1024/H440coolingmod.png" border="0" alt=" photo H440coolingmod.png"/></a>

 

 

I plan on doing a push config so that the fans are visible.  I'll be using corsair sp120s with the white rings so they'll look just right.  I'll also use a very fine mesh filter as well. 

 

thanks!

2

cant wait to see the results.

3

The photos aren't showing up.  Anyone have any tips for posting them?  

Anyway, I think I've decided on the larger slots.  I'm going to take measurements and begin prepping the case this weekend, and I'll probably get around to it in the next couple of weeks.  

4

The first set of pictures, with the large slots, looks better. Might not be the most wonderful air flow ever but it should definitely be enough for a radiator. Some spacers to keep the rad off the wall a little would not go astray.

I would have the fans all blow in ward. If all the parts are water cooled, especially with two 360mm radiators, they should not be effected by the slightly higher air temps inside the case. And all the fans blowing in would create positive pressure, less dust. One exhause at the back and one at the top back should be good to get the warm air out, 140s should do it.

I am no water cooling expert but that makes some sense in my head.

5

Well the airflow in the case is not impressive by any means.  I think adding additional intakes on the sides would work wonders. I will definitely keep the top rad in exhaust mode. 

6

Yup sorry I misread the setup of the radiators. I had it in my head that both 360s were in the front and side. Never mind carry on.