The original post: /r/watercooling by /u/Traditional-Stick-10 on 2024-12-26 03:35:44.

I’m aiming to build a whisper-quiet system for heavy machine learning workloads that will run overnight. Here’s the setup I’ve planned so far:

Case: Fractal Define 7 XL (prioritizing silence and airflow)

Cooling: Alphacool waterblocks for the Ryzen 9950X CPU and both RTX 4090 GPUs

Radiator & Fans: Front intake: NexXxoS Monsta 480 with push-pull setup using 8 Arctic P12 Max fans

Rear exhaust: 1 Arctic P14 Max fan

Bottom exhaust (I am desperate): 2 Arctic P14 Max fans (to reduce internal pressure and aid airflow through rad)

A key concern is that I want to keep the top sound-dampening plate intact for noise reduction, but I’m worried it might limit thermal performance. Is removing it absolutely necessary for optimal airflow, or will the current fan configuration be sufficient for heat dissipation under sustained heavy loads?

Looking for advice on maintaining silence without sacrificing cooling efficiency. What do you think?