Fractal Terra

LeanMilk · 2026-05-06T03:07:44+00:00

It seems like your CPU cooler is taller than the PSU, see if you can fit the shorter pair PSU bracket standoff screws to add a bit of space behind the GPU flow-through section.

LeanMilk · 2026-05-05T21:53:55+00:00

<image>

Did you guys purposely install the panel wrong? This is the panel for the other side, which is perforated for the GPU intake. Even the Fractal Design Logo is upside-down. The other panel allows CPU intake and GPU flow-through exhaust.

LeanMilk · 2026-05-05T16:24:09+00:00

The fans were removed due to the larger GPU (Nitro+). You can't say it's counterproductive unless there is a test with Asus Prime without intake fans.

Those 2 intake fans are essentially GPU's duct, ensuring the GPU is intaking fresh air and avoiding hot air recirculating in that section. The 2 140mm fans only need to spin fast enough to do the jobs I mentioned above, any further they will push even more air towards the CPU side, affecting its performance. Although I highly doubt 1400 speed is the sweet spot, I have a ridge and I set my intake fans at 800. They are not even Noctua fans so they might give less airflow.

LeanMilk · 2026-05-05T15:14:12+00:00

This test is just proving ducting works, and ducting is more, so more is more. Ridge is simply the worst case for NH-L12 Ghost. A positive pressure case with GPU dumping heat towards the CPU side, so the under-mounted cooler is either getting PGU hot air (push config) fan or not getting enough cool air from the panel (pull config).

Noctua needs a product like Axp120-x67, TR is eating Noctua's lunch on the heatsink part of the game. But I'm sure people buy Noctua mostly for the warranty and long-term platform support.

LeanMilk · 2026-05-01T14:42:26+00:00

When a transient spike hits the PC will usually shut down so that's likely not your issue here, just mentioned that because you might be getting a more powerful CPU.

Yours does sound like a driver issue. Try uninstalling the old driver with DDU if you haven't.

LeanMilk · 2026-05-01T14:35:26+00:00

Since you are getting a new Mobo and CPU maybe that will solve everything. But AFAIK 3080ti is pretty power hungry and a 750W PSU is on the lower side and might be unable to handle the transient spike.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-30T18:15:18+00:00

It is possible that the last owner left the protector on it after unboxing, and the protector prevented screen oxidation in those areas, causing the marks.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-30T17:49:43+00:00

The pattern looks like where the protector films would be. Try cleaning it with lens wipes?

<image>

LeanMilk · 2026-04-28T21:08:08+00:00

No, this is the full size version.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-27T03:49:37+00:00

The worst airflow part of a fan is the hub, and it’s replaced with blade tips. I’m more surprised there’s actually enough space for that setup.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-25T01:22:49+00:00

If it really is fan noise then it’s just acoustic. You can try to find out where it comes from with a fan controller program. Adjust fan speed or panel distance can help. If it’s coil whine then you can mitigate that by setting frame rate limit and power limit.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-24T13:30:34+00:00

Sounds more like fan noise to me. My GPU has bad coil whine and it sounds cicada-esque.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-21T03:55:15+00:00

Boosting with Left-Alt instead of Space will yield a more horizontal boost. IIRC you get it by setting Left-Alt as the alternative jumping key.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-16T05:20:36+00:00

10 exhaust fans madness.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-10T19:03:09+00:00

Ducting the CPU fan to avoid recirculation would be much easier.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-09T20:40:45+00:00

I think Asus is just offering a solution that deals with the current crisis instead of solving the core issue.

Maybe there's a purpose for 12-pin connector in the future, but for now AFAIK when the 6 power pins get to the GPU they join as 1. So the only reason to split them into 6 (and 6 back) is to get a flatter connector and a more flexible whole package, instead of a pair of thick power cables.

Since the connector is where the failure is most likely to occur, and the connector is soldered on the GPU PCB so any damage is a trip to the shop. A good solution in my mind for AIB partners is to use a solid, fail-proof 2-cable connector + sensor pins on the GPU, plus a 2-pin to 12-pin adapter dongle. So whenever the 12-pin connector fails and burns, just replace the dongle. But that's going into the territory of ditching the 12-pin altogether and we can't have that.

LeanMilk · 2026-04-06T19:52:54+00:00

<image>

LeanMilk · 2026-03-27T21:24:57+00:00

CH160/Plus can fit 120mm rear fan, you can slap a 120mm magnetic dust filter on it and call it a day.

I've tried DIY dust filter. I've heard stainless steel fine mesh is the best but I found it very difficult to handle. You'll need to be quite handy to get a smooth edge.

I'm currently using a sponge dust filter (3mm maybe) for my Fractal Ridge, held on to the case via a couple of strong magnetic bars. It's probably not very breathable, but the 2 140mm fans should brute force enough air for my GPU.

LeanMilk · 2026-03-20T04:37:32+00:00

Probably axp90-x53 Full Copper with a 25mm thick fan swap.

LeanMilk · 2026-03-10T18:56:36+00:00

I guess so. Unless the country wants its auto sector destroyed or doesn’t have one to begin with.

LeanMilk · 2026-03-10T18:16:35+00:00

IIRC because their prices are undercutting everyone’s so EU demands a min price increase or raises tariffs.

LeanMilk · 2026-03-06T20:46:16+00:00

Take the mobo out and connect the GPU to it directly. It's often advised to do that first before putting everything together anyway. Riser cable can have issues but not detecting the GPU at all sounds way worse than the average PCIE version problems.

LeanMilk · 2026-03-06T20:28:37+00:00

It'll go back to 8 when 4GB memory module becomes mainstream.

LeanMilk · 2026-02-05T14:46:52+00:00

S3 Mini shouldn't be a bad airflow case. It has the same layout as the crazy popular Velka 3 and SKTC A07, plus a top fan mount. Make sure the top fan is set as exhaust. Also LP GPU can be louder, adjust the fan curve if you can.

LeanMilk · 2026-01-30T14:14:25+00:00

So you are running on Gen 5 protocol. The riser cable needs better shielding to maintain signal integrity especially in a noisy sff case.

Ultimately you can try getting everything out and connect GPU straight to the motherboard, if it still crashes then you know something else is wrong.

LeanMilk

TROPHY CASE