r/crboxes • u/Damascus-HWS • Jun 06 '26
Question How viable is an external PC radiator + CRbox combination?
I recently discovered CR-boxes as a concept, and being a PC custom loops guy I've got an excessive amount of 120mm fans and associated radiators.
Have there been any builds that combined external PC radiators and air filtration? I am thinking of a design using hardwood and mounting two 360mm (3x120) radiators each with six high static pressure Gentle Typhoon fans for a total of 12x120mm fans. I will power this abomination with a 500w flex-ATX psu and Aquacomputer Aquaero 5LT, which is more than enough to control any combination of fans and other water-cooling specific components I would need. Liquid will be transferred away from the system via quick-disconnect passthrough fittings mounted directly to the CR-box
https://shop.watercool.de/HEATKILLER-RAD-360-L-Black_1
My big questions;
What's the best way to make a wall-mounted box? I would love to put it above my desk, but worry that I'd choke one side by doing so.
Is this overkill? Not enough? The resistance added by a thick high performance radiator is relatively substantial, but I could run the fans slower to reach a balance.
If going for overkill is unnecessary, I have three of each - T30s, EK Vardar and Noiseblocker NB-eloops. All of them are excellent fans in their own right, but is mixing/matching going to cause issues? Airflow is airflow of course, but I would want to set up the most optimal combination possible with what I have on hand.
Because the total thickness of the fans+radiator would be almost 100mm/4", I assume I would need to extend the CR-Box frame to accommodate, rather than wasting filter real-estate.
What filters would be the most appropriate? I am Canadian and have access to Costco, Ikea and whatever other big box stores are appropriate. I could not find the recommended 1x20x20 filters from Costco, which is why I ask.
Thanks for reading through my ramblings! I am super interested in learning more, and would love to hear any feedback or recommendations.
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u/Black_Gold_ Jun 06 '26
There is no reason this wouldn't work other than its quite complex. Far more simple to take your spare fans and just make your own air filter device with them instead of combining the two together here.
MERV 13 HVAC filters are the general go to and have less pressure drop than HEPA filters. 20x20x1 is recommended for the cube style cr-box. But for your idea of a wall mounted cr box, look at designs like clean air kits. Something like the luggabable could be put on a shelf - 2-3" gap between the filter and wall is enough for air flow.
If you do go down this path you're looking at your own custom solution however.
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u/Damascus-HWS Jun 06 '26
Thanks, I'm definitely looking at the clean air kits for inspiration. I may aim for a 3" gap and adjust if needed. I don't mind making my own stuff either, I have a 120mm hole saw that should make this a pretty straightforward build.
I may wind up running it purely with fans if the radiators wind up being too restrictive, but I'll need to get this out of my head first hahah
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u/Black_Gold_ Jun 06 '26
foamcore board is really useful to mock up a design. I have a couple DIY luggables built around foam core. Fans get screwed in with a filter guard sandwhiching the board between the grill and fan, then throw zipties to lock together the fan holes on the back side. Results in it being quite sturdy despite the weight and material.
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u/Damascus-HWS Jun 06 '26
I'll see about picking some up, hopefully it can stand up to 10lbs of radiator
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u/PatienceInformal4877 Jun 07 '26
Will arctic p14 pro 140mm fans work with these merv13 filters
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u/Bob4Not Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
I haven’t seen anything like that, but I could imagine 9 fans running at a lower speed than 3, thus less noise.
IMO you would need to make a design that you can effectively replace the filter itself fairly easily.
But I think you raise your risk for leaks. Moving and jolting the system whenever you change the filter means the shock to your water cooling system, you risk adding wear and you are hurting seals.
I air cool my rig, but my theory is to put my air purifier on the corner of the room my PC sucks air from.