Best fan configuration with Noctua NH-D14

[shotosan]

I have a new sandy bridge system. My case is an Antec P180B.

Right now I have no case fans accept the Noctua heat sink fans (and PSU fan). The Noctuas seamed really noisy at first (compared to my old Nexus D12SL-12 fans). So I put the ULNA voltage adapters on them and they got quieter.

Ultimately I'm looking for a really quiet machine. I don't do a lot of high intensity stuff on this machine but when I do I would like it to stay cool.

I'm thinking of several fan configurations:
1) Leaving it the way it is now. No case fan but both Noctua fans on low voltage NH-D14.
2) Removing the outside Noctua NH-D14 120MM fan from the heat sink (and leaving 140 MM in the middle of the heat sink).
3) Removing the outside Noctua NH-D14 120MM fan from the heat sink, leaving 140 MM in the middle of the heat sink). Plus adding a Nexus D12 (120mm) mounted to the case but right next to the heat sink.

Any suggestions might be best? Check out the picutres to see what it looks like with just the Noctua.

[billdcat4]

I have a new sandy bridge system. My case is an Antec P180B.

Right now I have no case fans accept the Noctua heat sink fans (and PSU fan). The Noctuas seamed really noisy at first (compared to my old Nexus D12SL-12 fans). So I put the ULNA voltage adapters on them and they got quieter.

Ultimately I'm looking for a really quiet machine. I don't do a lot of high intensity stuff on this machine but when I do I would like it to stay cool.

I'm thinking of several fan configurations:
1) Leaving it the way it is now. No case fan but both Noctua fans on low voltage NH-D14.
2) Removing the outside Noctua NH-D14 120MM fan from the heat sink (and leaving 140 MM in the middle of the heat sink).
3) Removing the outside Noctua NH-D14 120MM fan from the heat sink, leaving 140 MM in the middle of the heat sink). Plus adding a Nexus D12 (120mm) mounted to the case but right next to the heat sink.

Any suggestions might be best? Check out the picutres to see what it looks like with just the Noctua.

I have a similar system. I found the NH-P14 to be too noisy at any RPM setting. I replaced both CPU fans with Nexus RealSilent @ 12v. I have the fan in the center run all the time and the second fan mounted in the front of the heatsink is controlled by a switch.

A single 1000rpm Nexus should be able to cool a Sandy Bridge system sufficiently if there are no other complicating factors.

Specs:
2500K @ 4.8ghz 1.4v
ASUS P8P67 Pro
Noctua NH-D14
Nexus Real Silent
CM ATCS 840

Also, clean up your cables you heathen

[Jeroenlol]

The NH-P14 at 5v is silent unless you put your ear right next to it I can't see how you can say it "wasnt silent enough lol"

[fumino]

The NH-P14 at 5v is silent unless you put your ear right next to it I can't see how you can say it "wasnt silent enough lol"

because the ULNA doesnt drop the noctuas to 5v, iirc that one takes it to 7v or 9v

[ces]

Get a 120mm thermalright air duct and connect it to the 120mm exhaust port. Then test the temps using it as an intake and then as an exhaust.