YouTuber builds PC side panel out of 15 Noctua fans and names it the 'Superdome'

YouTuber Major Hardware, aka James, has returned with a bold new cooling experiment that takes their previous "Fanjattan Project" to extreme levels. This time, they built a massive PC side panel using 15 Noctua 120 mm fans and christened the creation the "Superdome." The project successfully reduced thermal loads by an impressive 20 °C, proving that this unconventional setup is more than just a gimmick.

From Meme to Masterpiece: The Superdome Build Process

The concept began as a humorous side quest after James realized constructing a single side panel from 15 fans would cost over $500, which he deemed "pretty high for just a bunch of fans for a weird little project." However, the venture took a professional turn when Major Hardware reached out to Noctua, the renowned fan manufacturer. To his surprise, Noctua agreed to send all the necessary fans without asking questions and even provided materials for 3D printing, allowing James to perfectly mimic the brand's signature aesthetic.

Using a 3D model of the Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL side case as a base, James designed a large dome structure intended to house all the Noctua technology. After printing the design, he installed and glued the fans into their custom housing. The cable management phase proved to be a significant hurdle; James described the wiring setup as "a little bit of a disaster," noting that he relied heavily on Y connectors to get everything running. Despite two initial failures, which turned out to be simple unplugged connections rather than hardware defects, the assembly came together successfully.

Thermal Performance and Power Consumption Analysis

Once operational, James was surprised by the acoustic profile of the build. He stated that the mega fan is "Honestly, pretty quiet… It's not loud at all," adding that his desktop computer running on standard fans is louder than the Superdome itself. The power draw reflects the sheer scale of the project: while a single standard A12X25 fan pulls 6.1 watts and the previous Fanhattan Project drew 8.1 watts, the Superdome requires 27.6 watts.

Despite the higher energy cost, the cooling efficiency is undeniable. James admitted that what started as a meme might actually stay on his PC permanently due to the superior thermals. He did note a caveat regarding his specific setup: both top and bottom radiators are configured for exhaust to showcase RGB lighting, which typically causes his rig to run hot during gaming sessions.

The thermal differences were stark in testing scenarios:

  • Without Superdome: Temperatures hovered around 86.3 °C while playing Battlefield 6.
  • With Superdome: Temps dropped significantly to 66.9 °C.

While the build lacks dust shielding, meaning room dust can enter the rig, James argues this is a non-issue given his exhaust configuration allows normal air to passively enter from the back. The trade-off for such significant temperature reductions seems well worth it for users with similar high-heat configurations.

Download the Blueprints and Build Your Own Superdome

Given the impressive results, Major Hardware has made the blueprints for the Superdome available online for download. To replicate this cooling solution, you will need a compatible Lian Li case, access to a 3D printer, and exactly 15 Noctua fans. As James jokingly summarized, building your own massive side panel is "Simple, ey?"