Stock cpu fan and heatsink on AMD Athlon dual-core x64

[Bob Fry]

I have a homebuilt pc with the AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4200+ (AM2
socket), cooled by the stock heatsink and fan that comes with the cpu.

The stock fan has no mobo controlled speed, though the mobo supports
such (Abit NF-M2 nView). Though it doesn't run hot at all, I'd like
to replace just the fan with a speed-controllable one. But I don't
want to replace the heatsink if possible. Being this is my first
homebuilt, I have a basic question: Can I replace only the fan with a
controllable one? If so, what size should I look for, and what power
connector? The stock fan has a 3-pin connector but the mobo supports a
4-pin cpu connector.

Thanks!!

 

[johns]

Use a manual controller on the fan you have.
It is just a big resistor thingy with settings.

johns

 

[Leigh-Anne Mills]

I have a homebuilt pc with the AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4200+ (AM2
socket), cooled by the stock heatsink and fan that comes with the cpu.

The stock fan has no mobo controlled speed, though the mobo supports
such (Abit NF-M2 nView). Though it doesn't run hot at all, I'd like
to replace just the fan with a speed-controllable one. But I don't
want to replace the heatsink if possible. Being this is my first
homebuilt, I have a basic question: Can I replace only the fan with a
controllable one? If so, what size should I look for, and what power
connector? The stock fan has a 3-pin connector but the mobo supports a
4-pin cpu connector.

Thanks!!

I NEVER use stock fans, on my last build i got a Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 for my
Athlon 62 X2 5000+.
http://www.zalman.co.kr/usa/product/view.asp?idx=202&code=005
I can control the fan speed, from out side of case, but never needed to.

LA

 

[Wes Newell]

I have a homebuilt pc with the AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4200+ (AM2
socket), cooled by the stock heatsink and fan that comes with the cpu.

The stock fan has no mobo controlled speed, though the mobo supports
such (Abit NF-M2 nView). Though it doesn't run hot at all, I'd like
to replace just the fan with a speed-controllable one. But I don't
want to replace the heatsink if possible. Being this is my first
homebuilt, I have a basic question: Can I replace only the fan with a
controllable one? If so, what size should I look for, and what power
connector? The stock fan has a 3-pin connector but the mobo supports a
4-pin cpu connector.

The stock fan is just a fan like any other fan. The MB is what supplies
the automatic speed control if it supports it. if you would read your
manual you'd know how to use the MB speed control with the AMD fan or any
other 3 pin fan. From the manual;

In the situation when connecting a 3-pin CPU fan assembly, and you still
want the speed control function to take effect, you must:

I'll let you find and read the rest.

 

[Bob Fry]

WN> In the situation when connecting a 3-pin CPU fan assembly, and
WN> you still want the speed control function to take effect, you
WN> must:

Yes, I've done that, but still would like to have a mobo-controllable
cpu fan [4-pin?], replacing just the fan, retaining the stock
AMD-supplied AM2 socket heatsink. Any hints?

 

[tanstafl]

WN> In the situation when connecting a 3-pin CPU fan assembly, and
WN> you still want the speed control function to take effect, you
WN> must:

Yes, I've done that, but still would like to have a mobo-controllable
cpu fan [4-pin?], replacing just the fan, retaining the stock
AMD-supplied AM2 socket heatsink. Any hints?

You've already done -- What? You apparently did not follow Wes'
genteelly worded advice to consult the manual - he even gave you the
lead-in sentence for orientation. You don't need a new fan - just
knowledge. Allow me to paraphrase Wes: *RTFM*

 

[Bob Fry]

WN> In the situation when connecting a 3-pin CPU fan assembly, and
WN> you still want the speed control function to take effect, you
WN> must:

Yes, I've done that, but still would like to have a
mobo-controllable cpu fan [4-pin?], replacing just the fan,
retaining the stock AMD-supplied AM2 socket heatsink. Any
hints?

tan> You've already done -- What? You apparently did not follow
tan> Wes' genteelly worded advice to consult the manual - he even
tan> gave you the lead-in sentence for orientation. You don't
tan> need a new fan - just knowledge. Allow me to paraphrase Wes:
tan> *RTFM*

I've already read the fine manual, thank you, and per its instructions
connected the stock fan's 3-pin connector to the 4-pin SYS connector
on the mobo and changed the bios to control the SYS fan for the cpu
fan. The mobo's 4-pin SYS connector allows the 3-pin to connect only
the correct way. So, at the moment, the mobo is controlling the cpu
fan.

But I don't want to leave it that way! Please read my original
request: is there a controllable (4-pin) replacement fan for the stock
AM2 socket fan that I don't have to replace the heatsink, just the
fan. I'm not even sure what size fan the stock fan is. I measured the
fan fram itself as 70 mm, but that seems unusual.

 

[Wes Newell]

WN> In the situation when connecting a 3-pin CPU fan assembly, and
WN> you still want the speed control function to take effect, you
WN> must:

Yes, I've done that, but still would like to have a mobo-controllable
cpu fan [4-pin?], replacing just the fan, retaining the stock
AMD-supplied AM2 socket heatsink. Any hints?

Then pick the fan of your choice and install it. I don't see a problem.
Personally, I'd use an 80x25mm fan or larger if I was going to replace the
stock 70mm fan. Other than that, you have a MB controllerable fan now in
the stock fan.

 

[Wes Newell]

WN> In the situation when connecting a 3-pin CPU fan assembly, and
WN> you still want the speed control function to take effect, you
WN> must:

Yes, I've done that, but still would like to have a
mobo-controllable cpu fan [4-pin?], replacing just the fan,
retaining the stock AMD-supplied AM2 socket heatsink. Any
hints?

tan> You've already done -- What? You apparently did not follow
tan> Wes' genteelly worded advice to consult the manual - he even
tan> gave you the lead-in sentence for orientation. You don't
tan> need a new fan - just knowledge. Allow me to paraphrase Wes:
tan> *RTFM*

I've already read the fine manual, thank you, and per its instructions
connected the stock fan's 3-pin connector to the 4-pin SYS connector
on the mobo and changed the bios to control the SYS fan for the cpu
fan. The mobo's 4-pin SYS connector allows the 3-pin to connect only
the correct way. So, at the moment, the mobo is controlling the cpu
fan.

If you have a 3pin fan, you can plug it into the 4 pin header, but you
don't get speed control that way. Now go to page 2-7 and keep looking at
it til you find what I quoted, and then continue to read. You should see
this;

In the situation when connecting a 3-pin CPU fan assembly, and you still
want the speed control function to take effect, you must:

1. Plug the 3-pin CPU fan assembly to "SYSFAN1" fan power connector.

2. In the "PC Health Status" of the BIOS Setup Menu, set the "SYS FanEQ
Reference Temp." from the default "System" to "CPU".

 

[Bob Fry]

WN> Then pick the fan of your choice and install it. I don't see a
WN> problem.

As I said in my original post, being new to homebuilding, I wasn't
sure what fan size would work. When a fan specs say 80mm or 120mm, is
that the diameter of the blades? The fan housing (frame)? or the
distance between the mounting screws?

WN> Personally, I'd use an 80x25mm fan or larger if I
WN> was going to replace the stock 70mm fan.

But will any 80mm fan simply bolt on to the stock heatsink? That's
all I'm trying to find out.

WN Other than that, you
WN> have a MB controllerable fan now in the stock fan.

Yes, but then my case fan loses its control on the MB. Hence the
desire to replace the cpu fan.

 

[Wes Newell]

But will any 80mm fan simply bolt on to the stock heatsink? That's
all I'm trying to find out.

Get a 70->80mm fan adapter. or 70->92 if you want to use a 92mm fan.

http://www.svc.com/fa-7080.html

The problem is going to be finding a PWM fan the size you want.

 

[spodosaurus]

WN> Then pick the fan of your choice and install it. I don't see a
WN> problem.

As I said in my original post, being new to homebuilding, I wasn't
sure what fan size would work. When a fan specs say 80mm or 120mm, is
that the diameter of the blades? The fan housing (frame)? or the
distance between the mounting screws?

WN> Personally, I'd use an 80x25mm fan or larger if I
WN> was going to replace the stock 70mm fan.

But will any 80mm fan simply bolt on to the stock heatsink? That's
all I'm trying to find out.

WN Other than that, you
WN> have a MB controllerable fan now in the stock fan.

Yes, but then my case fan loses its control on the MB. Hence the
desire to replace the cpu fan.

What is the size of the current fan, measured along one side?

How is the current fan attached to the heat sink?

Regards,

Ari

--
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply
Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow transplant. Please
volunteer to be a marrow donor and literally save someone's life:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

 

[Bob Fry]

WN> Personally, I'd use an 80x25mm fan or larger if I was going to
WN> replace the stock 70mm fan. But will any 80mm
sp> What is the size of the current fan, measured along one side?

sp> How is the current fan attached to the heat sink?

In the course of investigating alternative fans I pulled the fan off
the heatsink.

I was surprised at the cheezy way the fan attaches to the heatsink: 4
machine screws which sort of tap themselves in between fins on the
heatsink. Hey, don't waste money on engineering a real attachment
mechanism. Turns out the fan is from AVC, and I think mine is this
one: http://www.avc.com.tw/products/Z7LB00C.htm. My model # is
DE07015B12L. They describe their ID system at
http://www.avc.com.tw/products/IDENTIFICATION.htm

The AMD stock fan is 70mm by the ID system, and 70mm measured on a
side.

 

[spodosaurus]

WN> Personally, I'd use an 80x25mm fan or larger if I was going to
WN> replace the stock 70mm fan. But will any 80mm

sp> What is the size of the current fan, measured along one side?

sp> How is the current fan attached to the heat sink?

In the course of investigating alternative fans I pulled the fan off
the heatsink.

I was surprised at the cheezy way the fan attaches to the heatsink: 4
machine screws which sort of tap themselves in between fins on the
heatsink.

This is standard and allows interoperability with other fans. This is
also what allows you to replace the fan easily.

Be careful you haven't disrupted the thermal pad - if your temps start
climbing you'll need to re-seat the heat sink after cleaning off the
remains of the thermal pad from the heat sink and CPU die. A google
search of this group for keywords regarding that procedure and
author:spodosaurus will get you my methods.

Hey, don't waste money on engineering a real attachment
mechanism. Turns out the fan is from AVC, and I think mine is this
one: http://www.avc.com.tw/products/Z7LB00C.htm. My model # is
DE07015B12L. They describe their ID system at
http://www.avc.com.tw/products/IDENTIFICATION.htm

The AMD stock fan is 70mm by the ID system, and 70mm measured on a
side.

Great. Well, you can either look for a 70mm fan at many online stores,
especially those specialising in cooling and modifications, or you can
also look at these places for a 70-92mm adapter or a 70-80mm adapter.
Make sure the airflow in CFM is equivalent to your current fan. Also
make sure the noise level does not exceed your current fan, if that's an
issue for you. How many case fans do you have presently, out of curiousity?

Regards,

Ari


--
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply
Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow transplant. Please
volunteer to be a marrow donor and literally save someone's life:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

 

[Bob Fry]

sp> Great. Well, you can either look for a 70mm fan at many online
sp> stores, especially those specialising in cooling and
sp> modifications, or you can also look at these places for a
sp> 70-92mm adapter or a 70-80mm adapter. Make sure the airflow in
sp> CFM is equivalent to your current fan. Also make sure the
sp> noise level does not exceed your current fan, if that's an
sp> issue for you. How many case fans do you have presently, out
sp> of curiousity?

Three, all 120mm: back, front, and side; and a top 80mm fan which I
disconnected. Overcooled for my purposes, but I like the case (NZXT
LEXA-NP; http://www.nzxt.com/products/lexa/).

Thanks for the info about the fan. I don't need to replace the cpu
fan, but then I could have bought a more-or-less equivalent built
computer for less money too. It's fun to tinker a bit with these
things.

 

[James]

sp> Great. Well, you can either look for a 70mm fan at many online
sp> stores, especially those specialising in cooling and
sp> modifications, or you can also look at these places for a
sp> 70-92mm adapter or a 70-80mm adapter. Make sure the airflow in
sp> CFM is equivalent to your current fan. Also make sure the
sp> noise level does not exceed your current fan, if that's an
sp> issue for you. How many case fans do you have presently, out
sp> of curiousity?

Three, all 120mm: back, front, and side; and a top 80mm fan which I
disconnected. Overcooled for my purposes, but I like the case (NZXT
LEXA-NP; http://www.nzxt.com/products/lexa/).

Thanks for the info about the fan. I don't need to replace the cpu
fan, but then I could have bought a more-or-less equivalent built
computer for less money too. It's fun to tinker a bit with these
things.

The whole purpose of all these fans is to compensate for the horribly
small and inadequate heat sinks used. The only purpose of the heat sink
is to keep the chip/case/etc. cool enough for the devices to survive.
The lower the temperature the longer they will live. For this reason
moving more air or installing large enough heat sinks to eliminate the
need for the fans would be the solution. Since parts like the hard
drives also can run warm and the power supply itself needs the air
moving through it to survive you really can't get rid of the case fans
but you can install larger ones that move more air. Filtering the
incoming air will also reduce the dust buildup which, in turn, will help
keep the parts cool. The cpu, math chip, etc. can have larger heat
sinks custom made, by you, to fit your particular case that can
eliminate those fans at least. With them gone it no longer matters if
the mobo can control a fan since it will no longer exist. Look at the
construction of the high quality server cases and modify your box to
follow them more closely if you can.

James

 

[Bob Fry]

James> The cpu, math chip, etc. can have larger heat sinks custom
James> made, by you, to fit your particular case that can
James> eliminate those fans at least. With them gone it no longer
James> matters if the mobo can control a fan since it will no
James> longer exist.

Uhhh....sure. I think you're serious with this suggestion, which is
utterly impractical. I'm supposed to custom make a cpu heatsink (BTW,
there is no separate "math chip" in a PC and hasn't been for decades)
of such design that the cpu fan is no longer needed.

Just out of curiosity, have you looked at PC cpus and motherboards
since, say, 1982? I ask because around then I had a dual CP/M / Apple
II computer with both cpus (Z80 and Motorola ??) which was from
Germany and built like a brick ****house. Solid, heavy aluminum and
no fans. Basis I think was the company name.

Since then, cpus have come a long way, consume a lot more power, and
produce a lot more heat. Probably in some very specialized situations
they can be run with no fan, but not for Joe Home PC user.

 

[John]

Sounds like my old Medfly .. and the motorola chip was a 6502

 

[Wes Newell]

Sounds like my old Medfly .. and the motorola chip was a 6502

Motorola didn't make the 6502.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology_6502