CPU Cooling

[EdwardATeller]

I am doing some experiments on cooling my CPU. History and specs can
be found here:

http://groups.google.com/group/alt....7c0b723ad430?hl=en&lnk=st&q=#9ec27c0b723ad430

I replaced the Zalman cooler with the stock Intel cooler, and now my
chip idles at 43, and plays HD video at 51. I also used some less
viscous thermal compound since I ran out of the compound that came
with the Zalman cooler. The stock cooler is MUCH easier to install,
so I thought I'd try it out. It is also noisier, but this is a server
in the basement, so that doesn't matter that much.

Is running a P4 Prescott 3.0 Ghz at 51 doing any damage? If not, I'd
just as soon keep using the stock cooler. Thanks

 

[EdwardATeller]

No, 51C is fine. Just make sure that the system is still
cool enough with an extended full load, even if you don't
cause a full load with regular use something like a stuck
app or OS problem can cause it and you won't want that to
fry anything.

Run Orthos for an hour and note the max temp, if it is above
roughly 65C you should take whatever measures are needed to
lower that. Sometimes a heatsink or 'sink fan change is not
needed, rather the temp is due to poor case cooling and
improving that can keep other parts cooler as well as CPU.

Thanks for the tip. I've removed the cover from the computer, so
there is plenty of air flow. As much as I'd love to play with this
further, I think I'll move on to other projects for now. Happy never
to install that PITA Zalman heat sink again.

 

[hannes]

Thanks for the tip. I've removed the cover from the computer, so
there is plenty of air flow. As much as I'd love to play with this

You should take care, because like that, dust easely enters the system.
If you put the cover back on and install some casefans (WITH DUST
FILTER!), I'ts better and also, the cooling wil remain good. If there
enters dust in the cooling, i'ts possible this breaks down and that is
not good for your system.

 

[larry moe 'n curly]

Is running a P4 Prescott 3.0 Ghz at 51 doing any damage? If not, I'd
just as soon keep using the stock cooler. Thanks

51C is doing no damage at all to the CPU because it has built-in
thermal protection that will automatically slow it down a lot if it
overheats. The biggest heat risks are the hard drives and the
electrolytic capacitors. The HDs can be protected with a fan or by
mounting them vertically, but the only solution to vulnerable
capacitors is replacement with high-quality capacitors.

 

[John McCallum]

If you realy wish to have the computer to run cooler using a small fridge
modified to hold the case or modfide into a case may help because if the
surounding air is 4 degrees C the whole system will stay cooler.

 

[jaster]

In a closed case this would be true of a small frige, but one could
instead have intake air flowing through the evaporator coil to at least
make it cooler than room ambient.

Such a long way to got when you could buy a portable air conditioning
unit just for the room with the computer. Run the portable keeping room
temp round 68F.