Cooling for Shuttle SB51G

[just_laze]

Hi,

I upgraded the processor to a 3GHz Pentium 4 and the CPU is at 70°C, too hot for my liking. What options are there for upgrading the cooling? Recommendations welcome.

laze

[MadduckUK]

apart form a temperature that may or may not be accurate, is it actually doing anything wrong?

[peterb]

Withgout knowing the specific processor part number, I can't comment on a safe or otherwise temperature, other than rule of thumb that says if it is working OK, why worry? Many (all?) modern Intel processors start throttloing if high temperatures are encountered to protect the die.

http://www.intel.com/Assets/PDF/datasheet/310308.pdf

is a tyoical data sheet for a Pentium 4 - but if you go to the Intel site and look up your specific processor type, you will be in a better position to decide if you really do need to upgrade the cooling requirement.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Try manually increasing the speed of the ICE fan in the bios. Also try re-applying the thermal compound in a thinner layer too or use something like Zalman thermal grease.

[just_laze]

Hi guys,

I gave the machine's innards a thorough clean this evening (caked in dust) and the temperature has lowered to 50°C - I'm very happy.

Yes, the machine had become unstable and I'm confident the symptoms were caused by too much heat. I too go by the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' philosophy.

Thanks to those who replied.

laze

[andrewuk]

I used to have a 3Ghz P4 in an SB51G. Nice little machine it was too.

I see you have cleaned it out to lower your temps. I was going to suggest this as the radiator grills on the ICE heatsink get really clogged up with dust over time and the temps rocket. Mine used to top out at around 57-59 degrees C running the original Seti@home app at 100% load and idle would be mid to high 30s. It's a very efficient cooler (and still is in the latest Shuttles) but only if it has a good unrestricted air-flow.

That particular setup was always very fussy about thermal paste. It was one of the earlier Shuttles and the quality and flatness of the base of the copper heatsink was sometimes a bit dubious. Later ones are much much better. Should you have further problems I'd recommend reapplying some thermal paste (Arctic Silver 5 is what I've always used). Use Isopropyl Alcohol to clean all the old crap off, or failing that methylated spirit or nail polish remover will do the job as 2nd best solution. It only needs a small amount, half the size of a pea in the centre of the CPU is fine. No need to spread it over the CPU just plonk the ICE heatsink on top and rotate it very slightly on its axis while pressing down and then tighten the screws in a criss-cross pattern. This action will spread the thermal paste into all the gaps it needs to go and hopefully lower your temps by a few degrees, too!