Temps inside X-Qpack SFF PC

[ajones]

I'm having some thermal issues with the SFF PC in my sig since upgrading the processor from an A64 3500 to a 3800 X2. The temps under load rocket to 60 degrees and the mobo alarm goes off (the threshold can be changed, but is still at the default value)

I've added a few more fans into the system (main fan replaced with a 12cm silent, got one of those PCI slot blowers, 2x 9cm fans crowbarred inside blowing air from front > back, 3x 6cm fans blowing from the side onto the RAM and PWM area, and a fan attachment on the HDD. The majority of these fans are controlled by a Silverstone fan controller in a vain attempt to keep things quiet)

I've rerouted and taped back all the cables to improve airflow, reapplied the main cpu heat sink and have even replaced the perspex windows with aluminium mesh.

I've managed to get the system happy in just about everything I tend to run on it except for Supreme Commander. After 10 mins of play, the temperature goes west and that alarm fires off (if you've not heard the alarm generated by that X-Qpack speaker, it's like having dental work done nasally......)

I've concluded that the baby Zalman (although rated for this processor) just can't hack it inside that small case. I'm looking at the Thermalright Ultima-90, as I might be able to squeeze it in...

Any thoughts or suggestions folks?

[kalniel]

Are the side fans disturbing the airflow from front to back? The X2 3800 should be absolutely fine in this case - heat should just go straight up and out of the case.




Admittedly the above system is on a core 2 duo, but that's not a lot different from the x3800. Default fans, no extras, and includes (not shown) a 6800GT which is hardly the coolest of cards. Never been a problem with temps.

[ajones]

Are the side fans disturbing the airflow from front to back? The X2 3800 should be absolutely fine in this case - heat should just go straight up and out of the case.

Admittedly the above system is on a core 2 duo, but that's not a lot different from the x3800. Default fans, no extras, and includes (not shown) a 6800GT which is hardly the coolest of cards. Never been a problem with temps.

It could very well be airflow, I am convinced that the flow from front > back is better, certainly on the left side with an extra fan exhausting from > back over the chipset.

The area of concern (CPU/RAM/PWM area) may be worse than before, as the main 12cm fan at the back is now a silent one. However, the temperature of the air being exhausted from this fan (using a sophisticated thermometer call the back of the hand) can only ever be described as warm, never hot. That's why I'm thinking that the relatively small Al/Cu heatsink just can't absorb enough heat, and it is being retained in the CPU/HS interface

[kalniel]

*nods*

Have you tried the retail cooler?

[ajones]

*nods*

Have you tried the retail cooler?

Not since I threw it in the bin when I installed the system with the 3500....

[kalniel]

Ok, well I don't think the Ultima 90 will fit, and being a mostly passive cooler I think it won't work well in that case.

I would go for a traditional horizontal aligned cooler as they work better in the airflow of this case (and for keeping surrounding elements cooler.) Any one of these should be OK:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=608226

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=585742

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=353437

[charleski]

and have even replaced the perspex windows with aluminium mesh.

Wouldn't it be better to keep the windows? If your main airflow is front-to-back, then mesh on the side just allows air to escape before it's passed over the heatsinks.

[kalniel]

Wouldn't it be better to keep the windows? If your main airflow is front-to-back, then mesh on the side just allows air to escape before it's passed over the heatsinks.

Could be. In the retail system there are no front fans so mesh sides would help increase air intake prior to rear exhaust, but as he's added fans they may be pushing air out the sides. I think going back to the retail cooling system, possibly with the side mesh, would be the best way of curing this (aside from replacing an apparently rubbish CPU cooler).