CPU / Cooler / Heat / SB51G Question

[milanlad]

I know this might sound a bit of a daft question, but....

If I do use the stock "ICE" cpu cooling fan that comes which the SB51G and I find too noisy, is it easy to change the fan for a different one?

Cheers

[andrewuk]

I know this might sound a bit of a daft question, but....

If I do use the stock "ICE" cpu cooling fan that comes which the SB51G and I find too noisy, is it easy to change the fan for a different one?

Cheers

Yes it is a 2 minute job. The "ICE" fan is just a standard 80mm fan screwed into a shroud. The shroud is held on to the back of the shuttle with 4 thrumb screws. You will need to remove any AGP/PCI cards to get access to the fan power connector to disconnect it from the motherboard (unless you have very tiny hands!)

To remove:

1. Remove AGP/PCi cards
2. Disconnect the fan from the power connector on the motherboard
3. Unscrew the shroud from the shuttle using the thumb screws on the rear of the case
4. Withdraw the shroud assembly
5. Remove the fan by simply unscrewing it
6. Screw a new 80mm fan of your choice into the shroud
7. To quote a haynes manual "Refitting is the reverse of removal"

Don't forget to connect the fan to the header on the motherboard! I did once and nearly toasted the PC

[milanlad]

I've just assembled my first SB51G and I can't believe how noisy the stock CPU fan is, even on Smart mode!! The fan I got with it is made by Sunon.

Which are the quietest fans money can buy?

Also could someone advise me on what are acceptable CPU temperatures?

Cheers

[Timmy!!!]

Ok the best fan to get is the silentX fan, although it is very expensive it really is quiet. I would get the SilentX from Kustompcs.co.uk

Another option is a panaflo fan, these are very quiet and not as expensive as the silentX fans. Get them here.

Basically the fan manufactures you want to look out for are SilentX, Panaflo and...er I cant remember the name lol. Im sure other people will tell you some great fans out there too.

Temperatures: Firstly what are you running? 3ghz p4 i will assume but please state. Temperatures should definately not go above 60 degrees C, but lower than that is better. I would say maximum temps should be about high fourties for idle and low fifties for load.

My p4 3ghz runs at 44 degrees C under load with a very slowly rotating fan. But this is because I have undervolted it so it will be cooler so the fans are quieter. Basically its up to you, but if any instabilities arise, lower the temps!