PC Cooling + Airflow

[lockstock2sb]

A question for you overclockers and cooling fiends i think !!

I've just ordered a few bits off the internet to transfer my compaq D310 system into a bigger case (with a view of replacing it all for a cusom system) I'm aiming to quieten down the system along with cooling it more efficiently. I've got 3 80mm fans and 1 x 120mm fan coming for the case. I've also got a digital fan controller with 3 temp probes for case, cpu and disk/Gpu...hence my question:

I'm not too sure what is an average case temp would be for a standard system, and what would be a nice low temp for a machine that will be used with some CPU intensive processes - i.e BF2 and GTR.

Supposedly at the minute my case on average is 49 degrees and the cpu is 41 or so when under full load (BF2). The case is warm to the touch, and the one and only exhaust fan sits on full whack making a racket which ruining my gaming and i suspect thats pretty bad. I'm not 100% on the readings to be honest though - i used some software that sits on my tool bar. I trust proper probes personally.

Once i have shifted all the kit into the new case and whacked some nice efficient fans in what sort of temp should i be heading for ??

Has anyone got any website that have some writeups on users cooling solutions etc - be interested to read what other people have done in their quest for a fridge like PC.

Cheers

Steve

>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Monday 31st October 15:50

>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Monday 31st October 15:51

[pdV6]

You don't say what you're currently running, as an "average" temperature will really depend on your kit.

Having said that, 49/41°C is nice and low for just about anything, so I wouldn't worry too much.

[Plotloss]

I wouldnt worry about it to be honest, seems perfectly normal.

Watercooling could be the way to go though...

Ultimasimon is your man though, he builds some extreme gaming rigs and is very well placed to address the heat issues.

I dont for one minute think that a 49c case temp is 'abnormal'

[Neezer]

That is a very low CPU temp when under load! Normally dont need to worry too much untill it hits about 70c.

Case temp should be looking at mid-late forties, which isnt a problem either. This should decrese nicely with your newer fans, but remember to keep your cables nice and tidy inside the case or the may obstruct airflow a bit, which isnt really a problem unless you are obsessed about temperatures..

Before you try and overclock your computer its worth downloading a program called 'Prime 95' its free and you can run a 'stress test' on your system, which like the name implies will run your memory and cpu to their maximum capability for a prolonged period. See if any errors have occured after an hour or so. Check the temps just after as well. If you don't have any errors then you are lucky and have a very stable system, and a good basis for overclocking, if not then overclocking could become a problem....

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

49C case temp? Too high I'd say. Chances are the hard drives are in the high 50's/ low 60's which they're not going to like for too long (been there, cooked that).

I'd be aiming for 50's for the CPU (obviously better if you can go lower) and 40's for motherboard/case. Got a watercooling kit here and they do work well...for CPU and graphics. You still need a exhaust for the case but it can be a lot lower CFM as the CPU isn't heating at all. Water is quiet too.

To be honest the best way is to go totally passive cooling. I've got a Hush E3 from here www.hushtechnologies.net/ AMD64 3200 2GB RAM X800 graphics. Changed the HD out for a really quiet drive and it's all but silent. The fridge (which is quiet and 2 rooms away) is louder.

Not cheap however....

[lockstock2sb]

Cheers for the responses guys. Sounds like my compaq system isnt that bad on the whole. Its pretty hot though when you feel the exhaust flow - thats why i dont trust the temps i gave you. My video card has been clocked to a safe level using ATi's own software, and i havent clocked the board, but i would like to do that but i suspect the bios doesnt support that level of control...i'll wait until i get my Asus SLI board.

I was thinking about placement of fans also - now i'm thinking more is better ? More airflow/disturbance in the case, being directed in a pattern perhaps?

I was thinking 2 in and 2 or 3 out ? Must be better to get rid of the hot air rather than suck cold air and and dilute the hot air and have a bottleneck? Was also thinking about a small piece of pipe hanging out the window (desk is under window)as an addtional intake ? Or is that a bit crazy ?

Cheers !

>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Monday 31st October 16:48

[HarryW]

So our exisiting P4 running around at 65C is not good then , I thought P4's run very warm though, any comments please before it melts .

H

[chriswright]

Athlon 2400+ & radeon 9600pro
CPU runs at about 45C, case is at about 30.

[pdV6]

chriswright said:

Athlon 2400+ & radeon 9600pro CPU runs at about 45C, case is at about 30.

Running similar kit and temperatures at the moment (CPU 42°C, Case 27°C - fwiw the room ambient is at 15°)

Regarding placement of case fans, best bet is to draw air from the coolest location (usually the front of the case) and place the fans such that the airflow passes the hottest bits on its way out the other side. Common sense, really.

Also, don't underestimate the effect that tidying up your internal cables can have - those old flat IDE ribbon cables can play merry hell with your airflow.