H/S and fan question...

[ribbitski]

I just pulled the H/S and fan off of my proc (a 1Ghz T-bird with the stock H/S). What I saw scared the life out of me. The thermal pad (I know that I shouldn't have used it ) was half on and half off of the core. I knew that the proc was running hot, but I thought that it was just due to the crappy thermal pad. I am very lucky that I didn't burn it up. My temps went down 14 degrees Celsius with some Radio Shack thermal compound applied correctly (from 64 to 50 degrees Celsius under load).

My question is this: How much lower can I reasonably expect my temperatures to get using a better heat sink/fan combination? I am thinking of buying an SK6 with a 38cfm Delta fan.

Just wanting some feedback! (Yes, you may call me all of the names in the book for using the thermal pad in the first place...)

Ribb

[Brangwen]

rabbitski:

First, don't be too hard on yourself about utilizing a thermal pad. Frankly, they ain't all bad, meaning some are great, some are not.

Example: I built computers using 1.2 Ghz, 1.3 Ghz and [presently] a 1.4 Ghz TBirds. I even ran the 1.3 and 1.4 Ghz CPUs at 1.54 Ghz. The HSF assembly was/is Taisol with a copper insert and a pinkish color thermal pad, which I used. My fan is only a 27 CFM Sunon (very quiet). I never exceed[ed] 45C under full load. I generally cruise along at 31C (right now) to 34C.

The Taisol is distinguishable by its triple clasp connections to the Socket A protrusions on the motherboard. I think the model number is CGK760[xxxxxxx], and it sells for about $30-35 USD. I buy one for every new build. I'm preparing for a new build with an XP 1900+ this weekend (components due Thursday). My Taisol source dried up till February, so I picked up a SK6 as it seemed adequate, though not my first choice.

Other HS come with thermal pads that are not of the same quality as those that accompany the aforementioned Taisol. In fact, I scraped the pad off one Taisol, applied Artic Silver II and it ran hotter than with the thermal pad! I also noticed that if going the thermal pad route (and these thermal pads are actually distinguished by brand and model), one should apply a HSF assembly with a new thermal pad. The pad reacts with the heat and burns in very nicely. Once I had taken the HSF assembly off one board and set in on a different CPU on a different board and it did not perform nearly as well.

Finally understand, my case has outstanding ventilation: it's a full size tower with 4 x 120mm and 2 x 80 mm Panaflo Whisper fans. Incredible intake of cool and exhaust of hot air. Likely makes a huge difference.

So, my answer to your question as to whether you can achieve better temps is "yes, if you have good case ventilation."

Good luck.

Brangwen

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

you should notice a temp drop of at least 8-9 degrees, at least. I'ld suggest removing the 38cfm and replacing it with a thermaltake 31CFM, you get 2degrees warmer, but the quiet is so nice compared to the screamers. I'm running an XP at 1.55Ghz full load is 41c, with a thermaltake Volcano 6cu. (4550rpm 31CFM) nice and quiet, nice temp. you can expect a temp very close to this. put on the screamer and probably 39c full load.

your choice, just suggestion, I hate wearing earplugs at my desk.

[Rhino]

If you don't have any case cooling, and yours supports it, you may want to experiment with that first, as its cheaper. Throw an 80 mm in the back. I even saw a cpu temp reduction in my old Slot A with one of those card coolers once.

[ribbitski]

I have 2 60mm fans in the rear of my case, an 80mm in the front, and I cut a blowhole for an 80mm fan that sits right over my proc. (I cut the blowhole when I first noticed the temps were kind of high...it dropped temps about 3 degrees.) So I know that case cooling isn't my problem. I really hope that a new cpu cooler will be bring my temps down to a more reasonable range.

Ribb

[r0l0e]

So, my answer to your question as to whether you can achieve better temps is "yes, if you have good case ventilation."

Brangwen was correct in pointing out the importance of good case ventilation.

There are also a handful of variables like:

- Are you overclocking or not? The hotter the core gets the more creative you have to be to keep the core as cool as you can.

- The kind of thermal paste you use. Usually, the cheaper pastes/compounds will harden after a few months or so. I usually recommend a silicon based compound when overclocking comes to mind.

- check around for reviews on a particular HSF combo that’s in you budget. It also helps to go to other forums a ask questions. Keep in mind that there setup isn’t like yours, but you’ll get an overall perspective on which does and doesn’t do a good job in cooling.

Here’s a link that might help you. also keep in mind that there is a crap load of sites that can help.

Heat Sink Database

[Brangwen]

rabbitski:

One point I forgot to include: my experience is that every CPU has its own peculiarities. I helped a neighor build his 1Ghz TBird and it ran hot, though not as hot as your CPU was / is running.

r0l0e raises good points. I'm going to bookmark that link myself.

My final statement [for now ] is 1 Ghz TBird CPUs seem to run hot... Others may wish to comment on this observation.

Also, what are you using for a vidcard? I have used a card (AGP Creative GeForce GTS 32DDR) that insisted in utilizing lots of CPU and my CPU consequently ran hot... Just a phenom worth sharing, IMO! Since I switched to a Matrox G450, system at full graphics load runs 10C cooler!


Brangwen

[ribbitski]

Well, I am using a Voodoo3 video card (I hear the voice in my head telling me to upgrade, but my employer [uncle sam] doesn't see fit to give me the money!!!). I am not sure how much this card uses the cpu, but I am usually running UD if I am not playing games, so processor usage is usually at 100% anyway.

r010e, thanks for the website! Great information.

Well, I think that I will just play around with it some and see what comes of it. If, as Brangwen suggests, 1Ghz T-birds run a little hot, then I will just have to go out and get a faster processor instead of overclocking. (I am not overclocking as of yet, but that is the reason that I am so obsessed about the temp.)

Thanks for the info, everyone!

Ribb