PC hardware: How should I cool it?
How should I cool it?
by This_Time - 2/13/09 12:38 PMI recently built a PC, and now I'm having trouble keeping it cool. It idles around 31 degrees celsius with one side off in cool weather. Once I try to do anything, like play Call of Duty 4, It jumps to the upper 40's. It has an intel pentium Dual-core processor, but the Graphics card is an XFX GeForce 8800 GTS with 640 mb onboard RAM, and I've heard they tend to run hot. The case is pretty cheap, smallish with mediocre airflow. I've considered getting a better case, but I'm not sure how much that'd help, and I've looked into liquid cooling systems, but it seems like unless you spend upwards of $150 on one it'll be unreliable. At this point I'm just looking for suggestions.
those temps are fine
by ramarc - 2/13/09 1:34 PM In reply to: How should I cool it? by This_Timeare you having problems such as crashes or spontaneous shutdowns/reboots?
not yet but...
by This_Time - 2/13/09 3:13 PM In reply to: those temps are fine by ramarcI haven't had any problems yet, but I'd like to avoid them in the future. If those temperatures are fine, when does it start to be unsafe?
Alert Temps
by sunwatcher - 2/13/09 6:48 PM In reply to: not yet but... by This_TimeMy system defaults to alert at 70c system temp and 85c cpu temp (as a reference).
well
by This_Time - 2/13/09 6:54 PM In reply to: Alert Temps by sunwatcherWell then I guess I'm fine. Thanks for the help!
Your good on temps
by DComander1 - 2/15/09 3:54 PM In reply to: well by This_TimeMy Pentium Dual Core E2160 L2 revision, used to idle at around 30*C, and jump to around 40 something *C before i OCd it to 3.2 Ghz or 3.4 Ghz, depending if i need more processing power, now it hits anywhere from upper 40s to mid 70s depending on clock speed and load, and my system has been stable for a year already, so your safe on temps.
Looks OK
by Zouch - 2/20/09 8:13 PM In reply to: How should I cool it? by This_TimeAt those temperatures, your processor is just fine - if it starts creeping into the higher 60s, you might want to think about a bit more cooling. If your graphics card is running at 40 degrees under load, that's great but I suspect it is a bit hotter.
Bigger cases tend to run a bit cooler because there aren't as many obstructions in close proximity to disrupt the air flow but it looks like you don't have a problem there. It can also be better to keep the case closed, unless you are blowing cold air into it because the efficiency of the case fan is reduced with the case open. You could consider a more powerful case fan (if you can stand the noise!) but with the temperatures you have, I wouldn't bother.
Need the specification on that CPU.
by Dango517 - 2/20/09 8:19 PM In reply to: How should I cool it? by This_TimeToo Hot
by mwooge - 2/20/09 10:22 PM In reply to: How should I cool it? by This_TimeIf it does get too hot, add another fan to suck air out of the case.
Also might want to install a fan in the case just to blow air around. Don't know if that'd help but I gather some people do it.
Keeping your cool
by mjd420nova - 2/21/09 9:11 AM In reply to: How should I cool it? by This_TimeOne method I've used to keep things cool inside the case without adding additional fans is to route cables out of the way of primary airflow paths. Sometimes even using small pieces of posterboard to route airflow to provide cooling to critical areas. The most important part is to keep all vents and fans clean and unobstructed by dirt and dust. Sometimes just the addition of a small, quiet fan will be enough to boost the cooling and prevent thermal overrun and shutdowns.
Idle temp
by 3rdalbum - 2/22/09 12:41 AM In reply to: How should I cool it? by This_TimeIt's summer down here, and my CPU is idling at 46 degrees (overclocked from 3Ghz to 3.6GHz). Under load, it will reach 60 degrees.
My graphics card gets to 71 degrees when playing Sauerbraten.
If you're still worried or if you want a better case anyway, I'd look at the Antec Nine Hundred. Lots of space and lots of fans pushing air through the case. Pair it up with a modular power supply (so you don't have a bundle of unused cables hanging off the PSU in the way of all the lovely airflow). I've already got a modular power supply, but my next major computer upgrade will deal with the case.
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