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How to Keep Your Computer Cool
ThinSkin writes "ExtremeTech is featuring a how-to article on keeping your computer cool by adopting an efficient airflow strategy for your PC case. The article goes into detail on what types of fans are optimal for your computer and your needs, where you should place them, and how to make your own fan mounts. From the article: 'With an efficient cooling strategy, there's no reason a case should ever grow so warm. Good airflow is critical to keeping your PC operating and extending the life of the components. Keep the air flowing!'"
And for the serious overclockers, we have low powered cryogenics coming down the pipeline. It turns out that Intel is considering the possibility of using Pulse Tube Coolers for the next generation of thermal management. (Hey Intel, you think that over 100 watts might be just a *smidge* much for a processor?)
:-)
While there's something to be said for this step being rather extreme, it might lead to the development of cryogenic computers. These futuristic processors could utilize super-conducting transistors and wires to improve performance and eliminate waste heat.
Kind of a weird thought, but there you have it.
Personally, I'd like to see Stirling or Pulse Tube Coolers replacing existing phase-change air conditioners. In the name of "energy efficiency", you can't buy a decent apartment AC and are forced to deal with putting one in every room. Stirling engines could provide better cooling for less energy! Now if we could just get the buggers mass produced to bring down the cost...
Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
I just built a new PC with an Athlon64 3700+, an XFX 6800gt, and a 74gig Raptor. These things would tend to add up to a few degrees.
But I put it into a cheap ($50) Cooler Master Centurion case with an 80mm front fan and a 120mm rear fan.
CPU runs at 29c idle, 36c max
Case runs at 33c idle, 39c max
GPU runs at 60c idle, 65c max (those buggers run hot!)
The point is that you don't need anything particularly fancy to keep a decent spec system cool. Just do a little homework. The Cooler Master case was excellent value.
Just leave the case open.
That may not be as good of an idea as you think. Cases todays are designed like wind-tunnels with the air moving from the front to the back. As the air passes over areas, it draws away the heat and is exhausted out the back.
When the case is off the PC, the wind tunnel effect is lost and most of the air is left standing. As a result, your ability to cool your system is actually reduced. This can lead to overheating and ultimately, failure.
If you value your computer, you'll get a nice large case with properly installed fans.
Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
That is near the danger level. Typical for a desktop system is 25-35C at idle, going up to 50-55C during peak use. Most thermal cutoffs (extreme downclocking, automatic shutdown) activate at or near 75C. I would be worried, with your system, that hot days and heavy use would cause lockups or the aforementioned throttling. Even if that doesn't happen, consistent operation at those temperatures is going to markedly reduce the life expectancy of your hardware.