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How to Keep Your Computer Cool

Posted by Zonk on from the summer-is-not-a-friendly-computer-time dept.

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!'"

11 of 216 comments (clear)

  1. Stirling Refrigerators by AKAImBatman · · Score: 4, Informative

    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...

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    1. Re:Stirling Refrigerators by Penguin+Programmer · · Score: 4, Funny

      But, really, all of those fan and water and air-conditioning based cooling options are just really good ways to make your office or computer area really friggin' loud.
      It's not that I want to spend $1500 Canadian on my next computer case, but I'm going to seriously consider it. Just imagine, no fans at all to make my room noisy, and if there's a nuclear attack, I can hide behind it for safety!

  2. Maybe... by Virak · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If you didn't overclock your computer to hell (in more ways than one) you wouldn't need so much cooling.

    1. Re:Maybe... by Fizzog · · Score: 4, Informative

      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.

    2. Re:Maybe... by PakProtector · · Score: 5, Funny

      Amen to GPUs being damn hot. I once made the mistake of doubting the stick-on thermometer I applied to my highly overclocked ATI 9600XT, and I got a nasty, nasty burn for my trouble.

      On the other hand, having the ATI logo branded into your right index finger is a social accomplishment at certain parties.

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  3. How to Keep Your Computer Cool by slapout · · Score: 5, Funny

    Don't run Windows.

    Oh, you meant the other kind of cool. Nevermind.

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    1. Re:How to Keep Your Computer Cool by SnowCrashed · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Interestingly enough, my PC's temperature LCD's have always shown Linux not only to be cooler, but to run cooler then Windows...

  4. really? wow! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    In other news: sky still blue.

    I should blow cool air into my computer and draw hot air out of it? Are you sure? There must be some other way!

    There's 5 minutes I'll never see again.

  5. How to Keep Your Computer Cool? by MasterB(G)ates · · Score: 4, Funny

    Pair of sun glasses, a dark case, a divx rip of Pulp Fiction, Ubuntu and a seemingly infinite supply of of p0rn.

    Now that is cool...

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  6. Re:Better than any number of fans... by AKAImBatman · · Score: 5, Informative

    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.

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  7. The Air must Flow by WillAffleckUW · · Score: 4, Funny

    Air is essential for the Guild navigators to pilot their bitTorrents from one node to another.

    If the Air does not Flow, bitTorrents will be impacted.

    The Air must Flow!

    -

    oh, and besides, those dust bunnies can get quite unruly at times, rabid almost, vorpal in their natures, if you will.

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