Passive cooling for HTPC

[ccMatrix]

I started my first HTPC project and have it up and running. But I want to make the PC as silent as I can. Since it has an onboard graphics chip it is pretty easy since all fans so far are case and CPU.

My mainboard is an Asus P5Q-VM and the CPU is a Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5200 (2.5Ghz). Since it is an HTPC the system is probably not running in full-load very often (the onboard chip can help with video decoding). The system is also running on default voltage and clockrate (no need to overclock it).

The only big catch I can see is space since this is in an HTPC case. I don't think that a passive tower cooler would fit in. The case is the Zignum Sphere in black which leaves about 65mm maximum height from socket to case wall.

I came across the Asus Triton 75 which seemed like a good choice but I'm not sure if there might be better solutions.

Maybe someone here can give me some hints/tips about this or other passive coolers.

Thanks,

Benjamin

[Rastalovich]

I`ve heard of some people using Scythe mini-ninjas without the fans fitted for htpc solutions. (probably whilst browsing the Quiet PC forums, some specialist htpc people on there)

Ofc, u have to test the system out first - admittedly u dont ~necessarily~ need a htpc to run 4ghz or anything (although... ), but whether or not u need to attach a fan to any cooler will obviously depend on how fast u run the cpu, and in turn what voltage u use for it.

[zzhang]

Silverstone NT06?

[monkey7]

If the cooling is insufficient for passive cooling you could try under volting / clocking your cpu to decrease the heat output. 2gHz dual should still be able to play HD movies.