My current setup runs a bit too hot for my liking. My Q6600 is at 2.60 GHz and is already idling at 40 C and reaching 60 C under load. My CPU cooler is a Zalman CNPS9700, and it's a fairly decent cooler so I am sure that the problem is with my case. The case is an Antec Sonata II, and it has terrible ventilation. With the stock rear fan installed and one other (there is only one other place to mount one, and it only lowered the MB temp by a degree or so) the temperature drops down by about 5 C when I remove the side panel. I am thinking of getting an Antec Nine Hundred case, because of all of its fans. I don't care how loud it is, if it was as loud as hair dryer I wouldn't care. Is it typical for a mildly overclocked Q6600 to run that hot, and how much would I benefit from a really well ventilated case?
Lower temperature needed
- Thread starter tuco
- Start date
A well ventilated case with good airflow will make a difference... As for the 900, well I can vouch for it in the sence the airflow is great. It has two fans on the front and one on the back.. I bought an extra 120mm for the case and it has the beast fan on top.. If all set to level 1 of 3 its very very quiet but if noise isn't a problem then crank them all up and start the hurricane!
I think the case is the best option. I added another cheap fan in the only spot provided, and the MB temp dropped by about a degree. I am using AS5 grease, as most people do. My heaksink is fine, it does the job well.
EDIT
I am also wondering how much heat my CPU and motherboard can take. I think the CPU can take a maximum sustained temperature of 62.2 C. I have no idea about the motherboard.
EDIT
I am also wondering how much heat my CPU and motherboard can take. I think the CPU can take a maximum sustained temperature of 62.2 C. I have no idea about the motherboard.
As a follow-up, I did get the Nine Hundred case. Ventilation was definitely my problem, as my CPU idle/load temps are now 32/52 C as compared to being 40/60 before. Motherboard idle/load is now 33/35, down from 41/45.
It is a good case, definitely not quiet at the maximum fan speeds, but that does not bother me at all. The only problem with the case is that the location of the PSU at the bottom of the case may create problems related to cables not being long enough, depending on what PSU you have. My PSU (an Antec SMARTPOWER 450) did not have a long enough 12v 4 pin CPU line, so I had to augment it by hand (at the cost of the augmentation donor, a no-name budget 250w PSU).
It is a good case, definitely not quiet at the maximum fan speeds, but that does not bother me at all. The only problem with the case is that the location of the PSU at the bottom of the case may create problems related to cables not being long enough, depending on what PSU you have. My PSU (an Antec SMARTPOWER 450) did not have a long enough 12v 4 pin CPU line, so I had to augment it by hand (at the cost of the augmentation donor, a no-name budget 250w PSU).
made quite a big difference too.
