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Biff Hardbody · Aug 30, 2004

Hi Fellahs,

I'm running an Athlon 64 3800+ with stock heatsink and fan. My case is a Lian Li PC-65 (1 rear fan, 1 top fan, 2 HD fans, all 80 mm). All the wires are tied off as best as I could put them so nothing is obstructing airflow. My cpu idles around 46-48, and underload I can get as high as 61 c. My MB idles around 32 and get up to 35-36 under load. From what I have read, that seems a little hot.

I'm wondering how I can improve this. Right now I have two options in mind. The first is to buy a new side panel with 2 80 mm fans.

http://www.frozencpu.com/cgi-bin/frozencpu/cpa-69.html

I could actually get a Vantec tornado for one of the fans as well. The whole thing is expensive though, I'm looking at nearly $100 bucks just for a new side panel and fans.

2nd option is get a new heatsink and fan. This would be cheaper, but I've been told that even if I have the best heatsink in the world and my case airflow is no good then it won't help much. I've spoken to other Lian Li PC-65 owners, and they tell me the same. This model Lian Li has bad airflow.

So, any advice? Am I overreacting, or are the temps acceptable? If not, should I go with the side panel and fans or the heatsink?

Your help is appreciated. Thank you.

Slo · Aug 30, 2004

Get a new heatsink and fan first. If you get a good one, it should put you atleast down into the low 50s under load even if you have bad ventilation in your case.

Error Macro · Aug 30, 2004

This might sound kind of obvious, or maybe not (maybe off the wall?), but the single greatest thing I ever did to lower my case temperature, was to lower the temperature of the air in my room. I installed a window air conditioner (GE 8,000 BTU) and it dropped my case/cpu temperatures 10 degrees on warm days.

element · Aug 30, 2004

get a zalman CNPS7000B-Cu

it will cool it down and probably make you PC more quiet too.

DaCocoBrova · Aug 30, 2004

Air flow is more important than fan brand/type. That said, bundle cables. Tie them together. Also, make sure your PSU has 2 fans (one on the bottom) as that can make a guge difference.

Diablos · Aug 30, 2004

Golden rule #1 of proper CPU cooling: Do not, under any circumstances, use the stock heatsink/fan. Use AS5 if you're brave or Ceramique if you're not (I'd use Ceramique).

As element said, Zalman makes GREAT heatsinks. Very quiet and cools extremely well. They look like a pain in the ass to install, which is why I didn't order one for my 2400+, but I probably should have

DaCocoBrova · Aug 30, 2004

AS5 isn't applied like the other compounds. You need far less of it since it's thick as fuck.

Read the instructions

Diablos · Aug 30, 2004

I know, but there's something about the fact that it is conductive that I simply don't like.

How do you apply thermal paste to a heatsink for 939 CPU's anyway? And install the heatsink? What about the CPU?

Biff Hardbody · Aug 31, 2004

Thanks for the responses fella's.

This might sound kind of obvious, or maybe not (maybe off the wall?), but the single greatest thing I ever did to lower my case temperature, was to lower the temperature of the air in my room. I installed a window air conditioner (GE 8,000 BTU) and it dropped my case/cpu temperatures 10 degrees on warm days.

Done and done, chief. Thanks though.

get a zalman CNPS7000B-Cu

This heatsink/fan does not fit the 939 socket.

Air flow is more important than fan brand/type. That said, bundle cables. Tie them together. Also, make sure your PSU has 2 fans (one on the bottom) as that can make a guge difference.

I've already tied off my cables. My psu (NeoPower 480) has only 1 fan, but its huge and actually cools the system 3-4 degrees better then my 2 fan psu did.

Golden rule #1 of proper CPU cooling: Do not, under any circumstances, use the stock heatsink/fan. Use AS5 if you're brave or Ceramique if you're not (I'd use Ceramique).

Although I am using the stock heatsink and fan, I did take off the preinstalled thermal compound and install artic solver 5. It made no change.

How do you apply thermal paste to a heatsink for 939 CPU's anyway? And install the heatsink? What about the CPU?

The installation of the 939 cpu and heatsink was one of the easiest things to do. The cpu drops in like any other cpu does, and the heatsink is a snap to put on. You don't need to push it down with any screw diver, it has a lever that switches and pushes the latch down into position.

Installing the compound is easy. Just spread a little on the middle of the cpu and use a card to spread it over very in a very thin sheet.

Get a new heatsink and fan first. If you get a good one, it should put you atleast down into the low 50s under load even if you have bad ventilation in your case.

Really? That sounds doable. I have heard that ventilation is key, but I do have a feeling the new heatsink will help me.

Thanks again, fellahs.

Diablos · Aug 31, 2004

Even if you are using AS5 with the stock hs/f, it will still run too hot. Stock fans suck.

The installation of the 939 cpu and heatsink was one of the easiest things to do. The cpu drops in like any other cpu does, and the heatsink is a snap to put on. You don't need to push it down with any screw diver, it has a lever that switches and pushes the latch down into position.

Thank god. I'm shocked that AMD decided to use the clip for Socket A...

SKluck · Aug 31, 2004

AMD says you are fine up to 85C, and you don't get that high unless the fan stops.

50-60 is dead on for stock fans, which are fine. No need for these paranoid geeks and their turbocoolers.

cvkpaladin · Aug 31, 2004

I use the Thermalright SLK-948u HS + a ThermalTake 80mm fan. Its great. Highly recommended.

element · Aug 31, 2004

This heatsink/fan does not fit the 939 socket.

yeah it does. check out zalmanusa.com lists 939 for all of their heatsink/fans

Fixed2BeBroken · Aug 31, 2004

copper heatsink, as5, better fan.

problem solved.

peace

rastex · Aug 31, 2004

Stupid question but uh.. how do you guys bundle your cables? With those plastic zip things?

cvkpaladin · Aug 31, 2004

I actually use electric tape. Don't know if thats a good thing or not. But, there hasn't been a problem yet though.

The Shadow · Aug 31, 2004

I used to wrap the power cables with electrical tape too. I fold the IDE cables to the side of the case so they're completely out of the way.

Biff Hardbody · Aug 31, 2004

AMD says you are fine up to 85C, and you don't get that high unless the fan stops.

50-60 is dead on for stock fans, which are fine. No need for these paranoid geeks and their turbocoolers.

Really? I thought the threshold was 70C and they recommended you keep it 60 under that because of the improper readings temp monitors give out. Thank you for telling me this! Where did you read this?

I use the Thermalright SLK-948u HS + a ThermalTake 80mm fan. Its great. Highly recommended.

Thank you very much. I will check it out on Newegg in a second, I appreciate it.

yeah it does. check out zalmanusa.com lists 939 for all of their heatsink/fans

I stand corrected. Thank you for informing me. I looked at the installation vid, and I noticed the difference between it and the regular switch heatsinks that are so easy to install. While it looks excellent, I'm a bit hesitant to tackle it becuse I am unfamilair with the installation...I'll take another look or two at it. Thanks.

Stupid question but uh.. how do you guys bundle your cables? With those plastic zip things?

Yes, exactly. You can get them at a hardware store.

rc213 · Aug 31, 2004

Get the Thermaltake Silent Boost K8 great performance and very quiet. I also replaced all my case fans with these CoolerMaster "Neon LED" Purple 80mm Case fan, Model "TLF-R82-EP", dropped my case temp about 6-8 degrees. 32CFM @ 25db

Vormund · Aug 31, 2004

I have an A64 3000+ and the most my CPU has hit is 40C

idle it's about 28-30C

and it's stock HSF so there.

SKluck · Aug 31, 2004

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/white_papers_and_tech_docs/23794.pdf

The Shadow · Aug 31, 2004

Would these reduce the sound my current PC makes? Right now I have 4 el'cheapo 80mm fans and my PC is pretty loud in general. I'm thinking if I replace the 4 cheap ones and add one more for a total of 5 case fans, it'd be quieter.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-999-004&depa=1

Drexon · Aug 31, 2004

When/if I can afford this, I'll get it.

http://www.hexus.net/content/reviews/review.php?dXJsX3Jldmlld19JRD03ODEmdXJsX3BhZ2U9Mg==

shuri · Aug 31, 2004

My 3500+ is at around 44c idle. Reaches 50-55 when running a game

Biff Hardbody · Aug 31, 2004

Get the Thermaltake Silent Boost K8 great performance and very quiet. I also replaced all my case fans with these CoolerMaster "Neon LED" Purple 80mm Case fan, Model "TLF-R82-EP", dropped my case temp about 6-8 degrees. 32CFM @ 25db

I've heard good things about this heatsink. Thank you. It looks very similar to the stock one, except with copper.

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/white_papers_and_tech_docs/23794.pdf

Thanks man.

My 3500+ is at around 44c idle. Reaches 50-55 when running a game

Thanks. Not many people have a 3800 and those who do have insane cooling setups...so its hard for me gauge where my temp should be by looking at their setups.

Poody · Aug 31, 2004

anyone heard of alpha heatsinks? I think there only made in japan but you can get them off ebay.

Nos_G · Aug 31, 2004

I vouch for the Zalman!! It's on an A64 3200+ in that picture and was easy as pie to install.

Along with Artic Silver 5, it brought down my cpu/sys temp by almost 6 degrees in comparison to the stock HSF.

This cooler is compatible with socket 754/939/940... so says the packaging.

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