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General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Denholm on October 24, 2008, 07:43:48 AM

Title: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Denholm on October 24, 2008, 07:43:48 AM
Hello there,

Recently I helped establish an estimate for a new gaming rig for a friend of mine. The last thing I forgot to include (or didn't forget) was the fan (or is it thermaltake?) for the processor.

So, I have two questions. The first one being if when you buy the processor, are heat fans / thermaltakes included? The second question is that if one isn't, what would you recommend to fit one of the following two processors?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116052

Thanks guys, I know I can count on a solid reply. :)
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: BaldEagl on October 24, 2008, 08:17:45 AM
Yes they are included and generally work fine although I use an Arctic Freezer 7 Pro and it dropped my CPU temps 10-15 degrees C over the stock unit.

Zalman also seems to make poular CPU coolers and a lot of people swear by them but I've never tried one.

I would suggest assembling the stock unit, then download a temp monitering program like RealTemp.  After that, download Prime95 or Orthos and run the small FFT test for ~15 minutes.  It will put 100% load on both cores of the CPU.  If the core temps exceed 60-65C then try to re-seat the fan/heatsink.  If you can't get temps into this range, then consider an aftermarket cooler.

[EDIT]  Note:  The Prime95/Orthos test should be run with Intel Speedstep and C1E Halt State (and one other throttler that's escaping me... they are all together in the BIOS) disabled in the BIOS as they throttle back the FSB and finally the CPU voltage to avoid overheating the CPU cores.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Bino on October 24, 2008, 08:34:39 AM
Personally, whenever possible, I select after-market copper heat sinks over aluminum.  Copper is much better at conducting heat.  Here are the numbers, according to the ChemiCool (http://www.chemicool.com/) web site:

     copper
     thermal conductivity:  401 J/m-sec-deg

     aluminum
     thermal conductivity:  237 J/m-sec-deg

Silver has only a slight edge, at 429 J/m-sec-deg, and polishing heat sinks is *such* a chore!   ;)
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on October 24, 2008, 08:49:04 AM
Currently all core2duo processors that come with stock coolers run perfectly using it even when overclocked.

So unless your friend is planning to push the CPU past 4 ghz then he'll be perfectly fine using the stock cooler that comes with boxed processors.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Denholm on October 24, 2008, 10:58:00 AM
That's all the information I need. So, either of those choices come with a heatsink / fan, or only one? No, my friend will not be overclocking it. Thanks for the info so far.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Fulmar on October 24, 2008, 11:02:51 AM
The Stock HSF work just fine.  I used mine for a year before I bought an Arctic Freezer 7 when I decided to OC.  With the exception of the push pin design, the Freezer 7 is probably the best bang for the buck in aftermarket HSF's.  I often read on Newegg reviews on CPU's that people say "Con: the stock HSF is junk...blah" which couldn't be father from the truth.  They probably never even used one and all their CS buddies say Zalman or bust.

The only way you're not gonna get a heatsink is if you get the CPU that is an OEM.  Generally if its not retail and is OEM, you just get the chip.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Denholm on October 24, 2008, 11:12:39 AM
Alright, thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: BEARING3 on October 24, 2008, 11:39:09 AM
Denholm: no intention to slam you at all. When the computer gets HOT, it's an internal malfunction. I initionally had severe problems with my Compaq laptop. The thing was on fire. After countless attemps to restore, I was ready to throw it in the trash. It finally came around to work it's purpose. You know as well as I do that programs will clash. Espescially the newer computers sold on the market today with Vista built in. Even Skuzzy has problems with the OS. Have a Happy Holloween. See you later buddy BEARING3 out.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Denholm on October 24, 2008, 11:46:04 AM
Thanks for the notice, that's why I was asking the question in this thread, to ensure that particular event doesn't occur. Thanks again for your concern.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: BEARING3 on October 24, 2008, 01:50:28 PM
You are more than welcome Sir Denholm. I know you know alot about computers. IT professionalls like you and skuzzy make it happen. Complexity of any program makes difficult for the so-called NOOB. The game is built on a fantasy land, and Hitech creations does that.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Getback on October 24, 2008, 02:06:11 PM
I use a Zalman on my gaming rig and the stock intel cooler on my all purpose machine. No issues either way.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Bino on October 24, 2008, 05:45:24 PM
My old socket 478 "Prescott" 3.2 has been running rock-steady at 3.7 GHz for a couple of years now, and the copper Zalman with the 120mm fan (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118115) keeps it at ~45 C. at idle and ~60 C. under load.

YMMV
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: drdeathx on October 24, 2008, 06:16:07 PM
That cpu runs at 65w should which should run at nice cool temps. Build it and find what temps you run at/If you want to run cooler, then add on  better cooler.Its easy to instal. Wanna have fun go liquid cooled!!!! I went with thermaltake 760i. I run 29 deg idle and 34 deg full load.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: drdeathx on October 24, 2008, 06:23:15 PM
Bino those temps are on the hot side. That is a little warm for a cpu under load.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Denholm on October 24, 2008, 06:47:49 PM
Never mind. (Hey Skuzzy, how about a, "delete this post" feature? ;) )
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: BaldEagl on October 24, 2008, 06:52:07 PM
Bino those temps are on the hot side. That is a little warm for a cpu under load.

60C under full load's not bad.  The chips are rated well above that.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: BEARING3 on October 24, 2008, 08:22:40 PM
LOL  Denholm. your topic will continue. Skuzzy won't delete. When I think back on the computers I have built, and mother board rejects the fan, all I can think is good luck sir. I subcommed to the fact that everything is made in china. There are no two parts alike, and even microsoft will admit that they have no clue. By the way, Skuzzy does not get along with the people at microsoft.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Fulmar on October 24, 2008, 09:29:06 PM
Bino those temps are on the hot side. That is a little warm for a cpu under load.
It's a PresHOTT, not a Allendale/Conroe or something newer.  Those are actually really good for a OC'd Prescot.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Masherbrum on October 24, 2008, 09:43:13 PM
I have an ASUS Silent Knight II and an E8400.    I'm glad I didn't get a Zalman.   

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c62/Masherbrum/PC005.jpg)
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: drdeathx on October 25, 2008, 12:00:57 AM
Athough chips are rated above 60 deg still a bit warm. Imagine 15 deg cooler. It wouldn't hurt cpu to run cooler.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Getback on October 25, 2008, 08:13:42 AM
I have an ASUS Silent Knight II and an E8400.    I'm glad I didn't get a Zalman.   

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c62/Masherbrum/PC005.jpg)

Wow that is a clean case! I've got to do better.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on October 25, 2008, 09:02:50 AM
I have a 40cm case fan in my case:

(http://www.jimmspc-store.fi/images/cache/7/Jimms_EN52351.FFFFFF.200x200.jpg)

 :aok
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Skuzzy on October 25, 2008, 09:17:20 AM
LOL  Denholm. your topic will continue. Skuzzy won't delete. When I think back on the computers I have built, and mother board rejects the fan, all I can think is good luck sir. I subcommed to the fact that everything is made in china. There are no two parts alike, and even microsoft will admit that they have no clue. By the way, Skuzzy does not get along with the people at microsoft.
Really?  I have many good friends at Microsoft who I have worked with over the years.  There have been more than a few occasions I spent time with Bill Gates as well.  I do not call him a friend though.  Just a business acquaintance.

I would suggest stop making commentary about me or who my friends might or might not be, as you really have no idea what you would be talking about and it is not germane to this topic.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Masherbrum on October 25, 2008, 10:12:05 AM
Really?  I have many good friends at Microsoft who I have worked with over the years.  There have been more than a few occasions I spent time with Bill Gates as well.  I do not call him a friend though.  Just a business acquaintance.

I would suggest stop making commentary about me or who my friends might or might not be, as you really have no idea what you would be talking about and it is not germane to this topic.

I agree with this 100%.   But, I still thank you for our talks when I was buying everything for my current PC.   I regret NOT doing the same in 2006.   I hope I can make the next Con and meet you Roy.   

 :salute

Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Fulmar on October 25, 2008, 01:16:25 PM
I have a 40cm case fan in my case:

(http://www.jimmspc-store.fi/images/cache/7/Jimms_EN52351.FFFFFF.200x200.jpg)

 :aok
LOL?
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: BEARING3 on October 25, 2008, 01:24:23 PM
I will take personal responsibilty skuzzy. I appolligise. Me and denholm go way back, and to use you as the middle man is wrong. I promise to stop making irrational statements on this sounding board.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on October 25, 2008, 03:00:39 PM
LOL?

No lol it's a 16" fan rotating at 300 rpm. It gives a whopping 250cfm airflow with 12db noise.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Bino on October 26, 2008, 09:51:02 AM
Ripley, thanks for posting that image of your case!  Food for thought, as I ponder building my next computer.  :salute
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: morfiend on October 27, 2008, 04:02:14 PM
No lol it's a 16" fan rotating at 300 rpm. It gives a whopping 250cfm airflow with 12db noise.



 Do they make side panels for cases? or did you mod your case?? I have a top fan on my case,hold a 120 mm fan,only 25% of yours tho... :O
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on October 27, 2008, 04:55:35 PM


 Do they make side panels for cases? or did you mod your case?? I have a top fan on my case,hold a 120 mm fan,only 25% of yours tho... :O

Nah it's factory made. Aerocool vtouch pro.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: drdeathx on October 27, 2008, 05:28:05 PM
GET LIQUID COOLED!!!!!  ITS AWESOME!!!!    :rock
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on October 28, 2008, 02:00:20 AM
GET LIQUID COOLED!!!!!  ITS AWESOME!!!!    :rock

Did that about 4 years ago. Had a pump failure and never bothered to put it back together anymore. 3+ Ghz on air is plenty for my use. If I ever want to get to extreme cooling phase change is the way to go.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Denholm on October 28, 2008, 10:00:54 AM
No lol it's a 16" fan rotating at 300 rpm. It gives a whopping 250cfm airflow with 12db noise.
I suppose that's the perfect system for flight simulation? Gets you in the mood of things. :cool:
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: TilDeath on October 28, 2008, 10:59:39 AM
Bino those temps are on the hot side. That is a little warm for a cpu under load.
You seriously have no clue...  that temp more then fine.  I take it you didnt see that he has it overclocked to 3.7 hence more voltage to the processor.
Voltage=Heat
DrD=No idea most of the time when he makes comments... (a little knowledge is a dangerous thing)

When talking about processor temps there are a few factors to take into consideration.  One case size, fan flow and number of fans, cabling inside the box (restricts airflow), what is in the box (1 hard disk or 4, how much heat does your video card produce, etc), room temp.  Now research what is the best fan/heatsink choice of what will actually fit in your case, and work with your motherboard. (ie factory heatpipes & heatsinks).

You should know what is your processors TJ Max.  If the TJ Max is 80c and your at 60c yes that's warm, on the other hand if your TJ Max is 115c and your  at 60c your actually cool.  Facts are what is needed and people answering questions you should research the subject if they are not given.

Having been in the business for 24+ years.  Please people research before you tell someone something you think is correct but you actually do NOT have the knowledge to make recommendations

Here is what I like to do, OC it all the way...http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=432597 (http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=432597) Not done here looking to break 4ghz on air and be windows/programs stable
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Masherbrum on October 28, 2008, 04:22:40 PM
You seriously have no clue...  that temp more then fine.  I take it you didnt see that he has it overclocked to 3.7 hence more voltage to the processor.
Voltage=Heat
DrD=No idea most of the time when he makes comments... (a little knowledge is a dangerous thing)

When talking about processor temps there are a few factors to take into consideration.  One case size, fan flow and number of fans, cabling inside the box (restricts airflow), what is in the box (1 hard disk or 4, how much heat does your video card produce, etc), room temp.  Now research what is the best fan/heatsink choice of what will actually fit in your case, and work with your motherboard. (ie factory heatpipes & heatsinks).

You should know what is your processors TJ Max.  If the TJ Max is 80c and your at 60c yes that's warm, on the other hand if your TJ Max is 115c and your  at 60c your actually cool.  Facts are what is needed and people answering questions you should research the subject if they are not given.

Having been in the business for 24+ years.  Please people research before you tell someone something you think is correct but you actually do NOT have the knowledge to make recommendations

Here is what I like to do, OC it all the way...http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=432597 (http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=432597) Not done here looking to break 4ghz on air and be windows/programs stable

Excellent post TilDeath.   
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: drdeathx on October 28, 2008, 04:47:36 PM
Nice Tildeath. Starting up I see. If you were in business 24+ years you would have seen a bit warm(and you admited it). Get it. Yes they can run much warmer but if you were a 24+ experienced person and you really got it most would suggest this is warm. The results of heat increases the risk of damage to components and/or premature failure.  A experinced person would understand this. A simple $70 investment can cool a cpu down 15 degrees possibly adding life to the CPU. Most 1+ experienced persons would agree with this statement. Why when someone makes a statement that this is "A LITTLE WARM", they basically freak out. Its not bad advice. Heat is heat no matter room temp, space, case size or fans. 60 degrees is 60 degrees no matter how you cut it. If someone were running stock fan on cpu a small investment may go long.... So don't freak out dude. Max temps are max temps and these temps are advertising rhetoric. Over 60 degrees is getting WARM. Cpu and component life can decrease under warm temps so why not cool it down? Please explain....... I thought these forums were supposed to help people not "Bash"others for giving advise that many more have the same theory. It is not like I thought this one up myself.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Masherbrum on October 28, 2008, 07:20:11 PM
With Firefox 3, WMP 9 and AH2 running, according to Speedfan my Core Temps are at 43 and 40 degrees (E8400).   The CPU reading is at 32 degrees.

I have a clean case with IMO, too many fans.   But, I believe the balance of Air In is very close to Air Out.   I also have a clean case, that will get cleaner soon. 

If the case cannot be cleaned up, I'm going to a Lian-Li PC7 Plus case.   
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: drdeathx on October 28, 2008, 10:19:10 PM
temps look good!
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: drdeathx on October 28, 2008, 10:25:04 PM
try getting a cpu stress test software and  examine temps. Looks fine. You can find CPU stress test software free if you do a search.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on October 29, 2008, 03:06:58 AM
I'm not worried about my cpu burning up at all, if that happens I can get a new and faster one for about the same price.

And they won't burn up in 6-12months even if they run a little hot so that's plenty of life for a cpu.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: TilDeath on October 29, 2008, 09:20:17 AM
Nice Tildeath. Starting up I see. If you were in business 24+ years you would have seen a bit warm(and you admited it). Get it. Yes they can run much warmer but if you were a 24+ experienced person and you really got it most would suggest this is warm. The results of heat increases the risk of damage to components and/or premature failure.  A experinced person would understand this. A simple $70 investment can cool a cpu down 15 degrees possibly adding life to the CPU. Most 1+ experienced persons would agree with this statement. Why when someone makes a statement that this is "A LITTLE WARM", they basically freak out. Its not bad advice. Heat is heat no matter room temp, space, case size or fans. 60 degrees is 60 degrees no matter how you cut it. If someone were running stock fan on cpu a small investment may go long.... So don't freak out dude. Max temps are max temps and these temps are advertising rhetoric. Over 60 degrees is getting WARM. Cpu and component life can decrease under warm temps so why not cool it down? Please explain....... I thought these forums were supposed to help people not "Bash"others for giving advise that many more have the same theory. It is not like I thought this one up myself.


Back to the BASICS of what he stated, he said OVERCLOCKED to 3.7  Hence Temp increase.  When overclocking your not looking to ADD processor life.  Also 60c is still some processors no load temp at idle.  So you MUST know the processors TJ Max.  You state "Max temps are max temps and these temps are advertising rhetoric" well the TJ Max is put out by the chip maker, Intel, AMD, so I guess they don't know what they are talking about with this "advertising rhetoric"  as stated in my first post here, Get the facts first then comment and make suggestions.  You been called on the carpet many times in these forums about your FIXES and suggestions.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: Skuzzy on October 29, 2008, 09:31:13 AM
It was not uncommon for an Intel Prescott CPU to run at 80C, under load.  If you could get the idle temperature to 45C, on air, you were doing well.  60C, for a Prescott, is really about average.
Title: Re: Processors - To fan, or not to fan
Post by: drdeathx on October 29, 2008, 01:35:59 PM
I really think more comments tildeath are meaningless at this time. I think its a dead issue.