74gig WD Raptors

[essential]

I have read many different reviews of the 74gig Raptors. Some reviews have said they get extremely hot, other reviews said they weren't any hotter than a normal HD. For those of you that have them, would a HD Cooler, like a Vantec Vortex be a smart move, or is placement behind a 80mm case intake fan enough to adequately cool a Raptor?

Thanks.

 

[WebDude]

From one who runs a raptor without any active cooling, I would say the latter option would suffice.

 

[dmw16]

I think that in most situations HD coolers are just like RAM heatspreaders. They look cool, but that is the extent of their functionality. Western Digital wouldnt put out a product that needed a HD cooler. Behind an 80mm fan is more than enough.

 

[gotensan01]

Originally posted by: dmw16
I think that in most situations HD coolers are just like RAM heatspreaders. They look cool, but that is the extent of their functionality. Western Digital wouldnt put out a product that needed a HD cooler. Behind an 80mm fan is more than enough.

:thumbsup:

 

[chilled]

I believe HD Coolers do help to lower the temp. of the HD. My IBM 180GXP sits in a TT HardCano 5 and its temp is about 3*C lower in the passive cooler and 7*C lower with the 40mm fan on. Without the HD Cooler but with a 80mm fan it is also about 6-7*C cooler when compared to a fan-less setup and no HD cooler. I got it as the 180GXP tends to run warmer than most HDs anyway so hopefully it will prolong the life and it also makes the HD quieter.

Are they needed? Not at all. Benefits over a 80mm fan are mostly asthetic, and that when run passive in a HD Cooler, it will be a bit cooler and just as silent as having it mounted without 80mm fan or HD cooler. This is of course bearing in mind that HD Coolers with aluminium heatsinks/heatpipes are being used.

As dmw16 said, a 80mm fan will do just fine and is much cheaper.