___ My Alpha/Prescott Mod... ___

[Blain]

I just got a 3.2GHz Prescott. I've been reading that they run pretty hot. Rather than sink the $$ into a new HS, I stayed with my old tried & true Alpha 8942T. It's served my Northwood well.

As most of you know, the Alpha HS are designed to have the fan pulling (sucking), hot air up off the HS. That's all well and good, but I felt the middle of the HS lacked air flow.
Since the center is where the CPU makes contact... a modding I went.

As seen here I drilled some 1/4" holes around the contact area of the CPU. I think these extra holes will really help air flow up through the middle of the HS.

I'm planning on assembling the Alpha/Prescott/IC7-G combo this weekend... then I'll know for sure.


Happy Cooling

 

[Jeff7]

Now solder some heatpipes in there and that thing will really be.....um, cooking.

 

[jamautosound]

Take some more pictures, write up a detailed diagram and explanation, put it in an envelope and mail it to yourself.

Then file for a patent.


Good idea, I'm curious to hear how it went.

 

[Blain]

The scanner doesn't do my lapping justice. I finished the base with 800 (wet). I'm not a "mirror finish" fanatic. For me "flat" RULEz!

But for you Mirror-Heads... Here Ya Go

Patent??? Hmmm...

 

[THUGSROOK]

an old alpha tip:

dont use the aluminium shroud when using a "blow" fan.
the shroud is only for a "pull" fan.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: THUGSROOK
an old alpha tip:

dont use the aluminium shroud when using a "blow" fan.
the shroud is only for a "pull" fan.

I only use the HS the way it was designed... I'm a sucker.

 

[Big Lar]

Nice job Buddy Let us know how it works!

 

[Nessism]

Nice job! I particularly like the way you chamfered the holes!

I've got an older 8045 I'm trying to figure out something to do with. Currently running a A64 with stock cooler. I'm thinking about moding it to fit inside the standard hold down. Maybe not worth the trouble though.

Ed

 

[Blain]

So far I'm not happy with my temps... 44C idle and up to 60C @ 100% load.
My fan is just 2500rpm, 32.5cfm with blue LEDs. It is a very pretty fan when lit up. But I'm afraid it's not moving enough air for the Alpha.

I'll try some different fans and report back.




Report: Using an Enermax variable (wide open @ 39.8cfm), my 100% CPU temps are ranging from 53C-55.5C.
With the MB combo laying on my desk, the fan is louder than I'd like. But with it tucked away in a case, it may not be too bad @ 38dBA... Maybe

 

[Big Lar]

Temps seem very reasonable/ Great Job

 

[InlineFive]

Originally posted by: Big Lar
Temps seem very reasonable/ Great Job

Ditto, Prescotts normally run that hot.

Nice job.

 

[xbassman]

For what it's worth the Panaflo H1A (39CFM) and U1A (47CFM) are both quieter than the Variable speed 80mm enermax fans.

 

[Blain]

I ran across that Panaflo over at SVC. I may have to spring for it.
After looking around at what people are running for Prescott temps. I don't feel so bad.
I'm old school and used to sub-50C temps. I guess we've all got to change or else the terrorist win

 

[xbassman]

SVC's out of stock.......

JabTech has the H1B here.
Here is another fan that isn't as loud as it's specs might lead you to believe. YS Tech adjustable 80mm

Hah... I found somebody that has U1A's in stock. HeatsinkFactory.com