Can i run a P3 FC-PGA ccoppermine without fan?

[markOpoleO]

I have a Dual 700mhz "coppermine" system, it has Golden Orbs on both cpus. Is it possible to run this more quiet with just a good heatsink and thermal paste without a fan? Server is in the loft and noise is starting to be a problem with its ageing golden orbs..and thought since P3 runs cool to begin with, it might work with just heatsink.

No overclocking on it, only fans in case are PS fan (back and bottom), and the 2 fans on golden orbs.The system is just used for a Proxy/firewall for all computers in house. But i run RC5 and Prime95 on both CPUS 24/7.
I was going to replace older Golden Orbs and use the all-copper Vantec CCK-6035D heatsink with thermal paste on both CPUS and no fan.

Anyone ever try this? Suggestions?

Thanks,
mark

 

[ViRGE]

Edit: N/M

 

[Windogg]

Believe it or not, the answer is yes you can. I used to work with HP Vectra workstations and all of them used a very small passive heatsink even on the 933Mhz P3s. Only thing is you need some sort of airflow across the heatsink. In the case of the Vectras, the only fan in the entire system was a very low CFM exhaust fan on the power supply. I think it is possible if you create some sort of airduct using something as simple as old cardboard.

Card board can work and it can be very strong. The cheap ass office VP would not fix the A/C in the server room and one very old server needed extra cooling. Ghetto Airduct. It stood up to the airflow from a 138CFM 120mm YSTech.

Windogg

 

[MrHelpful]

Dear Lord that is truly ghetto!

 

[Auric]

My 825 has no fan but the PSU does have one, sans Ghettoduct however. It uses 1.65V but it has run at the higher frequency P3 default of 1.75V also so heat should not be an issue. Generally, for passive cooling a heatsink with many thinner fins is better than one with fewer thicker ones which is adequate for active cooling.

 

[oldfart]

GORBS are very noisy to begin with. Do you have the factory HS/Fans?

 

[markOpoleO]

Nope, i bought them OEM, and just had the 2 orbs here so i used them.

Anyone got a 700mhz p3 to test it with just a heatsink on?

mark

 

[oldfart]

As a cheap test, how about disconnecting the fans? Hmm...Prime95 24/7 will sure keep them warm! Another idea would be to do a 7 volt mod. Run the fans off 7V instead of 12V. Insted of using the yellow and black wire, use yellow and red to power the fan. This will make the fans spin slower.

 

[JCE86]

Thats a good question... what other HSF options are there that can cool better then the Golden Orb with less noise?

 

[Auric]

markOpoleO, you say the box is actively cooled. We're not talking about running without heatsinks here. Just remove the little CPU fans and try it. Worst case is it locks up and you shut it off with no potential for damage. The GORBS are probably less than ideal for passive cooling though. You mention possibly trying all-copper heatsinks but that is a bad idea because while copper absorbs heat more readily from the chip it requires substantially more airflow to release heat. Best common gear for lower airflow (sans CPU fans) is aluminium with copper base.

 

[Huma]

i replaced my brother's cpm-16 (loud, big) with a Intel retail 1ghz heatsink/fan and the cpu (933mhz pIII).

the thing is ultra quiet (can barely tell the computer is on when I walk in) and runs really cool. retail heatsinks might be something to look into.

I paid $5 for a brand new one.

 

[markOpoleO]

Well i went ahead and tryed it with 2x Coolermaster heatsinks, thermal paste. Cost $7 each,and CPU temp is just 10 degrees more than if i used a fan, after running for 2 hours with Prime95 and UD.net running on both CPUS. I used that ECS D6VAA board if anyone is cares with just a voodoo3 and 512 ram and 2x nics, 60gpx 40gig, cdrom, and win2k. I think 10 degrees is excellent for not having to use fans!

mark