Case Temps Too High For Me!!

[JohnTroy]

I am currently running an AMD2500+ OC'd to 2.1Ghz cooled by a Thermaltake Extreme12+. The MOBO resides in an Antec SLK3700AMB (Solution Series Mid Tower) I have 2 case fans to bring air in and out, but I think I may be blocking some airflow to the PSU. The case runs really hot right now its at 41 C idle, which (when I asked some people) is still ok, but I would be more comfortable if it ran cooler, then I could turn down my fan (which sounds like a freaking airplane) and enjoy multimedia a little more. I know my setup is generating a lot of heat cuz I am running an ATI Radeon9800 pro, along with almost all of my PCI slots full (Leadtek TV Tuner Card, Wireless NIC, Audigy2, System Status Monitor Cables (Comes with k7n2delta). I am contemplating cutting holes in to add a side fan to take out heat, but I don't want to do anything to hasty... My friend was telling me to cut off the grill on the back, as it sticks out a little, so I am thinking about that, and I tried a little cablefolding and organizing, which makes the case neater, but where I situated the mass of cables makes it a little hotter. Does anyone else have this case, and would be able to help me out a little? I have worked on this setup quite a bit and it is really nice, but the heat (and noise to regulate it) are getting to be quite troublesome.

 

[Bad Dude]

I had this case and this about the right temps for that case.

 

[Sokratz]

cut the grill in teh back, and the metal grill in the front. no need to havea metal and then plastic grill in the front. you can also trimm some of those plastic slots for better airflow. if you want to post some pix it may help. and/or what kind of fans you have etc.

 

[ColossusX]

Not to be stupid or rude, but did you check for dust in the intakes/outtakes?

And thats a lot of gear for two fans! They must be working over time.

 

[0roo0roo]

metal grilll in back and front need to be snipped. they suck. and ewll the front bit traps dust. cable folding/origami a must. esp for only 2 fans. zip tie rest of cables, route behind m/b tray etc...

 

[Cerb]

If all that doesn't quite do it, see if you have room between cards to put another 80mm exhaust fan in expansion slot space.
That temp is on the high side, so some neatening might be in order, but I'd call it safe (that case will not, unless there's tons of dust or cables in the way, rise much as you push the rest of the parts and draw more power, the downside being not the greatest temps right off).

Good luck.

 

[Ness]

Originally posted by: ColossusX
Not to be stupid or rude, but did you check for dust in the intakes/outtakes?

And thats a lot of gear for two fans! They must be working over time.

Agreed. If you only have two fan spots on a case with all this gear in it, it means your case is pretty small, and perhaps the problem is that your case is too clogged.

Do us a favor and run without your side panels on for a few days and see how your temps get.

If they lower significantly, this is a sign that more fans will help. If they don't do much, this is a sign that your heatsink isn't doing its job for whatever reason...

Out of curiosity, what are the case temps in comparison to the CPU temps?

 

[JohnTroy]

The two fans are both antec120s. I did check for dust in my case as I clean it out with an airduster every 2 weeks or so. My CPU temp runs (overclocked) idle at usually 44-46 and full load 50-51. I do live in Florida and it is quite hot these couple of days. I will see about posting pics possibly tomorrow, since I am leaving for work. I think I will cut the grills as soon as I get the chance.

 

[howdyduty]

You might try a slot fan next to your 9800. Could be a quick and easy solution. Also, they are not a permenant thing. They are under $10 at newegg.