Coolest (passive cooled?) low end CPU out now?

[Todd33]

I was thinking of building a HTPC in a microATX format with a low end CPU like a celeron. I saw another post on mobile Athons, which is coolest (non-OC of course)? Can any modern CPU run in a microATX case with just a big heatsink?

 

[Cybercat]

I suppose with a considerable heatsink on a lowend CPU, it's possible to run without a fan, though I've never tried it. You should get something large though, like a Thermalright SLK-800.

 

[Kwatt]

If you are not in a hurry. You might want to wait for this review Check KristopherKubicki's post. (8th post down).



Kwatt

 

[Todd33]

That seems a little extreme, a mobile CPU non-OCed should not run that hot, I guess I can just aim for a small, low RPM HSF. (I assume mobile Atholons take the same HSFs?)

 

[Cybercat]

Originally posted by: Kwatt
If you are not in a hurry. You might want to wait for this review Check KristopherKubicki's post. (8th post down).

*crack, CRASH* What's that sound? That must be the HS falling and taking a chunk of the motherboard with it, and snapping the video card in half on its way down.

Something that utterly huge is not necessary with a lowend CPU.

 

[Todd33]

I found this HSF at newegg for $9, the reviews were all positive and said it was very quiet .

CoolerMaster CPU Cooler for Socket A/ 370, Model "DP5-7JD1B-0L"
Specification:
Compatibility: Socket A/ 370
Dimensions: Fan: 70 x 70 x 25 mm, Heat Sink: 80 x 68 x 78.5 mm
Bearing Type: Not Specified
Nominal Speed(RPM): 2750
Max Air FlowCFM): 22.2
Max Pressure: Not Specified
Heat Sink Material: Not Specified
Rated Voltage: 12V DC
Connector: 3 Pin
Noise(dBA): 24.2 more info->

 

[Zap]

I suggest you don't bother with trying to passively cool any CPU. I've tried that with an 800MHz 1.35V VIA C3 processors and it works only if you still have airflow over the heatsink. You know, the same CPU shown in a video to run WITHOUT a heatsink or a fan? Though I haven't had instability the heatsink gets burning hot. You can have a reasonable heatsink with an undervolted fan that is near inaudible and it will allow for faster processors and peace of mind.

Yes, the mobile Athlons would be a good and budget choice (seeing that desktop board for the Pentium M are way expensive). Combine it with any quiet HSF offering, such as the Tt SilentBoost or Zalman 7000A series and you'll have a quiet performer. You can also take any other decent heatsink and undervolt the fan a bit.

 

[StageLeft]

I'd just get one with a very, very quiet fan and run it slow if you have to.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Todd33
That seems a little extreme, a mobile CPU non-OCed should not run that hot, I guess I can just aim for a small, low RPM HSF. (I assume mobile Atholons take the same HSFs?)

Or use a large low speed fan to ventilate the case and move air over a large heatsink on the processor. Maybe consider using a heatpipe.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Todd33
That seems a little extreme, a mobile CPU non-OCed should not run that hot, I guess I can just aim for a small, low RPM HSF. (I assume mobile Atholons take the same HSFs?)

Or use a large low speed fan to ventilate the case and move air over a large heatsink on the processor. Maybe consider using a heatpipe.

Good idea. I'm thinking a Thermalright SLK-900A with no fan, and only one case fan-- a 120mm, ~80cfm@2000 rpm fan mounted in the case's sidepanel, directly over the heatsink. Oh, you might still want to have an 80mm exhaust fan, but I'm willing to bet that it would work fine, even if it were 7v modded.

 

[Zap]

Mounting a fan on the side panel directly over the heatsink would work really well if you duct the air to the heatsink.

 

[Zebo]

Plenty of makers make silent, totally fanless PC's...usings VIA EPIA M10000 mobo and cyrix 1000+mhz chips.

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