Cooling Woe's

[Annihilator4]

I live in texas and the summers here can be pretty brutal with the heat and all. This is the first year I have used my computer config as it is, 2500 barton OC'd to 3200 and 6800 GT 80 GB WD HD 1 GB GEIL RAM and some generic 300 watt PSU. For almost a year now I haven't had problems, but now my computer has been locking up quite a bit and I suspect it to be heat issues. I put my CPU at stock settings and it still idle's at 42 and under load is around 50-53, and my 6800 GT hitting around 80's. The temps worry me alot because these are stock settings and I figure I shouldn't have them this high. I was wondering if I were to buy a more spacious nicer case would my temps improve enough that I could use my 3200+ speed OC and still be stable? My budgjet is around 50-70 and hopefully has a new PSU. Thanks for suggestions!!

 

[Chode Messiah]

what is ur case and how many fans are in it? Also, if you have 500-1000dollars, you can by a vapochill or a prometeia phase-change cooling unit. (subzero temps):shocked:

 

[Annihilator4]

My case is some generic one, absolutly no name and not much whatsoever. It has a total of 3 case fans (1 side intake 2 back blow outs) and again it's rather small

 

[Chode Messiah]

If u have the cash go for a nice antec or lian-li case with good airflow. Otherwise just get a couple more fans. You could even go for liquid cooling to keep ur temps low.(especially if u want to oc the cpu again)

 

[Annihilator4]

How much would a standard liquid cooling system go for and is it a lot of work? Would I need a bigger case??

 

[Chode Messiah]

80 bucks for a good asetek. If you aren't very experienced, then don't go liquid. The system is pretty small, but it would be difficult for somebody who is new to liquid cooling. If you have $250, then you could get a Zalman Reserator. It's the big blue external tower. The pump,radiator and reservoir are contained in the external unit, and just the tubing goes inside the case. I heard that it's a breeze to install compared to other kits. If the case you have now looks cool, then go for liquid cooling to keep it cold. If you hate ur case, just by one with good space and airflow.

 

[HardWarrior]

Considering your environment, and if you want to spend the money ($250-$400), I would suggest a performance water-cooler. An $80 kit is going to be a huge disapointment, and right away. It's not going to have anywhere near the dissipation needed. As far as the Reserator, it should ONLY be suggested as a quiet fan replacement option, not as a water-cooler in the truest sense. And no, water-cooling isn't a lot of work as long as you have an idea of the requirements and special concerns inherent in it BEFORE you whip out your credit card.

If performance water-cooler simply isn't an option, a larger case would help quite a bit in that you could mount larger fans in the right places. Over time, you might also want to consider better after-market (forced-air) coolers for your CPU and GPU. While you're deciding on your next step try some cable and wire management with the idea of smoothing airflow and getting rid of dead-spots in your case.

 

[0roo0roo]

maybe its your psu. your temps seem fine.

 

[w00t]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129127

$100 over price but worth.

 

[pulsedrive]

Yeah going to have to second 0roo0roo's remark because that vid card requires AT LEAST a 350Watt, not to mention with that kind of overclock, you probably need more power anyway. But I would definately look into a new PSU for a system like that. 300 Watts just isn't enough.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Get rid of that generic psu. It probably does't have nearly enough power to support you system, get a 300-400 watt psu from a good brand, or your likely to have some serious problems soon.