Effectiveness of running the computer with case open

[kitt314159]

Hi Everyone,

I am running an athlon 64 3500+ at 2.2ghz, 1.4V (winchester core) on a MSI neo2 platinum board. I got a Thermaltake venus 7+ heatsink & fan mounted using shin etsu thermal grease.

Since my current case is poor for cooling (no fans other than the two on the power supply), I am running the computer in a relatively open area with the cover off. My question is, is keeping the case open like an effective way to counteract a poorly ventilated case? Or should I still use a better case with fans blowing in and out?

My CPU right now is at 45C idle and 55C load, which depending on who I ask, may be a little high. What could I do to lower it? replace thermal grease, replace heatsink & fan, use a better case, or all of the above? Is there any chance that this particular CPU I got runs hotter than other winchesters?

Thanks,

Yan

 

[Spike]

I would personally look at getting a new case, perferably one that has dual 120mm fans in it. Running a computer with it's case open is
a) ugly
b) noisey and
c) a dust magnet.

Those temps are ok for an overclocked a64, but could be reduced with a better HSF such as the Thermalright XP-90 or XP-120 or a Zalman cooler. I do not know anything about that thermal grease as I have never used anything but Arctic Silver, so you got me there.

I would look for a case without a psu in the $60-100 range that has dual 120mm's. I am partial to the Antec Superlanboy which I currently run and love. With my AthlonXP 2500+ @ 2.2 GHz, dual 120mm case fans running at 8-9 volts, and a Alpha heatsink I now run 34c idle and 40c load all while staying fairly quiet.

Others will offer case suggestions as well, just choose one of them soon so you can get away from that open-case running.

-spike

 

[akira34]

Get a case with good intake/exhaust fans. Having none in a case is bad. I have the stock fans in my V1100 and I get idle/light load temps of about 34-36C on my 3400+ (754 pin, which should run warmer than a 939 pin 90nm chip). See the tower rig in my sig for everything inside my system.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Since my two Antec blue LED fans are both dead, I'm running with the side panel open.

Normally, I wouldn't suggest it. It's good to get an air flow going. With the side panel off, you're not getting that. A lot of the air can get recirculated back into the system.

 

[zakee00]

55C is way to high for an aftermarket HSF. check that you mounted it and applied the grease correctly.