Help with cooling my e8400

[Tim]

I have an e8400 with a Thermaltake Bigwater 760i hooked up to it and I'm using AS5 as the thermal compound.

My system specs can been seen from a link in my sig.

Running at stock speed and 1.168v (according to cpuz), My idle tems are anywhere from 26-29 idle, 34-39 load (running orthos and super pi)
I'm also not sure how accurate these temp readings are in the first place.

My case has adequate airflow (4 120mm intake fans, 1 120mm exhaust, and the powersupply exhaust, an and OCZ memory fan kit) Of course I'm keeping the bigwater, as I don't have a huge budget for better water cooling, but I was wondering would it be helpful to get a different waterblock? Also is there a better thermal paste than AS5? And lastly, I'd prefere not to lap the heat spreader, because doesn't that hurt the resale value of the processor if I wish to sell it down the road? Or is that a dumb assumption on my part?

In either case, with what I have, and about 50-70 to spend, whats the best things I can do to shave some degrees off of my numbers, and what can I realistically expect my best results to be with you peoples suggestions?

 

[imported_wired247]

that's rediculously cool running already... don't do a thing unless you're planning to take it over 4GHZ


why not spend money on something that improves performance, rather than something that just makes you feel better?

having your CPU run cooler than 39C won't do a thing for you. unless you tell me you really think you will still be using this CPU for constant number crunching for 8-9 years' time, then you MIGHT be increasing its life



lower temps don't mean lower HEAT, it just means that your cooling is more efficient...
the only way to lower the HEAT of your processor is to lower the voltage, and your voltage is already quite low compared to the max intel spec.

 

[Tim]

Originally posted by: wired247
why not spend money on something that improves performance, rather than something that just makes you feel better?

Okay, example?

I'd still like tips on possibly shaving a couple degrees off of what it's doing, if that's possible. I've heard a couple of degrees can amount to a 100 or so mhz more in overclocks sometimes, as I do plan on taking the processor to it's limit on occasion.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Quoting thepladfad:

Of course I'm keeping the bigwater, as I don't have a huge budget for better water cooling, but I was wondering would it be helpful to get a different waterblock?

To be honest, I didn't research your kit; I'm guessing it's the normal 3/8" ID though. The Thermaltake Kits aren't horrible, but they're not the greatest. I'm not sure about 3/8" ID for waterblocks, everything I use is 1/2". Some blocks should give you better cooling, but mostly on load, not idle. At your temperatures, it shouldn't matter much - if you start loading up to 45-55C, it might be a different story. What radiator are you running now, 1x120mm, 2x120mm, or 3x120mm? If you're running less than 3x120mm, upgrading the radiator would probably give you your biggest jump; mounting it could be a huge problem, though. A better pump isn't out of the question either, but again, that gets pricey.

Also is there a better thermal paste than AS5?

Yes, though only by a few degrees at best. Look into Arctic Cooling MX-2, Tuniq TX-2, or IC Diamond 7. This will probably be your easiest / best investment.

And lastly, I'd prefere not to lap the heat spreader, because doesn't that hurt the resale value of the processor if I wish to sell it down the road? Or is that a dumb assumption on my part?

Lapping it will "damage" the product and void the warranty. If you sell it in the FT / FS forum, Ebay, or similar places, it's iffy. Some people want lapped processors (less work for them), but many will likely steer clear. Who knows if the previous person's lap job actually got it flat. Lapping can get some huge temperature improvements; however, judging by your current temps, your IHS probably isn't (significantly) concave or convex.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Yeah I'd have to suggest getting a better TIM, IC Diamond 7 seems really nice and from what BonzaiDuck has told/given us, its definitely worth the investment.

 

[imported_wired247]

Since you were talking about getting temps LOW as possible, I had no idea you were trying to overclock... 😛

 

[Tim]

Originally posted by: wired247
Since you were talking about getting temps LOW as possible, I had no idea you were trying to overclock... 😛

^😀 No worries

As of now, I don't seem to be able to get past 3.875ghz, and I'm kind of new to this, but I think it could be my ram maybe. I'll post my overclock temps later tonight when I get home from work.

In any case, I'm just looking for whatever I can do for the CPU atm.

Anyone have good links to other people's test with differenct TIM's for me to browse around?

 

[Tim]

I found that I can get a free sample of IC Diamond 7 from the freebie forums. I'm going to give that a try.... for free 😉

I'll post my results.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

I'm not sure what all the bigwater comes with but, if it's all copper you could clean out the fluid supplied and use distilled water and a little bit(~10%) antifreeze. Should help temps a couple degrees. Beyond that, swapping out the radiator shouldn't be all too tough, depending on the tubing sizes and the case it's in. Good radiators like the Swiftech MCR220 can be had for ~$35 bucks and could make a pretty big impact on coolant temps.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12
I'm not sure what all the bigwater comes with but, if it's all copper you could clean out the fluid supplied and use distilled water and a little bit(~10%) antifreeze. Should help temps a couple degrees. Beyond that, swapping out the radiator shouldn't be all too tough, depending on the tubing sizes and the case it's in. Good radiators like the Swiftech MCR220 can be had for ~$35 bucks and could make a pretty big impact on coolant temps.

some kits arent.

they come mixed with alu and copper.
"Motorsports Radiator:
Dimple Tube Technology with louvered fin radiator greatly increases the surface area for added cooling capability "

Its ALU. MotorSports radiator is ALU. I wouldnt touch it.

its a matter of what kit he got.


And at this point he cant really do anything. Look at his voltage. Even stock cooling would keep that thing cool.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12
I'm not sure what all the bigwater comes with but, if it's all copper you could clean out the fluid supplied and use distilled water and a little bit(~10%) antifreeze. Should help temps a couple degrees. Beyond that, swapping out the radiator shouldn't be all too tough, depending on the tubing sizes and the case it's in. Good radiators like the Swiftech MCR220 can be had for ~$35 bucks and could make a pretty big impact on coolant temps.

some kits arent.

they come mixed with alu and copper.
"Motorsports Radiator:
Dimple Tube Technology with louvered fin radiator greatly increases the surface area for added cooling capability "

Its ALU. MotorSports radiator is ALU. I wouldnt touch it.

its a matter of what kit he got.


And at this point he cant really do anything. Look at his voltage. Even stock cooling would keep that thing cool.

There are always options, just dependign on what his budget is. I should be able to start my chilled liquid set-up next month. I've got one customer build I gotta get out of the way that I'm still waiting on parts for. He wants a modular seasonic s12 😕 but he's willing to pay for it so I'm building it. I'll try and take pictures for everyone. Probably going to replace the fan while I'm in there depending on what fits.