How hot is too hot?

[sunburninaz]

I am in the same situation as another poster that I just saw. I have a desktop unit that my wife wants hidden in a cabinet. I can either cut a small round hole in the side (I already have a 2.5" hole there for wires) or I can probably remove a good section of the rear of the cabinet as there is probably an inch gap between the back of the cabinet and the wall. Here's my question:

I run Motherboard Monitor software with a K7S5A Pro MB and an Athlon 2000+ processor. I have a 3 fan unit in one of the 5.25" bays, a 90 mm (if I remember correctly) fan in the front of the case and a small (40mm??) fan out the rear - in addition to the processor fan and the PSU fan. I also have a 92mm fan that I've thought about adding to the side of the case (I'd have to cut out the side panel). With the cabinet door open, the case typically runs about 34C and the processor sits at about 48C. When I close the cabinet door, the processor temp has gotten as high as 60C. How hot is too hot? Similar to the case enclosure question posted earlier today, I need to know how much I need to vent my cabinet.

As an aside, since the unit will be safely tucked in a cabinet, what would be the effect of removing one of the side covers (to let it vent freely)?

Thanks,

Doug

 

[MrK6]

You should never completely close in a case, nor surround it. Air has to pass in and out of the computer for longevity. Although 60C isn't the max temp, its not health either. Temps of 48C are fine though. I would suggest cutting a hole by the intake and exhaust fans so that they can move air easily. If you give pics, I can help you with positioning so it won't ruin the aesthetic look of the cabinet.

 

[xbassman]

I'll never forget getting a call. "Why the hell is my computer beeping constantly!?"
Whoever designed these type of desks should be shot!

Asking is 60C too hot really depends on the mobo and the bios you are running. If that is a socket temp, your actual core temp could be 10-20C higher than that.

Basically you need to figure out a goo way to get fresh air to your case and evacuate the hot exhaust.

This has been discussed here before. You could use DC fans (like in your case) mounted to the front or side/front of your desk to bring in fresh air. Newer Antec power supplies have an external molex connector, and a 3" hole saw and 3/16" drill bit will take care of the fan mounts.
As for exhaust I would suggest something like one of these. You could use two or go to the hardware store and make yourself some sort of y-connector.

I once made a ram air for my car using heater duct....worked like a champ!

 

[sunburninaz]

Thanks for the responses. If I could ask again, if the unit is safely tucked into a cabinet (this is actually a kitchen or vanity type cabinet that I have installed in the kids' study/work area), is there a negative to removing one of the side panels to the case? I imagine that there might be a dust issue but the way I'm looking at venting the dang thing that would exist anyway. Having the case open would (OK, might) lead to more frequent cleaning, etc, and it certainly would allow the internals to breathe more freely. The location in which I am looking to install a cabinet fan would blow directly into the interior of the case.

Doug

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: sunburninaz
Thanks for the responses. If I could ask again, if the unit is safely tucked into a cabinet (this is actually a kitchen or vanity type cabinet that I have installed in the kids' study/work area), is there a negative to removing one of the side panels to the case? I imagine that there might be a dust issue but the way I'm looking at venting the dang thing that would exist anyway. Having the case open would (OK, might) lead to more frequent cleaning, etc, and it certainly would allow the internals to breathe more freely. The location in which I am looking to install a cabinet fan would blow directly into the interior of the case.

Doug

But even so, the heat has to go somewhere - opening the side panel will allow the heat out of the case, but the cabinet will still get hot. And depending on the airflow patterns inside the case, removing the panel can actually negatively impact the cooling in the case. The air from the fans, rather than being directed over the components, can simply flow out the open side, leaving the components in a dead spot.

I would suggest an exhaust fan near the top of the enclosure. A slow-spinning 120mm fan should do the job nicely.
Try one of these. They're not silent, but they are not loud either, and they move a good bit of air. Maybe a 7V mod would tame them down considerbly, while still leaving them with decent air-moving capability. And maybe one of these to help keep the desk from making noise from vibration.