Is a Fan/Heatsink needed for NB chipset?

[joejccva]

I'm using the stock heatsink that came with my Gigabyte motherboard, and not that it's getting hot yet but I haven't overclocked yet either. Think I need to get a better HSF for it? Any recommendations?

 

[lenjack]

You might consider putting a 40mm fan on the original heatsink.

 

[dawza]

Agreed with lenjack. NB temps can get very high compared to other components (in excess of 90C), but they can take the heat. If it makes you feel better, tape/zip-tie a 40mm fan to the stock heatsink and run it at 5V; the best I have found to date is the Scythe Mini-Kaze, which is quiet to begin with, and absolutely silent when undervolted to 5-7V. Most 40mm fans start at very high RPMs, and even when running at 5V, do not go quite low enough to eliminate the characteristic annoying whine that small, fast-spinning fans produce.

You do not need much air at all for NB cooling- the Mini-Kaze dropped my NB temps from 65C to 41C, and I would be surprised if the fan pushed more than 2CFM.

Link to fan: http://jab-tech.com/Scythe-Mini-Kaze-40mm-Silent-Mini-Fan-pr-3596.html

 

[Quiksilver]

Couldn't you just use some thermal adhesive instead of zip ties to attach the fan.

 

[dawza]

Originally posted by: QuiksilverX1
Couldn't you just use some thermal adhesive instead of zip ties to attach the fan.

You certainly could use some sort of adhesive, although a thermal adhesive would probably be less ideal than a quick-setting cyanoacrylate. The only issue would be possible difficulty with respect to removal, should the fan ever need replacing. Thermal conductivity is a non-issue here, as the purpose of the fan is to provide airflow, and not sink heat.

The ideal solution (which I forget to mention above) I have found is actually double-sided 3M mounting pads (found in craft stores), which is simply double-sided adhesive (thin) foam. Just cut small triangles of the pads to fit into the four corners of the fan, as well as a small square for the fan center/hub, and stick it onto your heatsink. This provides a removable, but reliable method of attachment. I have several fans mounted in this fashion, which have remained in place for almost two years.

 

[Quiksilver]

Oh, that's right I forgot about double-sided tape.

 

[Acanthus]

I upgraded the NB cooling as the temps were uncomfortably high.

A drop of superglue on each corner works fine for attaching small fans too, and it breaks off easily with a little force should you need to remove it.