Looking for a case fan to help my P4 temps.

[FluxCap]

When I built my latest machine I removed the rear exhaust case fan (not sure what I was thinking) and my temps are higher than I want. I can't even run with my case side on because my P4 3.0c (running stock) gets hot and my stock heatsink/cooler grows so loud it is unbearable to listen to. I think putting a rear fan back in my case will help a lot because of it's location in regards to the CPU. What is a very quiet and powerful 80mm case fan? I don't want a controllable fan.

 

[Dman877]

"What is a very quiet and powerful 80mm case fan?"

Quiet AND powerful? you can't have your cake and eat it too . Best thing to do is grab a case with a 120mm exhaust, even a slow 120mm pushes more air then fast 80mm.

 

[HardWarrior]

Take a look at the Panaflo high-speed 80mm's. I've used two for exhaust in my Lian Li for about a month and they rock, quietly.

 

[Nickel020]

If you have the stock heatsink on your CPU then you won't really need a quiet fan because you won't notice any difference noise-wise between a quiet and a normal one. The stock heatsink and fan cool quite well but are horribly noisy.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: Nickel020
If you have the stock heatsink on your CPU then you won't really need a quiet fan because you won't notice any difference noise-wise between a quiet and a normal one. The stock heatsink and fan cool quite well but are horribly noisy.

This makes sense only if you don't consider the fact that the heat which is blown off the CPU has to go somewhere. If not, all you get is a hotspot over and around the CPU. That's why he SHOULD have at least one exhaust fan running at the back of the case.

 

[FluxCap]

@Dman877 - I guess I am a dreamer wanting both I currently have $0 in my upgrade budget so my current case is going to have to do.

@HardWarrior - Thanks, I will check on that fan.

@Nickel020 - Yeah, I have noticed the stock setup is pretty loud. I need to figure out a good overclockers heatsink/fan combo for the future. Is there anything better than the SLK 800/900s?

 

[HardWarrior]

Swiftech HS's are good, though heavy and mostly require a four hole mounting MB. Other than that, they're fine no-tricks coolers.

 

[Nickel020]

The Thermalright SP 94 is pretty much the best heatsink for P4s out there but it's pricey. If you're on a tighter budget get the Zalman CNPS 7000 AlCu - it's only about $35 and is just a couple degrees C worse than the SP 94. And get a case fan, even the best CPU heatsink/fan combo can't cool your CPU below the ambient temperature.

 

[beatle]

Do you have a dremel or holesaw? I HIGHLY suggest a side panel intake fan placed directly above your cpu. This can make all the difference in the world.

My duallie has a side intake fan over one of the cpus. I'm able to run that one without a fan. The cpu without a side intake needs to run with its fan or its temperature grows to 20C higher than the other!

My case will likely be going under the knife this summer for a 120mm side intake as temps rise and my need for more airflow grows.

 

[FluxCap]

Thanks for all the advice.

I currently don't have a dremel but plan on getting one to make a top case fan/hole in a couple of months. I have always wanted to mod a cheaper case and this will be my first time trying.

However, I can't find a compatibility chart for the SP-94 or the Zalman to see if it will work with my P4P800 mobo. Also, I had an idea....is there a bracket or modded clip system that allows a 120mm fan to be installed in 80mm fan holes?

 

[Nickel020]

There are 80 to 120mm adapters but they create air turbulences thus negating the advantage of 120mm over 80mm fans.
Here is a compatability chart for the SP 94.

 

[FluxCap]

Thanks for the chart Nickel, I missed that for some reason. That is too bad about the adapater causing turbulence.

 

[FluxCap]

Well, I installed a decent 80mm Antec fan I had laying around unopened. I have not got to fully test it's effect on my temps but I am sure it will help. I also spent some time cleaning up the wires in my case even more. I really want to try and mod this case but I have 0 experience with a dremel, etc. Has anyone made a beginner modding guide?