Lost 15 degrees off my cpu temp with DIY cooling!

[Deanodarlo]

o/c'ed cpu was running a bit hot (56+ degrees) so decided to do a bit of DIY cooling without spending a thing. Here's my story:

1) Examined cpu - HUGE white sticker on the back saying "warranty void if removed". Ah, what the hell - I've already destroyed my warranty with o/c'ing so off it came.

Result: cpu temp down by 1-2 degrees.

2) Lapped cooler (heatsink + fan) with sandpaper. Didn't lap cpu - not that brave.

Result: down 2-3 degrees.

3) No thermal paste in the house so used lithium based PFTE cycle grease! PFTE makes it extremely stable at high temp and the high lithium content acts as the cooler - not as good as the real stuff but it worked and was free!

Result: down 2-3 degrees.

4) Ripped 80mm fan out of the bottom front intake of the ATX case. Moved cdrw to the bottom drive bay, and bluetacked the fan on top of the cdrw causing it to blow air directly into the cpu/powerpack/ram area. Drilled holes into the two removable plastic drive bay covers above the cdrw allowing fresh air to be drawn into the system.

Result: down 8 degrees.


Old cpu temp under load: 56+ degrees.

New cpu temp under load: 42 degrees.

Not bad since it cost me nothing.

Anyone out there got any crazy DIY cooling jobs on the go like me - determined to get something for nothing?

 

[JokerF15]

where are u getting the temps from. could the 8 degree drop be from the thermostat just being in contact with fresh air. well it's seems like u got some drop form other steps that you did before, the 80mm fan probably made a difference but do you think 8degrees. well..nice job =).

 

[Killrose]

Beleive it or not I just turned off my front case fan and Lowered my cpu temps by 4+ degrees! Had I done that with my previous cpu/mboard it would have shot up at least that much.

 

[Deanodarlo]

I live in the uk and it's winter. The difference between the system temp and the cpu temp is now 9 degrees when before it was about 28.

You could be right about the 80mm fan causing the thermostat readings to be off, but i'm sure this fan has brought my temps down by the largest margin in comparison to the other steps.

Thanks for the responses.

Deano.

 

[CoffeyCan]

Deanodarlo: Really good point about the seasons effect on cooling. I live in Michigan and right now where its 3 about 15F, but come summer itll be 85-95 with near 100% humidity, and I dont have air conditioning. Looks like reading up on the blowhole guide will be a must
CC

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Oddly enough on my 500K6-2 system, when I removed the modem and added a case fan, the case temp decided to hover a couple degrees higher (MB sensor), however the CPU temp being down a degree or two seems to indicate that the case temp is down a little.

I need a bigger case