• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

micro ATX cubes and OC

gorobei

gorobei

Diamond Member
I'm planning on getting a core2Q6600 when the price drops, which leaves me with a E4300 that overclocks really well. I want to build a gaming machine with it inside a uATX cube case like the Ultra Microfly or Apevia Qpack.

SO the question is: what cpu heat sink will fit inside the cube? I'm willing to spend in the $50 range if it will allow me to reach overclocks and temps like the TR ultra120 or my Noctua 120F. Most of the tower types wont even come close to fitting in the cubes and the removable m/b tray probably complicates things even more.

Anyone running something like this now?

And yes, I know that most of the uATX 965chipset boards don't OC that well. I figure there's bound to be a p35 board coming out that should get to 3.4ghz.
 
How much room are we talking about here? You could always check out the Zalman CNPS series or the Thermalright XP series if you want a lower cooler that performs well...but none of those choices will even touch an Ultra-120 in terms of cooling ability.
 
the gap in the back of the case for the M/B tray looks like 3inches or less.

So the TR XP120 might fit, but there would be no room for a 120x120x25 fan.
xp120 63mm tall + 25mm = ~90mm >75mm(3 in.) I might be able to mount the fan after the tray is inside, but that would be a tight fit.

the Zalman cnps8000 seems to be the only type specifically meant for this kind of useage. But it only has a 90mm fan. The main upside being the heatpipes will be in the proper orientation for the coolant to pool at the hot end.

Thermaltakes haven't done so well on OC in most of the reviews I've read. Not enough pipes or surface area.

 
I cut away some (most) of the support bar on the CPU side of a Micro Fly and now I can fit just about anything in there.

Otherwise, there's a 3" height restriction. But the supports are overkill.

Pics....

Before: http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=285&d=1173902888

After: http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=391&d=1174955676

The only thing that's "spooky" is that the right half of the drive bays are no longer supported, but when the opticals are installed and the face plates of the opticals are sticking 1" into the bezel, they have all of the support they need.
 
If you get a Thermaltake Lanbox, you should be able to fit a Zalman CNPS 7700 or a Thermaltake Blue Orb II (I heard the Zalman better though) in there.

jonnyGURU, we can't download your attachments without logging in. Host them on photobucket or something.
 
Hmmm...maybe to bypass the 3" restriction you could get a cooler like an SI-128 or something and mount the fan UNDER the fins instead of over? Might take some modding but that might be able to work. The XP-120 won't allow this, but some of Thermalright's other coolers are open under the fins, so maybe you can fit a fan (maybe slightly less than 120mm) in that space.

Notice the big open space between the top fins and the base
http://www.cooling.pl/images/tr_si-128_3_l.jpg
 
Originally posted by: Trevante

jonnyGURU, we can't download your attachments without logging in. Host them on photobucket or something.
Click to expand...

Are you getting a "forbidden?"

Because if you're getting a forbidden, you should be able to just reload the page.


 
lol... Thanks.

I've actually got the original photos on the server somewhere. Just have to find the URL. But I have deeplinking turned off in the htaccess, so you always get Forbidden when you link up an image, but a reload usually fixes that. 😀
 
If you get a Thermaltake Lanbox, you should be able to fit a Zalman CNPS 7700 or a Thermaltake Blue Orb II (I heard the Zalman better though) in there.
Click to expand...
I took a look. The location of the support bars seem to allow more room for experimentation, but the PSU is right above the CPU and the case exhaust fan is on the other side. While this make sense for for blow down coolers like the orbs and radials, it really limits the whole 3inch clearance situation. The apevia and ultra cases have the case fan on the same side as the cpu and a good bit of open space above the cpu(barring the support members)


Hmmm...maybe to bypass the 3" restriction you could get a cooler like an SI-128 or something and mount the fan UNDER the fins instead of over? Might take some modding but that might be able to work. The XP-120 won't allow this, but some of Thermalright's other coolers are open under the fins, so maybe you can fit a fan (maybe slightly less than 120mm) in that space.
Click to expand...
I had high hopes after hearing this one. It's an innovative idea, but the SI-128 is 90mm tall. The rear opening for the M/B tray is 3inches or ~75mm.


The cnps8000 seems to be the only plug'n'play heatpipe solution. But jonnyGURU's little project has kinda inspired me. The abit fatality I90-HD has the 775 socket pretty close to the top edge, which might leave enough room to fit a tower cooler in the north/south configuration after removing the support bar sections. I'll do some mock-ups in 3d and maybe post a small animation back here when I'm done.

Many thanks to VinDSL for hosting the pics.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top