Need to build a PC that can survive

[strend]

I need to build PCs that are a respectable speed, but can operate in 120F with little to no airflow. These PCs don't need to be FAST, just snappy. They will be running 5-10 SAP sessions at once-and nothing else.

Currently I'm running P2 350s.

I was thinking of either A64 or AXPM, underclocking to 1ghz or so. I don't think either CPU would have issues with the heat, but I am a little worried about the chipset and power supply.

Anyone have any Ideas?

 

[MrControversial]

Computers aren't designed to work in the heat. At work we had a couple of older PC's acting as servers in hot closets (before I came) and they burned up in no time. I wouldn't suggest anything but vapochill because otherwise you'll just be sucking in hot air or hot water which does nothing.

 

[akira34]

Look into using the mini ITX solutions from Via... You can get the boards with 1GHz processors that are designed to work with little or no fans. I'm about to build one (or two) in the near future. One will be as a micro server and the other will become a PVR box...

 

[strend]

Thanks for the info akira, that's just what I'm looking for. This wouldn't be an issue really if management would just let me cut holes and install fans in the damn boxes the PCs are in.


Water cooling isn't an option-I have a budget of about $400 a unit to do this

 

[idioth]

Originally posted by: MrControversial
Computers aren't designed to work in the heat. At work we had a couple of older PC's acting as servers in hot closets (before I came) and they burned up in no time. I wouldn't suggest anything but vapochill because otherwise you'll just be sucking in hot air or hot water which does nothing.

just because they aren't generally meant for operating in hot environments doesn't mean they can't be meant for operating in the heat. i work at a place that uses mostly off-the-shelf parts to build computer equipment that runs in extreme environmental conditions. i just ran some tests not too long ago that passed a 4+ hour 52C/125F ambient operational test. it's all in how you manage the heat.

though... i don't know how much luck you'd have doing something like what we do for $400, heh.

 

[akira34]

Check your local Home Depot, Sears, or hardware store for small AC fans. How many systems do you need to cool? For $400, you might be able to do a few systems running off of a large radiator and pump (with blocks and such). Or just get an AC unit and connect that to the back of the case (or front, or run ducting to what's holding the systems). Make sure you run tubing to take the water that will drip out of the AC and get rid of it safely.

For $400, you should be able to get a decent size (or pair of) AC wall units and ducting to connect them up to where the systems are...

I just ordered up one of the Via mobo's, case, and cd-rom drive (for the slim style case)... I have a hard drive and memory stick to use... Total cost (with what I don't have) is coming to about $250 (or less)... Depending on the size drive you need, you could do it for under $400 a system (plus OS costs)... I can only imagine how many you could cram into a small space... Especially with the size of the Molex 3688 cases...