O/C CPU Temp and case fans

[jesterb84]

I got a good deal on an M0 E2160 and currently running @ 3.0GHz with 9 x 333 stock cooling. I did Small FFTs (Prime95) for about 20 minutes and the temperature maxed out at 72C, about 1 degree below the 73.2 max operating spec. I was wondering if buying 3 additional case fans would have any significant impact on the CPU temperature.

I am using a Cool Master 690 case (1 front intake, 1 back exhaust, and 1 side intake). I can buy 3 more fans so I have 1 more additional side intake (blowing directly at the CPU), and 2 top exhausts on top of the CPU.

At this point, I am not interested in clocking > 3.0GHz. I would just like to work on lowering temps. I am aware that for a little more, I can buy an Arctic Freezer Pro but:

1. I have never cleaned thermal grease, am feeling a little uncomfortable about that.
2. I figured case fans would also help cool other components besides the CPU.

Please let me know what you guys think - is getting 3 more case fans going to make much difference on my CPU temperature? I'm probably looking to get Small FFTs temp to about 66-69C if possible.

 

[The Bakery]

You'd be better off purchasing a more efficient heatsink in my opinion.

Unless the ambient temperature in the case is ridiculous.

More fans will add noise and energy consumption, plus they could disturb the
air flow within your case. A better heatsink and fan combo will remove the heat
better, and save you the extra power and noise. If your case isn't cramped, I'd
be more worried about getting the heat off that CPU than I would be worried
about how fast it gets removed from the case.

Thermal grease can be removed easily with a card or razor - and wiped clean with
rubbing alcohol. When you apply the grease again, place a small dot roughly the
size of a grain of rice or smaller to the CPU, and let the heatsink press the compound
flat when you clamp it down.

Arctic Silver 5 is a safe bet for thermal compound.

Edit - Typo

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: The Bakery
You'd be better off purchasing a more efficient heatsink in my opinion.

Very true. The only time that wouldn't be true would be if you have zero case fans.

Arctic Silver 5 is a safe bet for thermal compound.

Actually, the Arctic Cooling MX-1 that comes pre-applied to the Arctic Cooling heatsinks is slightly better than AS5.

 

[jesterb84]

Thanks, I'm going to check out the Arctic Cooling Alpine 7. It got a pretty good review on Anandtech and best of all, it has the compound pre-applied. I know the Freezer Pro is also very good value but is also over double the cost (at least where I live). I just need something simple to keep load temps as close as possible to 60C @ 2.9-3GHz.

As an aside, this afternoon I went to my local computer store and bought an extra 120mm side fan for my 690 case. Prime95 Small FFTs load -2C - not bad for $8! I'm hoping the Alpine 7 + another top 120mm exhaust fan will bring temps down by 5C+ if I'm lucky.