Overclocking in an HTPC case?

[atybimf]

I really, really like the Silverstone SST-LC17. I have a DFI Lanparty nF4 Ultra-D, soon will have an Opteron 165, and Mushkin XP4000 RAM. Needless to say, I'm gonna be oc'ing! However, I'm worried I'll have temperature problems in the LC17. But, keep in mind that unlike most HTPC cases, the LC17 has two 80mm exhaust fans instead of 60mm's. So basically what I'm asking is if I'm going to run into too many heat issues with my overclocked components in the LC17?

BTW, I'm thinking a Scythe Ninja with a 120mm Nexus blowing through the Ninja towards the two exhaust fans would work really nicely, but I'm worried the Ninja's too big for the case!? Anyone know?

 

[potato28]

The case is 6.7" tall. If the Ninja is 1.1cm tall, it could fit inside the case...? (sorry, uses metric and dont know how to convert )

 

[imhungry]

I don't think a ninja will fit in there.

They are HUGE.

 

[atybimf]

Originally posted by: potato28
The case is 6.7" tall. If the Ninja is 1.1cm tall, it could fit inside the case...? (sorry, uses metric and dont know how to convert )

Haha, yeah I tried that and it looked to me like there would be clearance, but you have to account for the mobo on it's standoffs and the HS mounting bracket so I wasn't sure.

Originally posted by: imhungry
I don't think a ninja will fit in there.

They are HUGE.

That's why I asked if anyone knew for sure..

 

[atybimf]

Anybody?

 

[atybimf]

Bump for an answer?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

HTPC and OC is a kind of oxymoron.

For a quiet home theater PC one does not put heat into a small box. It could be done but with WCing.

Give it a few days. There has to be someone here who has tried using a small case with a large Ninja.


...Galvanized

 

[atybimf]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
HTPC and OC is a kind of oxymoron.

For a quiet home theater PC one does not put heat into a small box. It could be done but with WCing.

Give it a few days. There has to be someone here who has tried using a small case with a large Ninja.


...Galvanized

Thanks Galvanized, that's what I was thinking as well, just asking for a second opinion.

 

[JackBurton]

Here you go. Nice and quiet too.

 

[atybimf]

That's a pretty nice little WC setup. Good find JackBurton.

 

[Zap]

I overclock my HTPC. Of course I'm using a mobile CPU so my heat output is low to begin with.

 

[atybimf]

Originally posted by: Zap
I overclock my HTPC. Of course I'm using a mobile CPU so my heat output is low to begin with.

Yeah. I'll be running an Opteron so that's not quite the case

 

[Zap]

Well, depends on how hard you push it and how much voltage it needs. I was running my x2 3800+ at 2.5GHz default voltage with a HSF from a Sempron 2600+. Well, of course the heatsinks are identical, just the Sempron has a lower CFM fan. It worked fine.

My HTPC setup is currently a mobile Celeron 1.6GHz @2.4GHz, 1GB RAM, CoolerMaster ATC-620 HTPC case, Geforce 6800LE video with CoolerMaster Cool VIVA heatpipe cooler and a Zalman 7000AlCu on the CPU.

Playing around with the mobile Celerons, the biggest drop in temperature seems to be lower voltage. My suggestion is to see how far you can push it on default voltage. Also, some CPUs can overclock even undervolted and if your CPU can do that...

Something else I've noticed with all my socket 754 and 939 CPUs, plus my mobile P4 in my server. When overclocking and changing vcore, the CPU will tend to overclock fine on minimum voltage until suddenly, at some point, the CPU starts needing more and more voltage for smaller and smaller gains in speed. Figure out where that is and set your overclock to just before that ramp-up. For instance, your Opteron 165 is 1.8GHz, right? What if you can overclock it to 2.4GHz on default or undervolted, then 2.5GHz needs a touch more, then 2.6GHz needs a bunch more, then 2.7GHz can be hit stable but only with a huge vcore boost. Well, for the HTPC in a restrictive case, leave the overclock at 2.4GHz with the lowest vcore. <-- those numbers are just examples

 

[atybimf]

Originally posted by: Zap
Something else I've noticed with all my socket 754 and 939 CPUs, plus my mobile P4 in my server. When overclocking and changing vcore, the CPU will tend to overclock fine on minimum voltage until suddenly, at some point, the CPU starts needing more and more voltage for smaller and smaller gains in speed. Figure out where that is and set your overclock to just before that ramp-up. For instance, your Opteron 165 is 1.8GHz, right? What if you can overclock it to 2.4GHz on default or undervolted, then 2.5GHz needs a touch more, then 2.6GHz needs a bunch more, then 2.7GHz can be hit stable but only with a huge vcore boost. Well, for the HTPC in a restrictive case, leave the overclock at 2.4GHz with the lowest vcore. <-- those numbers are just examples

I've noticed this as well, and I think that's a really good idea because I'm fine with not having the highest clock possible on low volts instead of pushing the limits. I just may do that. Thanks Zap.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

Don't be afraid. With the LC-17, I find the biggest/best cooler to be the Arctic Colling Freezer 64. It's linear flow works well with the A8N-32 and the 2 rear 80mm. I'm sure the DFI will work out fine. The NV Silencer vid cooler is excellent with this box.

 

[atybimf]

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
Don't be afraid. With the LC-17, I find the biggest/best cooler to be the Arctic Colling Freezer 64. It's linear flow works well with the A8N-32 and the 2 rear 80mm. I'm sure the DFI will work out fine. The NV Silencer vid cooler is excellent with this box.

I really like the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 so this is good news. BTW, are you saying this from experience? Either way, you bring up a good idea.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

I'm gaining lots of experience with this setup. I had the guts running on the tabletop for a week, while I waited for the case. I've had the case for a week now, and although I mostly like it, it's a really, really tight fit. You know how people in commercials shut their suitcases, by jumping on them until it latches? It's almost that bad. I'm planning a custom wiring job to clean things up in there.

1. Silverstone says the LC-17 will hold 6 HDs. Technically true, but, if you use a real video card it won't clear one of the cages with drives installed. So that's 3 drives. Mounting 3 drives in one cage leaves no space between drives, so it's really down to 2 drives.

2. I strongly suggest custom wiring in this box, at least a PS with detachable cables.

3. There's 2 slots for optical drives, but I find the lower slot would be nearly impossible to use. I have a Plextor carried over from my last PC. It's got a pretty long chassis, and barely clears the CPU heatsink.

4. Lots of semi-rough edges to cut yourself with!

5. The included 80mm's have a pretty good motorboat sound when at 12V, but I turned them way down with Speedfan and they're great.

6. Don't hook up the front panel LEDs. They are really bright and distracting, esp. the HDD light. Power light? I know the PC is on, I'm using it. HD light? Who cares?

Other than that, it's great! Seriously, I'll be happier with the LC-17 when I'm at the point of less tinkering and more using. Recomended, but for grown-ups only.

ps I'm impressed with the quality of the construction. Definately not cheesey.

 

[atybimf]

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
I'm gaining lots of experience with this setup. I had the guts running on the tabletop for a week, while I waited for the case. I've had the case for a week now, and although I mostly like it, it's a really, really tight fit. You know how people in commercials shut their suitcases, by jumping on them until it latches? It's almost that bad. I'm planning a custom wiring job to clean things up in there.

1. Silverstone says the LC-17 will hold 6 HDs. Technically true, but, if you use a real video card it won't clear one of the cages with drives installed. So that's 3 drives. Mounting 3 drives in one cage leaves no space between drives, so it's really down to 2 drives.

2. I strongly suggest custom wiring in this box, at least a PS with detachable cables.

3. There's 2 slots for optical drives, but I find the lower slot would be nearly impossible to use. I have a Plextor carried over from my last PC. It's got a pretty long chassis, and barely clears the CPU heatsink.

4. Lots of semi-rough edges to cut yourself with!

5. The included 80mm's have a pretty good motorboat sound when at 12V, but I turned them way down with Speedfan and they're great.

6. Don't hook up the front panel LEDs. They are really bright and distracting, esp. the HDD light. Power light? I know the PC is on, I'm using it. HD light? Who cares?

Other than that, it's great! Seriously, I'll be happier with the LC-17 when I'm at the point of less tinkering and more using. Recomended, but for grown-ups only.

ps I'm impressed with the quality of the construction. Definately not cheesey.

Sounds fine for me. I only have one hard drive, and I have a modular PSU . Thanks a ton, it's nice hearing from someone who actually ones the case

 

[BUrassler]

I have the Freezer 64 PRO..... Its Great!!!

 

[imported_ST]

Originally posted by: atybimf
I really, really like the Silverstone SST-LC17. I have a DFI Lanparty nF4 Ultra-D, soon will have an Opteron 165, and Mushkin XP4000 RAM. Needless to say, I'm gonna be oc'ing! However, I'm worried I'll have temperature problems in the LC17. But, keep in mind that unlike most HTPC cases, the LC17 has two 80mm exhaust fans instead of 60mm's. So basically what I'm asking is if I'm going to run into too many heat issues with my overclocked components in the LC17?

BTW, I'm thinking a Scythe Ninja with a 120mm Nexus blowing through the Ninja towards the two exhaust fans would work really nicely, but I'm worried the Ninja's too big for the case!? Anyone know?

No issues with OC'ing here in the case...works great with XP90C. Did you get your Ninja to fit or ?