Peltier Setup, am I going to run into problems.

[wonder mike]

This is my first peltier setup please let me know if I'm gonna blow up my case with my setup.

Coated both sides of the the slocket with an arrylic plastic coat.
Used a closed cell foam and silicone to seal the cpu heatsink pelt together. It's air tight.
Running with an alpha heatsink.
Took a bag of silica (stuff you find in shoe boxes to reduce humidity) strapped it on the back on the slocket.

I'm I gonna blow this up? Should I take any other precautions.


Thanks

 

[wonder mike]

damn i rarely get a post in the threads i start? what the heck i'm a writing wrong?

 

[Dexion]

Your not doing anything wrong. Most people on anandtech stay away from peltiers. I have used several peltier systems for quite a bit now with both good and bad results.

You are actually taking very good precautions!! Good to see the research! However even with all these "barriers" to protect the CPU, its still not 100% condensation free(and I don't think there is a way without expensive insulating techniques).

1) At least 300Watt power supply!
2) Make sure you have at least RC5 or Seti@home running on your system to keep the CPU above zero temperature(reducing the chance of condensation)
3) Monitor your temperatures at all times! Have a precautionary software such as ShutDownNow! installed incase your away or asleep when RC5/Seti@home/"Full Load" software suddenly quits
4) Running this system 24/7 makes a higher chance of something failing, either windows crashing, peltier giving up or fan stopping.
5) Never use CPU cooling software like CPUcool and Rain.
6) Once every 3 months check your CPU if theirs any "wear or tear", remount it with silicone and thermal grease, and replace with new close cell foam(it distorts after time being under pressure).

 

[spamboy]

I'm getting ready to run a Peltier setup soon, too, and I was wondering where we can download ShutDownNow from. I'd actaully want it more for when the Peltier fails than if my temp-raising program fails...

Dexion, how much do you know about installing one on FC-PGA chips? Any precautions? I'm gonna use a copper block, too. Will I be able to clamp the heatsink down with all that extra stuff in between, and is it going to crush the core from having extra pressure? Should I bend the clamp to reduce the pressure a little?

 

[Dexion]

<< Dexion, how much do you know about installing one on FC-PGA chips? Any precautions? I'm gonna use a copper block, too. Will I be able to clamp the heatsink down with all that extra stuff in between, and is it going to crush the core from having extra pressure? Should I bend the clamp to reduce the pressure a little? >>



I had had FC-PGA, SLOT 1 and have tried on even more recent Durons &amp; Tbirds(Not peltier friendly). I suggest using a cold plate or if your using a water block(for water cooling) its best to either get a copper shim to eliminate the air gap between the CPU and the block. You can clamp the heatsink, definately becareful with the pressure though, just enough so that the contact between the core and the copper plate or block is FIRM and won't slide or &quot;see-saw&quot; around.
Link here with a clamp: P3125 mod

heres the link for Shutdown Now! or SHDN! for Motherboard Monitor 4.0 or 5.0
Shutdown Now!

 

[Dexion]

Another thing, for Coppermines I don't suggest Peltiers beyond 72watt(unless your overclocking over 1Ghz). The heat output from the CPU is rather tame(compared to Tbirds) and with anything more powerful it would definately be close to or below ambient temperature(condensation).

One thing I must remind you of, Peltiers don't do wonders! More cooling power comes more responsibility! As I learned the hard way loosing a 650E@963 do to severe condensation even with the most precautions.

 

[spamboy]

Thanks for the warnings! This is only a 52 watt Peltier, it should help keep the temp from going below freezing, but even at that, I know it is still risky.


But it's FUN!

 

[compuwiz1]

The gain of using a peltier is not worth all the bs and risk. Peltiers are especially hard on the new fc-pga. I know of several that have been killed by them. The cores are fragile and do not hold up well to extremes. You are better off with a good cooler, like an Alpha and the best cpu you can find. Anyone who has ever had a pelier will tell you they generate alot of case heat, as the heat pull of the heatsink side can make the heatsink not only warm, but downright hot. IMO the benefits are negligible considering the costs / risks.

 

[Dexion]

I can't disagree to Compuwiz! Peltiers have both advantages and disadvantages. It can significantly lower your CPU temperature enabling you to reach a higher clockrate, however, it creates A LOT of heat within the case. Without efficient air cooling for the case, your not likely able to get that &quot;lower&quot; CPU temp. Infact, you might even get a higher temperature. There is definately more hassle, more risk and more overall heat emitting from the whole computer. Weighing both Pros and Cons of using a peltier, there is little reason to even use one.

Being a previous peltier user with experience, I don't recommend peltiers to new users. Heck, Im NOT even using one currently. A small collection of Peltiers are neatly packed away inside my desk.

 

[compuwiz1]

Dexion, I know what you mean about the collection of peltiers. I have a couple myself. It was as if life was not complete until I at least tried it. I currently run only air cooling.

 

[wonder mike]

before pelt 633@950 rock solid after pelt only 997.5 rock solid. do i qualify for the ghz club or am i, an almost that never was.

 

[Renob]

Wounder Mike sorry but the holly grail is 1000mhz you are so close but no cigar. Try upping your fsb 1mhz and youl be there. Good luck and have fun thats what this is all about....I think?????????????????

 

[wonder mike]

just wanted to let you guys know the processor got fried

 

[MaJik]

Uhg... fried? them are bad words.
how?

 

[compuwiz1]