I just installed a boxed retail Athlon 1200 in my Antec KS-188 case, and I became concerned about higher than expected temperatures (33 degrees C motherboard and 63 degrees C CPU). I corrected this in part by deinstalling Asus Probe, which has errors in the CPU temperature, and installing Motherboard Monitor 5. That reduced the readings to 33 / 55. I am also improving the airflow in the case.
This case has problems with air flow because its three fan mounting positions are covered by sheet metal containing lots of small holes. The small holes add resistance to the air flow. Today I decided to open up the fan holes. I took out my trusty drill and saber saw. Removed all electrical components. Cut two octagonal holes for the rear outlet fans (following the hole pattern, cut outside the holes to get a smooth edge) and a circular hole for the front intake fan. Chased the sharp edges with a file. I also removed two blanks from the front of the lower 3.5" bay enclosures to get more inlet area. After reassembling the system, I felt the air flow with my hand, and it seemed like twice the flow from the case fans. The case temperature and the CPU temperature dropped 2 degrees C, to 31 / 53 on a hot day. So, that's three hours of work for 2 degrees C. You judge whether it was worth it. I think so.🙂
The case also needs more hot air exhaust near the CPU. To rectify this problem, I have ordered a Super Duper slot cooler. No results yet, but I'm expecting 29/51 or better when complete and I guess 55 CPU under full load.
I have low volume, quiet case fans (80 mm PC Power and Cooling Silencer fans). I know I could do "better" in the cooling department with more powerful, noisier fans, but I prefer it this way. Slow and easy. Now, with this mod, the fans have a chance to work.
This case has problems with air flow because its three fan mounting positions are covered by sheet metal containing lots of small holes. The small holes add resistance to the air flow. Today I decided to open up the fan holes. I took out my trusty drill and saber saw. Removed all electrical components. Cut two octagonal holes for the rear outlet fans (following the hole pattern, cut outside the holes to get a smooth edge) and a circular hole for the front intake fan. Chased the sharp edges with a file. I also removed two blanks from the front of the lower 3.5" bay enclosures to get more inlet area. After reassembling the system, I felt the air flow with my hand, and it seemed like twice the flow from the case fans. The case temperature and the CPU temperature dropped 2 degrees C, to 31 / 53 on a hot day. So, that's three hours of work for 2 degrees C. You judge whether it was worth it. I think so.🙂
The case also needs more hot air exhaust near the CPU. To rectify this problem, I have ordered a Super Duper slot cooler. No results yet, but I'm expecting 29/51 or better when complete and I guess 55 CPU under full load.
I have low volume, quiet case fans (80 mm PC Power and Cooling Silencer fans). I know I could do "better" in the cooling department with more powerful, noisier fans, but I prefer it this way. Slow and easy. Now, with this mod, the fans have a chance to work.
