Small Form Factor CPU Cooling

[counterpoint]

Looking at a few microATX cases, mini towers, MicroFly, even Shuttle. Been wondering just how much room do I have to fit CPU HSFs?

Prospective CPU is an Athlon64 X2 (AM2). Some of these HSFs I look at are pretty large, especially the quiet ones. Any suggestions on models?

 

[Talcite]

the majority of the time, you're limited by height in these SFF cases.

I'd suggest one of the zalman CNPS coolers, especially the 7000 or 7700. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if they come in AM2 socket flavours.

 

[counterpoint]

Those look very promising. They both claim socket 940 compat, which I presume is the AM2 (I've seen it associated somewhere). The 7700 looks much wider, that has me concerned about whether it might push up against the memory banks or other components of a uATX board.

 

[Talcite]

unfortunately, socket 940 and AM2 are not the same.

While 940 and AM2 have the same number of pins, their HSF mounting holes are different. I believe AM2 has two holes while 940 has 4.

I don't think it'd be impossible to get a custom mount, but I'd recommend against it.

Check the CNPS 8800. It's supposedly designed for sff PCs.

There's also a few other HSFs that come to mind, but it really depends on the limitations of the SFF case.

If you want to look at reviews for each SFF case, check out www.sffclub.com. They also list any dimension restrictions in the case.

If you decide on a specific case, it would be much easier to find a specific cooling solution. What's the budget for the case? and how much value do you place on aesthetic qualities?

 

[counterpoint]

I am mostly looking for unobtrusiveness. The machine is going to be running headless most of the time, on the side, but it has to sit in a fairly small area and stay cool. I'd like to spend under $150 on case/PSU, if that is possible.

 

[Skott]

The Qmicra case allows for a Zalman 9500 to run inside. It also will fit a 8800GTX. Its pricey though.

 

[Talcite]

I take it this system is to be a server of sorts? The Ultra micro fly is probably the cheapest case you can get that's still half decent.

I don't know if you can get both for $150. The corsair HX520 is probably the cheapest decent PSU I would touch. Give it a try, I think you'd be over 150 after taxes though.

 

[Jhhnn]

I've never appreciated the current rage for the cube-type micro cases, except maybe in places where there's limited overhead clearance.

Some of the microtowers are a lot more practical in most situations, and don't offer the kind of complications wrt psu's, cpu coolers, or vidcards.

I particularly like some of the V and Z series inwins- depending on the model, they breathe well, accept standard PSU's,vidcards and cpu coolers in a considerably smaller frame than most midtowers... the stock psu's aren't junque, either, being adequate for most systems...

Check 'em out- they're nice, stout, full featured little cases.

 

[counterpoint]

Thanks for all the advice.