Underclocking?

[TwoFlower]

I whant to quite down a computer to a minimum. Is there possible to underclock a CPU so that you dont need to have a fan on it? Which CPU should I go for then (I whas hoping for a value system)?

 

[Blobby]

I'd be interested too - I want to build a cheapish box with tv out for watching divx/dvds, so it doesn't need to be too fast. My K6/533 almost can handle it, but some higher quality divxs choke it. I'm thinking either C3 or a Celeron if I can get the Celeron to run cool enough to use just a heat sink with no fan. I figure the C3 & the Celerons are about the same price but Celeron would probably be more useful down the road. Anyone running one with just passive cooling?
Thanks,
Bobby

 

[mrzed]

If you undervolt a celeron Tualatin, have a large, efficient heatsink, and decent case airflow, it should be quite possible.

The C3's do it no problem. Tualatin celeron's need a bit more attention.

This thread contains a little more info from someone who has actually done it.

If you need a bit of power, I agree the Tualatin would be the best bet. You can probably run a 1.2 Gig at 1.2V if you get really lucky. Even at 1.3 it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[Zap]

What is easier to do instead of aiming for a fanless CPU heatsink would be to aim for a quieter fan. I think this would be much easier to do. For instance, get a Tualatin Celeron (any speed, though my guess is that the slower ones like the 1.0A run cooler), undervolt it slightly and run the retail box HSF using the 7 volt trick. This should run really quiet, yet be fairly powerful.