using case as extended heatsink

[eklass]

just curious if anyone has attempted to create a bridge between thier heatsink and thier case to make use of the extra metal surrounding as a huge heatsink. i couldn't think of any huge reprocussions, other than your case possibly heating up a slight amount (if any). what do you think? would it be worth a shot (to see if it works)? or do you think a heatsink properly applied with fans is going to be the best you could get for air cooling. all comments are appreciated.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I think you reach a point where heat will not travel (conduct) over long distances in the metal. I could be wrong.

For instance, a HSF will be more efficient with its short fins projecting from the cpu and having all of that surface area "cooled" by the fan. The heat travels along the many short fins and is removed by the cooling air rushing over the fins.

This is more efficient than having one long cubed shaped solid metal attached to the CPU whose length is a foot (away from the CPU).

I hope someone else will post with a more "scientific" answer.

 

[eklass]

so is it concievable that it will make even a slight difference?

 

[salman327]

Well the American flag is Red, White, and Blue so anythings possible. Blah! Bloo! Bleeh!

 

[salman327]

Actually I don't think it would help, because you have to have all of it cooled...hence why you don't see a huge piece of copper on the chip...because the internal copper has no way of being cooled

 

[eklass]

the case would be a passive cooling device (like a heatsink without a fan on a graphics card

 

[salman327]

I don't know how well it would work. It's worth a shot if you really wanna try it.