xp-90 v zalman 7000

[bay]

I am rolling with some pretty high cpu temps due to my case being all quiet and little cool (Lian Li PC-6070B). I have a Zalman 7000 Al-Cu and im getting about 48 idle 56 load. So, i was wondering if I switched to a xp-90 if i would see better results.

 

[Mucker]

IMO, you would drop your temps considerably with a new case with 120mm fans. At the very least you need to cut out the restrictive grill on the rear exhaust fan. It's blocking alot of escape air. The dual fans in front are ok but there is not alot of path for air to get in through the bottom intake. Check your filter and make sure it's clean. If you could get more airflow through your case, temps would drop like a rock. I think you need to concentrate on that before changing the HSF...

m

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: bay
I am rolling with some pretty high cpu temps due to my case being all quiet and little cool (Lian Li PC-6070B). I have a Zalman 7000 Al-Cu and im getting about 48 idle 56 load. So, i was wondering if I switched to a xp-90 if i would see better results.

I have the exact case; and while there are defiantly cases with better cooling the 6070 isn't terrible when it comes to cooling. I have only one Panaflo L1A exhaust running at 50% and my system runs cooler with the case closed then open.

I should note I've modified mine a bit; the stamped grill in the back is replaced with a wire frame. The bottom intake has been opened up as well mostly to make better use of the filter and perhaps lower noise a bit, I don't think it has any impact on air flow. I'm also planning on adding a 2nd rear exhaust fan to keep the single L1A from ramping up during load, there is just enough room below the stock opening.

Also for the record, 48-66 load may be good depending what CPU you're running and what fan is on the XP-90.

 

[bay]

yeah im sorry i should have probably specified what cpu. it's a 3400 64 and i don't have cool and quiet enabled
mucker - I really have no interest in a new case. I like the quality of this case and especially it's whisper quiet operation.

operandi- was the move from the stock lian li fans to panaflo an improvement in temps? Just wondering because I just recieved 3 panaflos and have yet to install them.

 

[imported_July]

Using Antec Sonata case with 2 120mm fans, 3.2 p4 and XP-90, cant get it over 45C at full load!!!

 

[bay]

^^^ yeah...good for you. However, I'm not looking to invest in a new case especially one that has a plastic bezel. I've done the sonata thing, not doing it again.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Hehe. I don't think the difference will be that big unless you jam a tornado on that XP-90. The Zalman 7000Cu (I hope you got it) is for silence.

*Hear the Silence*

 

[Mucker]

Originally posted by: bay
^^^ yeah...good for you. However, I'm not looking to invest in a new case especially one that has a plastic bezel. I've done the sonata thing, not doing it again.

Now don't be getting all snooty with us plastic bezel guys Most of us with dual 120's are whisper quiet also and plenty cool. What socket 3400 CPU do you have? Also, most all mb's read CPU temp differently, some can be +/-5 to 10C off. Regardless, you will drop your temps if you can get some more airflow going (and that doesn't mean you have to be louder) Have you considered a top blow hole with a quiet 90mm fan? Adding another 80mm hole in the rear? Even taking out a spare 5.25 drive bay cover, drilling a neatly perforated pattern in it, and popping it back in will allow more air to get in through the front. These are just some suggestions...I think improved case airflow is your ticket.....

2 rules of thumb for optimal thermal management:

1. Transfer heat as efficiently as possible off all CPU's, GPU's, chipsets, etc..
2. Transfer heat as efficiently as possible out of the chassis.

m

 

[AristoV300]

The XP-90/120 is the best aircooling option available. For me it does much better job then the Zalman and installation is alot easier.

 

[bay]

no snootiness meant, just jest.

I agree with the idea of increasing airflow. It's just a difficult thing to do with this case. I think what I may do is:
1. cut the grill off the back fan which I'm sure is restricting airflow
2. Try to find a lian li side panel that has a built in 80mm fan

danke
b

 

[imported_July]

^^^ yeah...good for you...

 

[imported_July]

Good link regarding the xp-90


xp-90

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: bay
yeah im sorry i should have probably specified what cpu. it's a 3400 64 and i don't have cool and quiet enabled
mucker - I really have no interest in a new case. I like the quality of this case and especially it's whisper quiet operation.

operandi- was the move from the stock lian li fans to panaflo an improvement in temps? Just wondering because I just recieved 3 panaflos and have yet to install them.

I didn't bother with any performance testing; I did the switch mainly for the lower noise output. Regardless of fans, you should be able to cool you're system without too much work, enabling Cool n' Quiet would dramatically help. As for adding fans, you don't want a side panel fan (intake). If you want to improve the air flow adding another 80mm is the best option, a top mounted 80-92mm fan would be the 2nd best option.