Desktop PC Cooling - Suggestions Needed

Riczter on 24/06/2014 - 15:59
Last edited 24/06/2014 - 15:59

I've got no experience in this field, always just gone with a stock cooler on my PC Builds.
I just gave my mates computer the SSD Upgrade treatment, he's loving it so far, but the CPU fan and heatsink was pretty caked with dust, and today he was getting CPU Temp warnings at 70°C, and asked me about getting a new cooling solution. He's tried compressed but didn't do much.

So, my question is: What would you recommend as a better than stock fan (not water) cooling solution (heatsink and fan) to replace what he has currently? He wont be doing overclocking, but he wants something good to keep things as cool as possible. He has a big case so space shouldnt be an issue.

Can you recommend anything decent but good value?

Also how hard is it to replace yourself. Any good youtube videos you can link me? Is it a simple matter of removing the old fan and heatsink, and sticking on the new one? Do you need to clean the thermal paste off (how) and put new stuff on? Does the CPU stay attached to the motherboard? Are there different sizes for different mobos? ie ATX, mini ATX, ITX etc?

Appreciate your input.

Computing

Comments

  • CMichael on 24/06/2014 - 16:15
    +1

    If your friends computer has a lot of dust on the inside, make sure he knows to clean thoroughly and frequently with compressed air on the inside and clear all the dust buildup on the vents on the outside I use a vacuum for that. Don't use a vacuum on the inside of your computer directly on the sensitive parts, it's not recommended for one reason or another, usually static build up.

    I've found doing the above helps a lot with keeping temps down.

    For a CPU fan upgrade, I went with the CM Hyper 212 Evo, only costs around ~$35 and is designed for slight CPU overclocking, so even if you don't overclock it's still a brilliant upgrade.

    It's very easy to install. No real experience needed. Just be careful with disassembly/assembly and go easy with the thermal paste. Pea size should be all you need.

    The bracket that holds the new fan will be attached by a frame to the motherboard. I know the Hyper 212 has the ability to be installed on different motherboard sizes, can't remember exactly what size ones.

    Some say to spread the thermal paste, others say to leave it as a pea and it will spread by itself when you place the fan on. Use your own judgement here.

    Good luck!

    • CMichael on 24/06/2014 - 16:18

      Another thing to consider is the size of your friends case. The Hyper 212 is quite tall. Fits perfect in my mid size case though!

    • scrimshaw on 24/06/2014 - 21:19

      I use the Hyper TX3, which is the little brother of the Evo, and keeps my temps at around 40c even when overclocking.

      So if you want things as cheap as possible, invest in either the 212 Evo or TX3.

      • lucas001 on 30/06/2014 - 09:15

        I have the 212X and really recommend it, brilliant cooler (I got the X version as MSY ran out of stock of the normal one when I went there) my i5 4670K runs at 4400Mhz below 70C under full load.

  • Cheeper on 24/06/2014 - 16:52

    Stock cooling usually works fine on non overclocked setups.

    Remove the hsf & clean the old paste off both surfaces (metho will do) & re apply (just a thin coat) & refit the hsf.

    The last step is where most people fail… :-) Make sure it is square and secure. Should be sub 40c temp.

    Give the case a good clean out with a compressor.

  • scrimshaw on 24/06/2014 - 21:17
    +1

    Here is a guide:
    http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cooling-air-pressure-hea…

    and an explanation of positive air pressure
    http://www.silverstonetek.com/techtalk_cont.php?tid=wh_posit…

    If his comp attracts dust, it may be the way the cooling is set up — there is negative air pressure inside the case, dust gets into the computer through nooks and crannies and the air intakes don't have a dust filter.

    You want to avoid this situation if you want less dust in the case.

    In a nutshell:
    You need
    1. A positive ratio of intake airflow versus exhaust airflow — set it up so that your front case fan slots are maxed out, or installed with the largest possible fans to improve air flow.
    2. Air filters and meshes should be installed on intake fans. If you don't have mesh filters, you can buy filters very cheaply from eBay and DX/Focalprice. Or make your own.
    3. Some cases allow the PSU to be mounted upside down, if the case is designed for the PSU to be mounted on the bottom and it has a vent on the underside, you should flip the PSU so that the fan faces downwards so that it can intake cool air from the outside rather than acting as an exhaust for the PC.

    Here is a CPU cooling guide
    http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermal-paste-heat-sink-…
    Tells you what coolers to get, but for non overclockers the choice is much simpler — any 3rd party cooler is better than stock!

  • Riczter on 27/06/2014 - 16:48

    Thanks guys, great advice and suggestions, much appreciated.

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