Do i need a new HSF?

PANDA125 · Feb 12, 2014

Hello,

I suspect my computer is running too hot from reading other posts.
I noticed the temps when i was deciding to overclock or not (i am not overclocked).
Do i need a new CPU Cooler?

This is my first time posting so hopefully i have all the info.

My System:
Win 7 64bit
Intel i7 920 2.67GHz (Socket 1366)
CPU Fan: Zalman CNPS9500 AT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118003 with 1366 mounting kit
MOBO: P6T Deluxe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131346
CASE: Lian-Li 4U PC-C32B Rackmount Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112147

More info:
I had this computer since 2009.
All fans are pointed to the back of the case to exhaust.
Cleaned CPU Cooler.
Re-applied thermal compound.
Cable managed (nothing obstructing the airflow path)
I have my "Asus Q-Fan" set to "Standard" which is defined as "When set to standard, the CPU and/or Chassis fan automtically adjusts depending on the temp" on the Mobo manual.

Temperature readings from HWMonitor:
All cores min: 47C (116F) ~ 50C (122)
All cores max: 69C (156.4F) ~ 74C (165.2F)

RealTemp v3.70:
Sensor Test Results:
Avg to TJMax on all cores @100% = 26~30 ; @88.2% = 28.8 ~ 32.4 ; @75.8% = 31.5 ~ 35.1......@7.3% = 47.9 ~ 50.8

IF you guys conclude that i need a new CPU Cooler, can you guys help point a way to a fan that's:

Because i work with audio i need one that is as QUIET as possible.
Form factor and real estate that will best suite a 4U Rackmount case. I think the current Zalman's height site comfortably without touching the top of the case (85(L) X 112(W) X 125(H) mm).
I would also like to replace my 2x 120mm case fans for something more quiet and efficient as well.

Best Regards,

DonnyTechMaster · Feb 13, 2014

As long as the temps. don't exceed 185f (85c) you should be fine. After temps. exceed that your processor could become damaged.

hunter315 · Feb 13, 2014

If you are sitting at your desktop you are at 47C? If so that is really high and you should confirm that the cooler is mounted firmly.

That cooler also isn't too good, but i would still expect it to be doing better than that. But to add some real numbers to this, frosty tech measured that cooler at 29.6C above room temp when cooling a 150W load, this puts it pretty far down the list. For a reference the Hyper 212 Evo was measured with a deviation of 15.9C and 6 dB less than the zalman. The ball coolers look neat, but really aren't that good since they simply don't have the same surface area as a tower cooler.
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2762&page=5

PANDA125 · Feb 13, 2014

hunter315 :

I have an update and would like to know what you guys think.

I had a giant Noctua NH-U12P 1366SE that wasnt used because it didn't fit in my Lian-Li rackmount case. I learned yesterday that it would fit in my Internet computer, a tower case. i decided to install the NH-U12P on it today. The temperature on this computer before the swap was very similar to the results from the studio computer (original post) but after the switch i ran a stress test with Realtemp and here are the #'s i got in HWMonitor:

with L.N.A installed. (Low-Noise Adapter; 1100RPM; 16.9db)
All cores Min: 34C (93F) ~ 39C (102F)
All cores Max: 61C (141F) ~ 66C (150F)

They have improved in cooling but how are these #'s to you?

Also, because of this..."Test" if you will, i should be able to assume a similar improvement with the studio computer as both computers are in the same room. So, i started to look at custom Digital Audio Workstation PC's and i noticed that even though they have some different CPU fans, they do have the Noctua NH-U9B in common (sweetwater.com, ADK Pro Audio).
I checked the dimensions of its heatsink and it will definitely fit my Lian-Li rackmount as well (125 x 95 x 120mm).
I also checked some reviews from the web and youtube, they are mostly positive.

So, im assuming again but this seems like a good enough reason for me to invest in the Noctua NH-U9B for the studio computer. Unless you guys disagree.

Lastly, i didnt expect Noctua's 120mm to be so expensive...

Any thoughts?

Regards,

DonnyTechMaster · Feb 14, 2014

PANDA125 :

hunter315 :

I have an update and would like to know what you guys think.

I had a giant Noctua NH-U12P 1366SE that wasnt used because it didn't fit in my Lian-Li rackmount case. I learned yesterday that it would fit in my Internet computer, a tower case. i decided to install the NH-U12P on it today. The temperature on this computer before the swap was very similar to the results from the studio computer (original post) but after the switch i ran a stress test with Realtemp and here are the #'s i got in HWMonitor:

with L.N.A installed. (Low-Noise Adapter; 1100RPM; 16.9db)
All cores Min: 34C (93F) ~ 39C (102F)
All cores Max: 61C (141F) ~ 66C (150F)

They have improved in cooling but how are these #'s to you?

Also, because of this..."Test" if you will, i should be able to assume a similar improvement with the studio computer as both computers are in the same room. So, i started to look at custom Digital Audio Workstation PC's and i noticed that even though they have some different CPU fans, they do have the Noctua NH-U9B in common (sweetwater.com, ADK Pro Audio).
I checked the dimensions of its heatsink and it will definitely fit my Lian-Li rackmount as well (125 x 95 x 120mm).
I also checked some reviews from the web and youtube, they are mostly positive.

So, im assuming again but this seems like a good enough reason for me to invest in the Noctua NH-U9B for the studio computer. Unless you guys disagree.

Lastly, i didnt expect Noctua's 120mm to be so expensive...

Any thoughts?

Regards,

Those temps aren't that bad. You aren't going to get extremely low temps without water cooling, so for air cooling these temps are pretty good.

PANDA125 · Feb 15, 2014

DonnyTechMaster :

Thank you.
Yea, i gave water cooling a look but def not something i can fit in this particular case, shucks =\.

Ill look around some more and see if i can find anything better than the Noctua's

.

hunter315 · Feb 15, 2014

Those temps are much better than with the Zalman, i usually try to keep load <60C but you are pretty close so it shouldn't be bad for you in the long run. Easiest way to improve temps is to get a normal sized down cooler, the Noctua NH-U9B is a 92mm cooler, the 120mm towers have about 70% more surface area which greatly helps in cooling, you can use slower fans and end up at the same temperature, the only issue may be that it could be too tall for your 4U case. The common cheap recommendation is the Hyper 212 Evo or the 212+(which ever is cheapest), the Evo would cut about 15C off of what you were seeing at load with the Zalman, and probably another 8 off of what you are seeing with the noctua. If the hyper series are too tall, check out frostytech to see a list of good low profile heatsinks that will fit in your case.

Also, yeah the silent fans are expensive because they can be, the ones that aren't marketed as silent are wayyy cheaper and at moderate speeds still arent super noisey. My computer makes a gentle woooshing noise when on with 3 normal fans going, not silent, but not loud, and with pandora on you can't hear it at all.

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