Can I use a *laptop* CPU cooler on a *desktop* CPU?

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Elf_Knight

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Nov 9, 2013
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Hi folks!

I am making an ultra low profile system in a custom case and need a cpu cooler less than 7cm (basically shorter than a motherboard I/O). I found some old parts from mac or hp laptops where they have a CPU cooler/fan replacement. I was wondering if I made my own modded custom mount for the cooler along with a copper block to dissipate the heat would it be powerful enough to cool an Intel Pentium G3420? I won't overclock it but I need something really low profile and even the stock Intel cooler is pretty tall for my purposes. I wanted something like the Corsair SF cooler that exhausts the air out of the side instead of the top but the standoffs are still too tall. I might get that and make them shorter or get shorter standoffs but I wanted to know if there was anything else out there to do the job.

Many thanks in advance!
 
Solution
nicaragua37321
I did that once with an old HP cooler, and it worked to my surprise after some heavy modding. I think you'd be safe, but it would get pretty hot in there. Try and put it on and see if the unit gets too hot, and if it is too hot for your preferences, then try something else. It's mainly trail and error you're experimenting with, but props for trying to make a low profile build out of spare parts!
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nicaragua37321

nicaragua37321

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Aug 19, 2016
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I did that once with an old HP cooler, and it worked to my surprise after some heavy modding. I think you'd be safe, but it would get pretty hot in there. Try and put it on and see if the unit gets too hot, and if it is too hot for your preferences, then try something else. It's mainly trail and error you're experimenting with, but props for trying to make a low profile build out of spare parts!
 
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KyleADunn

KyleADunn

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Jul 8, 2014
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As long as there's good contact and it's sturdy, what you're doing is essentially what they use to cool desktop CPUs in those up-right All-in-One desktop computers. I would look to see if there's copper on the laptop heatsink though. Still, this is not an ideal cooling solution. lol

Have you considered an AIO closed loop water solution, with the radiator and fan somewhere on the custom case where there's more room?
 
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Elf_Knight

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Nov 9, 2013
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None of those fit the LGA 1150 socket that are low profile enough. I need the case lid to be on the same level as the I/O plate/shield basically around 8cm tall. I might have to use the stock intel cooler but I will try to mod a cooler and see. Would be cool if I could get one to exhaust heat out the side but I dunno if that's possible.
 
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