Heatsink Fire Hazard? (hard to make a proper title)

Luigi_Master

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Aug 23, 2016
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Not sure if this is the right place for it; its job is to cool the CPU, but it's a 'component' in the grand scheme of this. In any case, this is going to be one of the most unusual questions, but here goes.

I have a Dell Optiplex 330 which I have since modified to accept a Xeon E5450 CPU. Everything works like intended, however, when I opened up Core Temp and Speccy, it told me the CPU was running at 60 degrees celcius, sometimes going above that. I've managed to pin point the problem to the Dell heatsink being designed in an odd way; it's basically being held in place by three little points, and this means the heatsink can tip. Turns out the heatsink was tipped, and making contact only with a corner of the CPU. So I proceeded to experiment by filling in the crevice with some paper towels to provide a tight fit, and completely level heatsink surface. Here's a picture of the end result.

uRzyDZk.jpg


However, I am rightfully concerned that the paper towel can be a possible fire hazard, so I'd like to ask for an alternative I can use. I've been told to use a sponge instead, another source says duct tape should work fine and not cause problems. I just need something that won't provide a fire hazard that can tighten the grip for the heatsinkg.

Before you ask: No, replacing the heatsink is entirely out of the question, this motherboard can only take proprietary Dell heatsinks. The crevice is an unusual shape, so using something soft and wrappable is the only way I can actually get it in there, so hard plastic or metal is out of the question as well.

Thank you for reading, I hope to come across a helpful answer.
 

atljsf

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have you seen linus tech tips?

on a case like this he uses zip ties to put in place the heatsink

about the paper, the fire on a pc starts after 120 degrees celsius

the cpu should turn itself off at 100°c

the best material here would be a plastic or a piece of metal tightening what needs to be

but in this case the zip ties sounds like a way better solution, that or modify the heatsink itself to use a different mounting solution

i would disasemble the pc and would find a way to put small zip ties between those holes for the 3 points and then fit the the best way possible
 

Flying Head

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Paper or plastic doesn't seem a good material choice. Is the paper just filling loose space? Could a trimmed silicon pot holder be used?

edit: I cannot see what is happening here. Definitely a different mount, yikes! https://www.manualslib.com/manual/391357/Dell-Optiplex-330.html?page=202#manual

edit 2: This photo shows a spacer; it centers the shroud. It seems to be part of the heat sink. The heat sink also is slightly different. Looks like a new design fixed the centering problem. Are you blocking/directing the air flow that doesn't pass through the fins or was the stuffing to only center the shroud? http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-Dell-Optiplex-320-330-Heatsink-with-Shroud-HR544-JY385-/131967720766?epid=1100253638&hash=item1eb9e39d3e:g:2I8AAOSwOyJX2x5U
 

Luigi_Master

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Sorry for the late response, I was at work. That being said...



If I could use a different heatsink, I would. Alas, my only options would be to modify the current one or buy a replacement one.



I was thinking about using a metal washer, a small one to fit inside the shroud. Since it's metal, I'm afraid of any shortage risks or again, causing a fire.



The paper is filling in loose space, that is correct. There is no air redirecting or blocking. The silicon pot holder sounds like a good idea, but it might melt after some while, or so I think.

It looks like the heatsink is a bit different, and doesn't need screws to be held in place. Not sure if buying a new heatsink would be a good idea, a 10 dollar one at that, but it is an option!
 

atljsf

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most of the aftermarket coolers use metallic washers, check any coolermaster evo or 212 cooler install, all parts are metallic, the area where the screws or locks on that fan usually are isolated form everything

i am going to be honest, the only thing i have seen catching fire on a pc is poor quality psus, after that everything just shorts itself and dies, no fire killing a house i have seen or heard about, psus, that i have sen smoking :D
 

Luigi_Master

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Aug 23, 2016
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Yeah, a washer sounds like a good idea at this point, HOWEVER I won't consider this solved until I buy some tiny washers and try it out. I appreciate it regardless!
 

Luigi_Master

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Ah, here's the thing. The washers would be too thick to actually get in there, however I disassembled an old shaving razor and used two razors from it to act as a spacer. And they fit just fine, no wiggle in there. Now my concern is if the heat will cause a problem to them...