Kay lets plan ...

[Computer-Ed]

Guys I have a project that I am working on that I would love to hear the thoughts of others here about as well.

On our show we annually do a Build a PC series. This year I want to take a local political issue and blend it into the mix.

Locally the power companies have been deregulated and the local power costs have seen spikes from 50% to 200%. This means that with summer about to hit and AC to be vital we will see a lot of people use their AC less or not at all to save money.

As such I am looking to build our PC with the goal in mind that it must be able to run at 30c ambient at full tilt. (a 24/7 machine, folding is a goal as well.)

Now we have already decided the system will be built on a Core2 Duo so we are gonna throw one more twist into this mix, we want to do some base overclocking as well. So now the heat must stay down even with a little overclocking.

By base overclocking what I am referring to is a situation like my current CPU, the inspiration for this experiment. I am running an E6600 at 3.0 Ghz with stock cooling and fans. That makes it a simple overclock, one I can easily talk the user through if need be.

Based on the conversations I have had here, it would seem the Antec 900 is the best case choice for this. I am looking at CPU coolers right now and would love to hear some ideas.

[polobunny]

You can't go wrong with a Thermaltake Big Typhoon. Seriously, there's just nothing in the 120mm category beating it.
The only one so far managing to keep up with it would be the CoolerMaster GeminII, which is 2x120mm. :P
My computer runs 24/7 and even at 30C ambient it's not problem. At worse my CPU core 1 temp (see sig) climbs to 50ish degree celsius.

[screwballl]

get a system like my sig and you will see it run around 25-30W draw versus less proficient power supplies and systems draw 120-150W

[Computer-Ed]

What about one of the Zalman 9700 systems? I am wondering if the design allowing the fan in essence to boost the air into the 120 at the rear would increase air flow and make things cooler than the top down design.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by Computer-Ed

What about one of the Zalman 9700 systems? I am wondering if the design allowing the fan in essence to boost the air into the 120 at the rear would increase air flow and make things cooler than the top down design.

What do you mean by "things"? =P
If you go with the Antec 900, don't worry about air flow. Keep your thing tidy and everything should be more than enough.
I can honestly say this is the coolest tower I ever had.

[screwballl]

I wish the SonataII had a fan right up front to pull cool air from behind the plastic front instead of placing the front fan on the back of the hard drive cage so it sits towards the middle of the case instead of the real front


edit: also if you don;t have one already, I would suggest getting a Kill-A-Watt meter

[simple_inhibition]

i recommend the Tuniq Tower for cooling.

[Computer-Ed]

I have a request into Tuniq to look at that already, not heard back yet..

[Capper]

It took us about a year to hear back from tuniq, we'll be posting a review of their new cases shortly, but they won't send anyone any more Tuniq Towers.

I'll vote for the GeminII, it cools the CPU very well, and also provides some excellent cooling to the rest of the motherboard. If you have good air flow you can even use it passively

[Computer-Ed]

Got a request in for one of those too :-)

Just finished the interview with Thermaltake. This was seriously the best interview I have had yet for info gained. Tons of good stuff for my listeners on why coolers work as they do.