Undervolting and Underclocking???

[theregoesskippy]

I know undervolting and underclocking is unusual, however with my case design (high heat, not sure of actual temps but case is always hot with fan blazing) and noise factor I'd like to give it a try and go from there. Any links or programs, etc. to help achieve this? Any ideas on how low I may be able to go without too many problems? Any other options besides changing cases? All suggestions welcomed, but I really would perfer info on underclocking and undervolting.

I built a Media Center PC with an Aopen EPC945-M8 barebone system, that runs 24/7 info found here:

http://usa.aopen.com/products_detail.asp...

The CPU used is a Pentium D (915) running at 2.8. The fan was upgraded a little, but can't remember the model. The PSU is still the same and I'm at 3 1/2 GB Ram. Also using 3 tuners, 2 ATI 550 and 1 ATI 650. 2 HDD, 1 320Gb Western Digital (7200rpms) and 1 200Gb Maxtor (7200rpms), and Lite-on DVD writer. Everything else I believe is what came in the box. Let me know if you need more info. Thanks

[Hitman]

What are your temps? Is there a reason why you run it 24/7?

[drew and not u]

Is there any room to add additional fans? Unfortunately putting a Pentium D in a tight case is never going to work out too well. Honestly though, unless it's throttling down, or the heat is causing you stability problems, there's no need to worry.

[theregoesskippy]

Last time I saw the temps I think they were something around 47c, but that was a while ago and can't remember how to access it again or if I used a program to access it. I run it 24/7 because I used it as a PVR and media server to another pc in the bedroom.

Don't think I could get another fan in there...quite tight. I also want to knock down the noise level and heard underclocking/undervolting can help in this area.

[stinger608]

Originally Posted by drew and not u

Is there any room to add additional fans? Unfortunately putting a Pentium D in a tight case is never going to work out too well. Honestly though, unless it's throttling down, or the heat is causing you stability problems, there's no need to worry.

Yea, those Pentium D's run so dang hot!!! Man, I got a motherboard and chip in a trade a few month ago, installed a Scythe Mine on it, and I have a hell of a time keeping the thing under 50c!!! I have to run the computer with the side panel off, otherwise it will reach the 58-62c temps and crash and reboot

Need to install a different heat sink I guess!
The one that I have is the 3.4ghz..........Oh yea, I assume they are a dual core chip?

[drew and not u]

Yeah, he's got the 2.8/800 dual core presler (aka dual core prescott).

Honestly I don't think you'll see much improvement without a significant underclock. Those chips just naturally run very hot, and aside from improving cooling, there's not a lot you can do.

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by theregoesskippy

Last time I saw the temps I think they were something around 47c, but that was a while ago and can't remember how to access it again or if I used a program to access it. I run it 24/7 because I used it as a PVR and media server to another pc in the bedroom.

Don't think I could get another fan in there...quite tight. I also want to knock down the noise level and heard underclocking/undervolting can help in this area.

That's still not a good reason to run it 24/7. If you put it in standby it will wake itself up when it's time to record a show. You can also set it to wake on Lan, so when the other computer accesses it, the computer will wake up. Also 47c is not a horrible temp for that proc.

[Reloadron]

The tempertaures you mention are fine for that processor. I run a Pentium D on my everyday machine and have for several years now.

You haven't mentioned any instability or heat related problems.

If the system is running stable and has been stable and does what it's intended to do I wouldn't change things or screw with it. Maybe look to improve airflow a little adding a fan or two but that is about it.

Your CPU will throttle down based on demand. I don't see "Underclocking" as doing much for you.

Ron

[theregoesskippy]

Ok, since it appears underclocking/undervolting isn't the way to go what would you recommend for heatsink/fan that will actually fit in this low profile case? Quietest? Basically can't go bigger than the original that came with the cpu from Intel.

[drew and not u]

If your case is getting hot, a better CPU cooler won't really make a difference, as the heat is trapped inside the case. Your CPU cooler is dissipating the heat from the CPU, but the heat is not escaping from the case fast enough. If your case temps were fine, but your CPU was hot, I would say to replace the cooler. But really the lack of ventilation in your case is causing your woes. If you are intent on lowering temps, your only real choice is a new enclosure. Something like this would make a great media center enclosure on the cheap and most assuredly offer superior ventilation, for about the same price as a decent CPU cooler.