What would be a cool CPU?

Sometimes we learn by making mistakes, and recently I bought a case which I now know has a poor cooling design. It would cost too much to ship back, so I may as well use it for something. So maybe this summer I'll build another PC. With coolness important, I can't have a CPU that runs hot, and if that means sticking to 1.x GHz I can live with that (but I don't see much point going below 1.00). Either AMD or Intel would be ok, too. Which CPUs are the easiest to keep cool?

 

Generally speaking Pete's advice re: Intel vs AMD is solid, however, if you want to combine some speed with abnormally cool CPU temps in that case, you should investigate the 35W Athlon XP Mobile processors for your desktop system. I'm aware of a 2200+ and a 2400+ with 512K caches and because of their design (originally built for low power consumption laptop use) - these things stop just short of making ice. The plus with these is that when combined with a decent motherboard and better than average memory their 266mhz bus speed can be bumped to either 333mhz or 400mhz without any appreciable heat gain. What that translates to is 2800 - 3000+ performance that is both frosty and fast - and, for a lot less money than what Intel would cost you.

Having said all of that, I am in disagreement with the approach of buying specific components because you have a certain type case - thats almost like buying a car based on the 4 old tires you've got in the garage. Some would term this Bassackwards.

 

I would half agree. I do have a full size AT tower case which I used for my 486. Now it serves as a place to perch external drives, and I have no intention to build another 486 system or a P75. But this new case can make for a worthwhile system.

I never installed anything in this case (no fans, no drives, no motherboard). I had never heard of side-cooling cases until I ended up with one. There are a lot of holes in the center of the right side. The left side has places for two 80mm fans at the bottom. How is air supposed to flow through the motherboard? The back has a place for a 60mm fan just below the power supply area. The bottom front has a few tiny holes. The interior bottom front (where the hard drives go) has places for four 80mm fans -- but good luck getting them into place. With an oddball design like this, it would be good to keep heat generation to a minimum.

 

This is not where I bought it from, but you will see the same case at http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-156-018&depa=0

 

You shouldn't have any trouble cooling that puppy at all. I see four front intakes, 2 side intakes, an exhaust and you will be exhausting through the PSU also. If you want to add a slot fan exhaust that would be 3 exhausts and 6 intakes - bring on the Tabasco!

 

I don't believe so. I put an actual 80mm fan on top of the case over the front panel. It appears 50/50 you could get the case back together if you tried it.

I just e-mailed the manufacturer asking them how to remove the front panel so front fans can be installed. Yes, there are 4 screws over the front panel, but they are plastic. Just a little pressure from my screwdriver blade started to ruin the one I tried to turn. I anticipated that, so all I have is a nick on the bottom left *****. But one way or another, I'm going to have to get that front panel off if any front fans are to appear.

 

omg. thats the case I have. ordered from Newegg, it arrived in good shape, and its plenty cool. reverse the side fans so they blow IN. the are exhasut from the factory, but hot air rises, so intake is better for that area. heres some pics of the case in action. sub 100F temps all the time, even when gaming.
I have on Overclocked Radeon 7000 video card, a Celeron 1.8GHz with stock cooling, not overclocked. this is a good case. but be careful with the screws in the rear. my freind over tightened one of em when he was helpin me n now its messed up. i have to rethread the hole.

http://m.1asphost.com/MaxDes/Picture%20002.jpg



I have a 92MM fan in in the hard drive cage in the front. it wont line up w/ the holes for the 80MM (duh). i hae it set to intakle also. although, it will become an exhaust @ the top (blowhole) once i get a hole saw.

EDIT: btw, if u dont like it, let me know. I may be have someone that will buy it from you for a reasonable price. like maybe $20 including shipping. (he can get it brand new for $35+plus s&h)

Take off BOTH side covers, and look towards the fron of the case. there is 3 silver screws holdin on the fascia. if u want a pic let me know. i have removed it numerous times. while i stealthed my CD drive. yes, i DO have optical drives in that picture.

 

also, have u never seen or heard of custom cases? every one of my freinds cases has atleast one fan on teh side, and a lot of people also have em up top. between the rear of the optical drive and the front of the power supply.