Cooling Question

[ChrisK2972]

I have a Zalman CNPS 3100 +; my cpu is an AMD XP 2100+. Right now I am running a little on the warm side; it is about 48C during normal use with the retail AMD hsf. I am going to pick up a new hsf combo (vantec CCK-6207D or Igloo 2500) but it will be several weeks or so before I can afford it. I am wondering if the Zalaman, for now, would cool a bit better than the stock AMD hsf? Is it worth the try?


ChrisK

[MDS]

The Zalman should cool it nicely with some AS thermal paste. I had one on a build with an XP2100+ and worked great and for better results I changed the fan for a 90mm fan and mounted it to the bracket.

[pc_dr.j]

I agree; first though clean the bottom of your hsf for any thermal paste/thermal tape residue; some hsf come with their own thermal tape/paste. Then put on your Arctic Silver on the CPU and on the area where the CPU and hsf will meet. It takes a while (usually around 72 hours) but hopefully your CPU temp will cool to satisfactory levels.

ok

[thekingofpain]

48c isnt a problem with the AMD cpu you have---why throw $$$ at a non-issue?

[Jeordiewhite]

My zalman runs nicely with my amd athlon xp 2800+, it cools well when my case sucks out all the hot air with a blow hole on the top, two on the back facing the HSF. 48c is pretty good.
Use finger nail polish or isopropyl alcohol to clean off the hsf. I use AS3 with no problem.

[Omardeth]

gotta agree with tkp here . 48c under use isn't bad at all . why so worried .

[ChrisK2972]

well, it is not that it is such a big deal. But, when I first installed the cpu (about six months ago) it ran about 10C cooler. I have kept it clean and such, so, I guess I am not understanding the temperature increase. It goes a bit higher if I run Seti (100% cpu utilization). It might go up to around 54C. I read post where others with comparable set ups run much cooler.

One problem I know I have is air flow. Too many cables; I need to get some round cables. I am sure that would makes things better.

Thanks for the insight. I guess I am just worrying about a non-issue. However, I did recently add a window in my case and mounted an Antec fan that lights up (blue) to the Zalman fan bracket and I think it would look pretty kewl with the blue fan in the middle of my window.

[Telexen]

It's summer now...ambient air temperatures are up so your CPU temp will be up also.