Cooling

How does cooling play into overclocking?
Like all Integrated Chips (ICs) and electronic devices, the CPU will perform better and last longer when it stays cool. When you Overclock a CPU it creates more heat than it would under normal conditions. A cool CPU is a happy CPU. This also applies to other devices in your computer: Video card, RAM, sound card, and other devices.

What is a safe temperature for a CPU?
AMD and Intel both have maximum temperature ratings for their CPUs listed around 80C. If your CPU gets this hot, you’ve got some serious problems. Most people try and keep the CPU temperature below 40C at idle and below 55C at load.

What is the best heat sink available?

As technology improves, companies are always coming out with a new heat sink or Fan that has the edge over the competition. Some of the most commonly used heat sinks among Overclockers included those made by Thermaltake, Swiftech, and Thermalright.

How can temperature be lowered more? - "Super cooling"
If standard air cooling isn’t getting the job done, or has become too loud for you. There are a few more options that can help cool a hot CPU. Those these methods tend to be a bit more expensive than a regular heatsink/fan.
- Water cooling/ Excellent choice
Peltier/TEC cooling
Vapor Cooling
Liquid Nitrogen Cooling



In addition to the "Super Cooling" methods listed above, a few things can be done to help lower the temp of your system a few degrees.
The use of rounded cables, or cable ties to allow air to move easier through the case
Additional or larger case fans to bring in cooler air, and exhaust the hot air from your case
Removing the side panels of the case
Using an Aluminum case instead of a thick steal case
Lowering the room temperature will also help
Also removing empty bay slots in front of case to allow for more air flow

What is thermal compound? -or-
Why is thermal compound used?
Due to the machining process used in making heat sinks, just about every heat sink will have a rough surface. To the human eye it may look flat or even feel smooth, but there are microscopic groves in the surface. These groves will trap air between the heat sink and the CPU, and cause a poor transfer of heat.Heatsink lapping can cure this by smoothing the mating surface of the heatsink.

Thermal compounds such as Artic Silver and Nanotherm are used to fill these groves and help transfer the heat from the CPU to the heat sink.
Artic Silver III now available, is the best according to tests.

Is thermal compound required?
While, some people have run AMD and Intel processors without any thermal compound at all, it is not recommended. It can cause you temperatures to be extremely high, and it may even void your warranty.

Nice post!

I saw an experiment somewhere online where a processor had been clocked to something like 9GB :eyespop: It had a long tube on top of the processor with liquid Nitrogen in it, to keep it cool......I think the processor lasted a couple of mins before dying

Originally Posted by Vidster

I saw an experiment somewhere online where a processor had been clocked to something like 9GB :eyespop: It had a long tube on top of the processor with liquid Nitrogen in it, to keep it cool......I think the processor lasted a couple of mins before dying

You can cook an egg on the cpu, i tried this once with an old computer,
Take a tin from a meatpie place on top of cpu insert egg and watch it start to sizzle lol.Please do not try this on a good PC :wink:

With my friends computer, you can store food (we tested with Yogurt *LOL* ) in it, and it dosent go bad (The side of the case was open )

Basic User
Check for anything blocking case grills-including dust.
Make sure you have space around your case.
Advanced
Make sure nothing is blocking your heatsink or fans-including dust.
Remove your case. Or...
Keep case but arrange fans. Remember hot air rises. Dont put opposite fans to close to each other.
Keep the internal components tidy!
Keep your hard drive clear from obtructions-give it some space.
Buy a better case.
Remember when cleaning
Your components hate static!!!

Here is the water cooling system i presently use http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...872905&CatId=0
it's great no noisy fans.:banana: It is sufficient for cooling in the highest demands of gaming and overclocking.

HOW MUCH DID YOU PAY TO COOL YOUR PC!!!! :eyespop: :eyespop:

I use the good old fashioned fans and put up with the noise

Originally Posted by Vidster

HOW MUCH DID YOU PAY TO COOL YOUR PC!!!! :eyespop: :eyespop:

I use the good old fashioned fans and put up with the noise

Yes it was costly but now my cpu runs at 79-80 degrees F compared to 125 F with conventional fans and less the noise lol.And my system temp went down from 98 F - 60 F.:wink: I do alot of gaming so it's worth it.

Your water cooling systems costs more than my Motherboard, CPU, and Video Card :bawling: