Do modern systems need better cooling than older ones?

[NeilF]

If you were to take my case (used to cool a P4), would it be OK to cool a modern quadcore CPU for example?

If we assume video cards are venting straight out of the case so are not a factor, then do modern CPUs produce more/less heat than older ones?

I'm basically working out if my old Lian PC65 case needs replacing for a modern MB/CPU/video card etc?


Also, on modern motherboards, you can run fans off them which automatically speed up/slow down. Is this possible for more than one fan? ie: A CPU fan and say two case fans?

 

[EsaT]

Intel dual cores and most quad cores draw less power than NetBurst heaters.

But highest consuming graphic cards have slightly increased power draw, GTX280 peaks at 180W. (4870X2 isn't single card but crossfire in one package)
Worser thing is that both graphic card makers are doing absolutely sh*tty job in GPU design and it's hard to find high end card which would consume under 50W when doing nothing and some have 2D/desktop use peaks up to 80W so graphic card with dual slot cooler is very good thing.
(for comparison most intel CPUs idle around 5W and need less than 80W during full load)

But you should definitely "show Dremel" to that exhaust fan position:
http://www.cluboc.net/reviews/cases/lian_li/pc65b/2.htm
Even better if you would fite bigger fan to there.

 

[NeilF]

Intel dual cores and most quad cores draw less power than NetBurst heaters.

But highest consuming graphic cards have slightly increased power draw, GTX280 peaks at 180W. (4870X2 isn't single card but crossfire in one package)
Worser thing is that both graphic card makers are doing absolutely sh*tty job in GPU design and it's hard to find high end card which would consume under 50W when doing nothing and some have 2D/desktop use peaks up to 80W so graphic card with dual slot cooler is very good thing.
(for comparison most intel CPUs idle around 5W and need less than 80W during full load)

But you should definitely "show Dremel" to that exhaust fan position:
http://www.cluboc.net/reviews/cases/lian_li/pc65b/2.htm
Even better if you would fite bigger fan to there.

So I can live with the same case with modern components? Given the GPU vents externally...

Regarding cutting the exhaust fan, I did to the rear one...

The thing about my case is the fans are controlled beautifully by my Matrix Orbital LCD display. As the heat goes up and down the fans speed up/slow down. Infact the top one only comes on in times of emergency when things get very warm. The systems runs pretty quiet really


Alternatively I'd just say 'stuff it' and get an Antec 900 or 1200 - But they're just soooooo big Look kinda massive on my desk!

 

[Diggsy]

Also, on modern motherboards, you can run fans off them which automatically speed up/slow down. Is this possible for more than one fan? ie: A CPU fan and say two case fans?

Depends on the board manufacturer really. Abit are by far and away the best at this. My IN9-32X Max has fan controls for every fan header on the board (6 in total) that can all be controlled very easily from within their uGuru software, or in the bios if you prefer.

 

[fobose]

I think the P4 northwoods were about 90 watts at peak and the prescotts were around 120w? The current intel dual cores are 65w and the quads are 95w I think?

My motherboard allows me to connect 5 case fans (one is the PWR_FAN so this doesn't apply) that I can set the fan speeds to 60-100% and it says if the "system" temp is above a certain temp then the fans will spin faster untill the chosen temp is reached. This however doesn't work for me as my system temp is always below this setting (I think its 38c and my system temp is always 30-32c).

 

[NeilF]

I think the P4 northwoods were about 90 watts at peak and the prescotts were around 120w? The current intel dual cores are 65w and the quads are 95w I think?

My motherboard allows me to connect 5 case fans (one is the PWR_FAN so this doesn't apply) that I can set the fan speeds to 60-100% and it says if the "system" temp is above a certain temp then the fans will spin faster untill the chosen temp is reached. This however doesn't work for me as my system temp is always below this setting (I think its 38c and my system temp is always 30-32c).

You don't happen to know if you can plug a fan in without a RPM wire into one of those headers and have it controlled?

 

[EsaT]

SpeedFan can control fans connected to most motherboards:
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

I think the P4 northwoods were about 90 watts at peak and the prescotts were around 120w? The current intel dual cores are 65w and the quads are 95w I think?

Guess again.
Worst NetBurst heaters where touching 150W... and barely avoided thermal throttling during idling when using stock HSF because of insane 50W idle consumption!
(what graphic card makers now keep more than acceptable)

For comparison these are scales for current Intel CPUs.
Conroe Dual Cores were 50-70W, quad core Kentsfields 80-~120W.
And Penryns are still much less hungry, dual core Wolfdales 25-35W and quad core Yorkfields from ~50W to maybe 110W.

 

[Jokester]

My Yorkfield uses about 50-60W at stock speeds on load, and about 200W on load when overclocked. For stock systems I don't think it's particularly worth getting hung up on getting a "cool" case.