Need specialist cooling help... ;-)

wanwizard

wanwizard

wanwizard

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Joined
25 May 2022
Posts
6
Location
Scotland
Hello everyone, long time lurker, first time poster here.

I'm stuck with a particular challenge I'm presented with, and I hope someone here has the expertise to point me in the right direction.

I volunteer as a Linux admin for a non-profit organisation busy with open source development. They have decided to build a new compile farm (extend the existing one) for CI purposes.

Like all non-profits they are strapped for cash, so I hope to be able to use components that were donated to them by several sponsors, and keep the spend to a minimum.

The relevant donated components (for each of the 4 servers I need to build):
- Logic Case SC-23550 2U server chassis
- ASUS H510M-E mini-ATX Mainboard
- Intel Core i9 10900K CPU
- 2 x 16GB Kingston Fury Beast
- Intel X540 dual 10Gbps ethernet PCI card

The 2U chassis has a power supply at the front, and will get two small SSD's in RAID-1 for the local OS (the rest runs from a 10Gbps connected SSD NAS). It has four 80mm 5000rpm fans in the middle, between the PS and drive bays, and the mainboard (Supermicro style).

Challenge: how do I get this setup properly cooled?

I have tested this with a Noctua NH-L12S (fits but throttles with default BIOS settings) and a Gelid SlimHero (1mm short of RAM clearance so doesn't fit properly, tested with 1 DIMM, overheats under full load and shuts down).·
 
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The issue is a combination of the motherboard being PC based, rather than server where the components are designed to align to allow air to flow front to back.

Irrespective of cooler, the ram slots will be a blocker to the front to rear flow.

Top down coolers just won’t have the height clearance to draw from above either.

Simplest answer in my mind would be to get a 2u dynatron style cooler and make some simple ducting from plastic to guide air to it from the mid chassis fans.

It doesn’t need to be pretty, just effective.

In addition, the small 2u coolers seem to be in the region of 95w capacity, so I wouldn’t be expecting fantastic results when the cpu is under full load, it’s going to run hot no matter what way you cut it I reckon.

Or you tame the performance settings of the cpu to keep the heat within normal limits.
 
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Thanks, I was afraid of that.

I've been looking at the Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Black and the Jonsbo HP400S, both claim at least 125W TDP, but both are unavailable in the UK.

The Dynatron K668 might do the trick (165W TDP), or possibly the K650 (if that fits an LGA1200 CPU). Alternatively, parhaps a passive heatskink like the K618 or the Y506, and than stick a high static pressure fan to the side of it pushing the air through to compensate for the partially blocked airflow?

I have no issue capping the TDP a bit, their current build farm uses i7-2600K's, so the 10900K (with 20 instead of 8 threads) will be a big speed improvement anyway.

Edit: the Dynatrons are not available either.
 
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I can see other websites listing the dynatrons k666 r1 in stock. I can’t see them being listed on OCUK, so I think its ok to link / suggest other sites. It’s probably your best bet for a simple solution. I see listEd in stock for about £40.

Id say you really do need a horizontal flow cooler … top downs just won’t be able to generate the flow unless you do some ducting and have about 10mm space minimum above them into which you can duct that air.
 
The thing I'm worried about is that the K666 is only 95W TDP, which is in the same ballpark as the NH-L12S.

Initially I thought I could create the same setup with a passive heatsink, and then mounting a 6000rpm fan to the side (not on top) in the direction of the airflow, but that's not possible as the DIMM's are in the way. It would be possible to mount it on the other side in a pull setup, but I think that won't be as effective. A different mainboard isn't an option either, all LGA 1200 MoBo's have the same layout.

Looks like I've been given a bit more than a challenge...
 
If I read things correctly, the noctua is quite tall relative to the height in the case available, so regardless of which way you blow the fan, there is little space at the top of the unit for air to either draw air in, or exhaust out… I’ll will always be restricted.

A look round shows the alpenfohn :

www.overclockers.co.uk

Alpenfohn Black Ridge Low Profile CPU Cooler - 120mm

Order Alpenfohn Black Ridge Low Profile CPU Cooler - 120mm now online and benefit from fast delivery.
www.overclockers.co.uk www.overclockers.co.uk

Which is less than 50mm high so will have more space above it that the nh one, so it might breathe better?

Admittedly, it’s 95w but cause it can breathe a bit more, it may perform in your situation better.
 
Problem with that one is it doesn't have the required RAM clearance (as far as I can see), the DIMMs are 34,1mm. Same problem as the Big Shuriken and the current Gelid Slimhero.

I see only a few options:
  • a 2U heatsink with a fan stuck to the front. Requires a heatsink not wider than 72mm to leave space for the fan. A DIY solution probably won't beat the K666 (95W TDP).
  • a 1U heatsink with a high pressure fan on top (say max 60mm high), a 92mm model would fit without RAM issues (for example the Scythe Shuriken 2 and replace the fan).
  • replace the mainboard by a standard ATX mainboard, but I can't find one with more space, they all require coolers that are "desktop" height (and have the same DIMM clearance issue).
  • replace the DIMMs by VLP DIMMS (will cost a fortune).
I think I'll research the heatsink route a bit more, and combine it with some cardboard / ductape constructed ducts.
 
i think any standard atx board will have the same ram issue to be honest. Personally I think the k666 is worth a shot of trying for the sake of it. It seems the easiest, least compromised option.

(I did see that dynatron do a 2u aio device, but can’t see it for sale anywhere)
 
Agreed.

The Silverstone AR09-115XP is another option, but I think I prefer the Dynatron (reputation, I don't have hard data).

There are a few more AIO solutions, even a 2U case with built-in liquid cooling, but they cost a few hunderd quid, and I don't have that budget (I need to build 4 of these servers).
 
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