I've currently got a 3.6Ghz Dual-Core setup running in a Nexus Breeze case. Since I built the system it's only been used for internet, media and the occasional game and all has been fine. Recently however I've started using it for CAD/Rendering work and I'm starting to have serious cooling problems.
The main issue seems to be getting airflow to the PWM's as recently I've had at least two of the four PWM's trigger the 80°C alarm. I'm running a Zalman CNPS9500 which I've heard by its design doesn't offer the PWM's a generous amount of cooling but it does such a great job with the CPU I don't want to lose it. From the readings it's the two PWM's in the top rear corner that are getting the hottest so there's definitely a hotspot outside of the airflow.
The big issue with the Nexus case is that there's no scope to improve cooling over standard. It has a single 120mm inlet fan on the base and then uses the power supply as the exhaust with nowhere else to fit/mod an extra fan. It is extremely quiet however - an element I'd like to try and keep.
To cut a long story short I'm looking at the Akasa Eclipse as a replacement case but I'm wondering whether it's likely to offer the PWM's any better airflow or not? Even under load the system temp in the Nexus is never excessive so it's more a case of getting airflow to the PWM's rather than needing to reduce overall system temps. Another thing I've noticed is that the heatsinks on the PWM's are only held in contact via spring pins - would the addition of some thermal paste make a noticeable improvement here?
Any input would be appreciated
The main issue seems to be getting airflow to the PWM's as recently I've had at least two of the four PWM's trigger the 80°C alarm. I'm running a Zalman CNPS9500 which I've heard by its design doesn't offer the PWM's a generous amount of cooling but it does such a great job with the CPU I don't want to lose it. From the readings it's the two PWM's in the top rear corner that are getting the hottest so there's definitely a hotspot outside of the airflow.
The big issue with the Nexus case is that there's no scope to improve cooling over standard. It has a single 120mm inlet fan on the base and then uses the power supply as the exhaust with nowhere else to fit/mod an extra fan. It is extremely quiet however - an element I'd like to try and keep.
To cut a long story short I'm looking at the Akasa Eclipse as a replacement case but I'm wondering whether it's likely to offer the PWM's any better airflow or not? Even under load the system temp in the Nexus is never excessive so it's more a case of getting airflow to the PWM's rather than needing to reduce overall system temps. Another thing I've noticed is that the heatsinks on the PWM's are only held in contact via spring pins - would the addition of some thermal paste make a noticeable improvement here?
Any input would be appreciated