Silent CPU Cooling

[Angracey]

I work at a local computer shop and am trying to find an ultra quiet solution for out new systems.
One option i've observed is replacing the heatsink/fan with the Swiftech MX462U without a fan.
This seems to quiet the system quite a bit, but my question is would i require a cooling fan on the heatsink.

The CPU's we're using are Athlon XP 1700 and 2100 right now
AC3 and one case fan.

Any suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks.

 

[godmare]

Yeah, you'll need fans.
Take your pick:
Panaflo L1A 24cfm, 21dB
NMB Ultra-Quiet 80mm 18cfm, 18dB

EDIT:
Also check out Thermalright Heatsinks (eg SK-7, SLK-800, SLK-900), they are top of the line as well, and less expensive then the MCX462

 

[Angracey]

Those items look great, but is there a solution without a heatsink fan?

Thanks again.

 

[Maki]

Open up a dell and see what they do.

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: Maki
Open up a dell and see what they do.

Even those have fans...
A completely fanless setup isn't really achievable.

 

[Angracey]

Ah, ok.
What i'm looking for is best price/quietness combo.
Not really concerned with CPU temperature, just has to be acceptable.

 

[farmercal]

Angracey, a Panaflo L1A is so quiet I doubt you would even notice it being in there.

 

[LoverBoyJ]

One thing you could do is lower all the fan voltages, instead of using the 12V, plug it to the 5V. This will lower the fan speed of the fans.

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: LoverBoyJ
One thing you could do is lower all the fan voltages, instead of using the 12V, plug it to the 5V. This will lower the fan speed of the fans.

Many case fans won't start at 5volts, you'll have to go with 7. You'll have to see what temps you get with a 7volted Panaflo L1A on a 2100, especially if its a palomino.

 

[Eug]

Originally posted by: godmare

Originally posted by: LoverBoyJ
One thing you could do is lower all the fan voltages, instead of using the 12V, plug it to the 5V. This will lower the fan speed of the fans.

Many case fans won't start at 5volts, you'll have to go with 7. You'll have to see what temps you get with a 7volted Panaflo L1A on a 2100, especially if its a palomino.

Fortunately, my Panaflo does. I found most of my cheapie case fans do not however, even when brand new without dust.

 

[OulOat]

Originally posted by: Angracey
Those items look great, but is there a solution without a heatsink fan?

Thanks again.

You might be able to get away with the Zalman flower hs, those are advertise as without fans. But those are also in the $30+ range and are quite big. However, if your cases have ducts above the cpus like dells, you could probably get away with just that fan. 2 fans (duct and PSU) in a system is pretty quiet.

Edited for errors

 

[jarsoffart]

Originally posted by: OulOat

Originally posted by: Angracey
Those items look great, but is there a solution without a heatsink fan?

Thanks again.

You might be able to get away with the vantec flower hs, those are advertise as without fans. But those are also in the $30+ range and are quite big. However, if your cases have ducts above the cpus like dells, you could probably get away with just that fan. 2 fans (duct and PSU) in a system is pretty quiet.

He means Zalman, I think at least. The SK-7 with the quiet NMB from SVC or a undervolted Panaflo should be able to keep a 2100+ at a safe temperature. Along with a Antec TruePower, the system should be rather quiet. For the video card, cool it with a Zalman HPxxxxxx.