My SOLO build

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:53 am

System Specs:
Case: Antec Solo
Motherboard: ASUS P5N32-E SLI
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
CPU Heatsink: Thermalright Ultra-120
Videocard: Geforce 8800 GTX from ASUS, modded with the Thermalright HR-03 Plus
Soundcard: Creative XiFi Xtreme gamer
HDD: Samsung 250 GB modded with a IBL silencer 5

Fans: 2 x Noctua 120mm 1200 rpm, 3 x Nexus 90mm (one on the videocard, 2 as intake), 1 Nexus 120mm as intake.

Idle temperatures from EVEREST Ultimate Edition 2007:
Motherboard: 42C
CPU: 39C
Core 1: 44C
Core 2: 41C
HDD: 41C
GPU: 46C
GPU diode: 54C
GPU memory: 46C

Stressed temperatures from EVEREST Ultimate Edition 2007:
Stressed through: AtiTool scanning for artifacts, HDD stressed, CPU stressed.
Motherboard: 46C
CPU: 61C
Core 1: 69C
Core 2: 64C
HDD: 42C
GPU: 54C
GPU diode: 60C
GPU memory: 53C

Fan speeds:
CPU: 915 rpm
GPU: 1704 rpm
Outtake: 811 rpm
Intake 120mm: 712 rpm
Intake 90mm: 1288 rpm

Noise:
Hard to explain erm.....
When my PC is on and my window is open you can hear children yelling, birds, ect. But the PC is unoticable. When the windows is closed ( its double glass, so all the noise from outside is isolated) and the tv is on: undetectable. When I'm lying in my bed at midnight and everything is turned off except the PC, I hear a fade hum from the PSU and fans.

I placed a topic like this in another thread with a question, about my temperatures, I'll use this one as show off thread, because my system is ready and I'm proud of it. It's the first time I ever modded a case.
Thanks to the Geforce I had to mod and so I got addicted to modding :p
Systems runs with Intel Speed stepping, which makes it a bit cooler and nicer on the power bill

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:32 pm

Nice cabling job!

What's the CPU and what are the specs you're running? (including voltage, FSB, etc., if overclocked) Your CPU temp seems quite high.

The fan above the floppy drive has no grill in front for inlet air? Why not put a nice mesh grill in place of the plastic drive covers like the SPCR DIY build?

That must be the cleanest desk I've ever seen posted, hehe.

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:37 pm

I edited the first post and added the CPU info.
My system isn't overclocked, but I do have e screen cap from some specs:

Thanks for the tip I'll look into it maby it will help to lower the temps.

jaldridge6 · Post by **jaldridge6** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:49 pm

Wow, 7 fans. that's like, 3 or 4 too many IMO. I guess the GTX probably needs a lot of air, huh? I have an e6300, no fancy video card, and 3 800rpm scythe fans is way overkill. I'd undervolt them but then they start making an annoying clicky noisy =/

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:56 pm

Your CPU temp is abnormally high for running stock with that kind of cooling, unless the ambient temp is really hot. Maybe the thermal paste needs to be reapplied.

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:00 pm

Indeed after I replaced my old PCI video card with the 8800GTX the temps rised allot

The ambient temperature is around 22C

jaldridge6 · Post by **jaldridge6** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:02 pm

yeah, ive had some scenarios where applying the paste in too little or too much resulted in really bad temps. do a thin line of AS5 from top to bottom and then put the heatsink on. Ive found that method works the best.

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:12 pm

I also used Artic Silver 5 but I aplied it as Artic mentioned on their site.
A small drop in the middle and then let it pressed out by the heatsink.

I also used AS5 on the GPU heatsink but there I aplied it as you mentioned, no problems there :/ maby I really have to reaplly the paste.

jwoolen01 · Post by **jwoolen01** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:19 pm

Very Clean Build!

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:24 pm

Ambient temp 22C? Yikes!

My CPU temp is at ambient when idle even when cranked to 1.46V at 3.4GHz (around 5C above ambient in TAT). I'm using the U-120E with a 1600RPM fan, but still, your temps are too high compared to other people's results.

I use Arctic Cooling MX-1 paste. It's supposedly slightly better than AC5, but the real advantage is that it doesn't degrade over time, and is claimed to last over 8 years.

Maybe with a re-application you'll find your temps decrease, and you can reduce the number of fans.

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:31 pm

It's summer here so it's pretty hot outside.
Like you mentioned; I also applied the Paste like that on my heatsink.
But still is it only the CPU thats too hot, or are the other component also too hot?

I already had a hunch but I still can't put my finger on what the real heat problem is.
I'll wait for some more comments and see if I re-aplly the CPU the upcomming weekend.

You guys are already a great help, thank you very much!
Keep those comment comming.

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:41 pm

Your other temps look pretty normal to me. It's just the CPU that is way hot, not that it won't run perfectly fine the way it is.

22C is very cool. My ambient temp is more like 27-28C. I try to minimize A/C use to help save the planet.

Edit: You put too much paste on if you put a dab on both the CPU and the heatsink.

derekchinese · Post by **derekchinese** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 3:03 pm

are you running your RAM in single channel?
I thought asus boards need the RAM in the same colored DIMM slots to run dual channel.

Have u tried putting the nexus on the ultra 120? I found that my noctua fans did not do well when used on the ultra 120 but my yate loon fans did

How is that hard disc enclosure?

Outstanding job, nice work!

Derek

Shusher · Post by **Shusher** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 3:07 pm

Are you 2 even talking about the same CPU? (talking to BIONIC and Djang). Are you both running C2D or what?

I have a stock AMD X2 6000+ with idle temps of ~43C with 26C ambient so 44C doesn't seem abnormal to me, but again, I don't know what you're running...

Speaking of which, has anyone with an X2 gotten seriously different temps for core 0/1 at idle? My idle temps are 43C for core0 and 34C for core1 at idle. With threaded work they both get towards the same max temp (50-51C) but at complete idle, they're like different breeds. I always assumed it was normal, but now I'm thinking maybe I didn't spread the goop properly

.

jaldridge6 · Post by **jaldridge6** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 3:15 pm

Well, on stock voltage of an e6300, depending on the time of day, I'll idle at 31C-36C. It's about 85F here in Santa Ana right now and I'm at 35C in speedfan. Not that it really matters. I still say the problem might be thermal grease. theres more than enough fans to get <38C idle temps on that rig in speedfan. at least i think there is.

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 3:36 pm

Nice catch, derekchinese. One of the RAM sticks needs to be moved for dual channel operation.

Shusher, I'm using a C2D 6420. Normal full load temps for C2Ds are high 40's to mid 50's with highend air cooling, overclocked. A stock C2D should be quite cool with a U-120.

I'm not familiar with the average temps for highend X2s.

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 9:34 am

I removed the upper Nexus intake fan and replaced the Noctua with the Nexus.
The stressed temperatures are as follow:

Motherboard: 51C
CPU: 62C
Core 1: 68C
Core 2: 64C
GPU: 51C
GPU Diode: 60C
GPU memory: 55C
HDD: 40C

I'll try to replace the Noctua outtake with a Nexus.
I'm now more worried about the Motherboard then the CPU.

About the dimms:
Is it better to run in Dual channel then?
Can I check if it improves in dual channel.
I though I had to put botch in channel A (A1+A2)
So it has to be A1 + B1 ?

Gunzee · Post by **Gunzee** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:11 pm

Very nice job. You inspire me to redo my cables inside my own Antec Solo, later.

Yes, for dual channel memory, it has to be (A1 + B1) or (A2 + B2). A1 + A2 or B1 + B2 are on the same channel, so NOT dual channel.

I don't see the Nexus 120mm as intake at the top of the case, doing anything for you. Instead, open up one or two empty PCI Slot(s) below the video card, and blow the hot air out.

Your CPU temperature is a bit high for U120 Extreme, if it is not seated properly or loose, you should reseat it correctly.

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:21 pm

I'm redoing my cable coiling too to match.

How about posting another side pic angled toward the drives/ATX power connector to better show the cabling, Djang?

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:24 pm

Ok I'll post some photo's for you tomorrow

I tried to place the Nexus on the THermalright....... How the hell can that be done, there are no holes

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:24 pm

With a U-120 and <1000RPM fan, at stock speed, that CPU should be idling in the high 20s/low 30s at most, with your ambient temp.

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:28 pm

Djang wrote:Ok I'll post some photo's for you tomorrow
I tried to place the Nexus on the THermalright....... How the hell can that be done, there are no holes

The Nexus would need to be cut to allow the clips to attach it.

I highly, highly recommend getting an S-Flex fan for the CPU. It will last much longer with its fluid bearings, and it's similarly quiet.

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:35 pm

Upcomming fridayI'll remove the heatsink and refit it.
So how should I best apply the thermal paste then?
Last time I followed the instrucions from the Arctic site. should I spread it out myself this time?

Does anyone has examples from the amount of paste that has to be applied?

On the Thermalright installation site they say:
Apply a thin layer of thermal paste on the CPU and on the base of the heatsink.

edit:
Which version of the S-Flex (1200 or 1600)

Gunzee · Post by **Gunzee** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:35 pm

hardforum is having problem of late, but maybe it is up. Take a look at post #7.
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1183118

Djang wrote:Ok I'll post some photo's for you tomorrow
I tried to place the Nexus on the THermalright....... How the hell can that be done, there are no holes

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:07 pm

I guess you should you use the 1200, but I used the 1600 because the impact on overall noise was negligible, and I'm overclocking.

With AS5, I think it's better to spread a very thin layer on the CPU, and a much thinner layer on the heatsink (only staining it). Use a finger with the inside of a clear plastic bag stretched over it.

I would recommend going with Arctic Cooling MX-1 paste though. AS5 is intended for filling in microscopic gaps between flat mating surfaces, but it doesn't do as good a job when the gaps are larger, as with unlapped surfaces. MX-1 is easier to apply (one dab in the middle of the CPU heatspreader only), is not conductive, retains performance much longer, and apparently performs better. MX-1 is well-suited for filling in large gaps.

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:17 pm

I'm going to use AS5 otherwise I have to buy another tube of paste.
I'll use a bank/credit card to spread a thin layer, this worked great on the Geforce.

I hope you're right about the Scytje fans, call me mad but I just ordered a pair (1200 rpm) I hope to receive them before the weekend.

New temps:
Having removed the 120 Nexus as intake, put it on the Heatsink, placed one as outtake. removed one Nexus 92mm intake. changed fan speeds in the bios to 90% on all fans.

Motherboard: 44C
CPU: 36C
Core 1: 41
Core 2: 37
GPU: 45C
GPU diode: 53C
GPU memory: 45C
HDD: 39C

This is going to right way:D
ps: really thank you for the tip on the Memory. I moved one to the second slot, I can see in the bios it says Dual channel. I feel so stupid right now

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:36 pm

I bought a new tube of paste even though most of my AS5 is unused. Another $5-10 is no big deal considering the effort I put into proper cooling.

Applying paste with a credit card seems overly messy to me, but to each his own.

Edit: Oh, and I hope you're using 99%+ isopropyl alcohol to clean the CPU and heatsink, or some other safe cleaner that won't impede the transfer of heat.

Djang · Post by **Djang** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:41 pm

I'm using arctic remover and purifier.

BIONIC_EARS · Post by **BIONIC_EARS** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:46 pm

Oh, the good stuff.

jaldridge6 · Post by **jaldridge6** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:46 pm

Djang: the credit card method will give the temps you're getting, IE, high. You should try the new method on arctics site. I was skeptical at first but it really is a much superior way of applying the grease.