What's the best way to cool a computer with a standard ATX case?

Question

I have a computer that until recently was cutting out because the CPU was getting too hot (> 70 degrees C) so I reapplied a thin layer of some thermal paste on the CPU and Cooler/Fan attachment and now it's running much cooler. It's a stock AMD 4600+ X2 CPU/Fan combination. I have just the PSU blowing air out. Is it better to fit a fan at the front AND back of the case? What about directing air to the CPU?

Answer 1

you done well vijay by adding some thermal paste to your c.p.u,some users skip this sometimes,but the paste is actually part of the cooling process,its a good conductor and keeps the c.p.u cool
theres two options open to you vijay,the first is to get a better c.p.u fan or cutomize your current case to improve the air flow to your c.p.u
the Zalman CNPS9700-LED Aero Flower (Socket AM2/939/754/775) CPU Cooler(http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-026-ZA&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=821)is a excellent cpu fan used by enthusiasts,its a big cpu fan but will fit in your standard atx case
or you can get a a front and rear fan such as two Xilence XPF80R Red Wing 80mm Quiet Fan
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-002-XI&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=819),these are ultra quiet and by fixing one at the front and rear of your case(there will be holes allready there to affix these)the overall air flow of your p.c will improve and more air will be flowing towards your c.p.u
if your case has a side panel vent then it may also be a good idea to place a fan here aswell,the more the better
i have 7 fans in my case with a 700watt p.s.u,i have 2 at the rear,1 at the front,one at the side panel,cpu fan,a graphic card fan and a psu fan,and the noise is minimal
any problems vijay let me know
good luck mate!

Answer 2

First of all check out where your computer case is located .To get the most cooling it should be in an open volume or sapce - not inside a box lookalike space- to insure the air flow .
If thats the case, change the location of the case and give it a try for half an hour it will be ok .
you also have to open the case from time to time and clean it a little bit from all the dust in the air - believe me when you open it it will be full of dust-.
that also should solve the problem.
Now if you did those two things and STILL have the problem then you have to make an air courant inside the case by getting yourself a special CPU fan -its normaly a really big and proffessional looking one- and place it instead of the other one and it is normally cheap.

Answer 3

Best cooling solution would be an intake fan in the front of the case and a fan in the back of the case blowing out. This will get the excess heat our of the case. This may or may not help your CPU heat issue. If there is much dust, clean that out as well. Dust traps heat in there.

Antec make great fans that push a lot of are and are rather quiet.

Answer 4

Get an upgraded cooler/heatsink with a large a fan as possible for better air flow and less noise. Zalman make good coolers. If it is still hot then add case fans, but bear in mind each one you add will add noise so make the fans as large as will fit.

Answer 5

Add case fans, your power supply fan does not sufficiently move enough air out. And by your processor running cooler how much cooler? Cause 70 degrees C is very high and you are lucky you didn't burn it out already.

Answer 6

buy yourself a cooling fan that you can fix to the rear of the case cost about £2-50

Answer 7

i had a similar problem but i just fanned it with my cap and it works fine