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It is currently getting quite hot here (30°C) and that's why I'm looking for ways to cool my PC.
I have an Antec 900 II case, with 2 front fans (120mm, intake), 1 top (200mm out take) and 1 back fan (120mm out take). My 125W CPU (AMD phenom II x4 955) is now idling 47-48°C.
The fans are on full thrust and my case is open. closed it can go up to a bit in the 50's°C.
Any hints for keeping my pc cool? Without buying extra cooling?
Your computer is plenty cool enough. You have nothing to worry about. – Brad – 2011-05-30T14:59:23.197
You're generally better keeping the case closed. Opening the case spoils the airflow paths that the manufacturer intended. – barryj – 2011-05-30T15:01:39.533
@ barryj, even if it makes my pc cooler when the case is opened? – Simon Verbeke – 2011-05-30T15:06:11.317
The fact that your fans are on full power when idling while the case is open should alert you to the fact that something is wrong. If the fans run at full power at idle load, when closed, then I'd be checking the airflow paths in the case and heatsinks for dirt/dust/blockage. Also factor in that the temperature sensors may be inaccurate and they may be skewed by the fact that the case is open. But regardless, 50C is not excessive, you should be fine up to 60+ with that processor. An ambient temperature of 30C is not excessive and should not require any non standard cooling efforts. – barryj – 2011-05-30T15:34:02.193
I have turned the case fans to maximum myself. But then again, the temperature appears to stay the same with the case fans on minimum speed. I have quite a few cables running on the sides of the airflow. Tried to stuff them away, but I don't have enough place. (should have bought the modular PSU :3 ) – Simon Verbeke – 2011-05-30T15:43:51.410