Copper Heatsinks

[sidvee]

I have a question for the PC experts. When considering a motherboard/processor for a fanless HTPC build, are there specific models that will work with copper heatsinks, or do the copper heatsinks just replace the function of the fans and any model will work. Please bear with me if it is a stupid question, I am computer illiterate. I am considering a build for a music only PC so there won't be much load on the processor/motherboard. Also not sure what the term TDP refers to for the CPU.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[prem]

Sidvee, in case u want to look an option outside of a PC, try an Aries mini. I got one recently and find it very nice. Costs USD 399. You can add a lps if you wish to for an additional USD 200

 

[sidvee]

Sidvee, in case u want to look an option outside of a PC, try an Aries mini. I got one recently and find it very nice. Costs USD 399. You can add a lps if you wish to for an additional USD 200

Thanks Prem. I will consider it, but I am hooked onto to music PC's for now.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[Nikhil]

Sid,

The copper heat sinks need to have a 'drain' line to divert the heat in some manner.
Leaving it to the fins to dissipate heat is an option if one knows the exact heat levels.
The better designs give heat pipes that dissipate the heat away into the chassis etc

If you can get a pipe bender to work on the piping you should be able to do something.
However something like the HDPlex cases come with pre-configured heat sinking and heat pipes.
Much easier and clean install for most of us but at a cost.

 

[sidvee]

Thanks Nikhil. No I am not looking to get pipes separate of the chassis. It will be part of the package like what HDplex offers. However my question is more pertinent to the mobo/processor. Can I use any mobo/processor (provided it fits into the chassis with adequate clearance etc. of-course) and then in place of the fan that sits on top of the processor - use the passive cooling/copper pipe setup? That is what I am trying to understand. In my main system computer pc, I have a single virtually silent gilead fan that sits on top of processor and it is working quite well, but I want to move to a HDplex or similar cabinet and am exploring the ones with copper pipe cooling.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[sidvee]

For instance this model from Hdplex. It says passive cooling for 65w tdp cpu. What does that mean? And which mobo/processor combinations will meet this spec.? It states it will support intel/amd cpu. So which ones?

HDPLEX H1.S Fanless Computer Case - HDPLEX INC

Cheers,
Sid

 

[Nikhil]

Sid,

Look up the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the CPU you would like to use.
The HDPlex H1.S supports Skylake, Haswell and Ivy Bridge architectures among others.

Scroll down to the list of processors table to get the TDP values.
Of course the Intel website would be a more accurate source.
Checking with Larry at HDPlex would also be a good idea.

Regards.

 

[sidvee]

Thanks Nikhil. I can do the research online and eventually figure it out but hoping FM's who have gone that route or have an idea can chime in here. Don't get me wrong but I prefer to get feedback from someone who has some practical knowledge in this area. Reason I say this because conditions in Hyderabad are usually hot and hotter for most of the year, so is this method of cooling practical at all, regardless of what specs. say, and if so what options do I have? I am not at all unhappy with both of music PC's, built by rud3dawg, as there was a bit of optimization done including Paul Pang and Sotm usb cards - and they are silent for all practical purposes, however I want to explore this option as well.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[Aanuj]

Thanks Nikhil. I can do the research online and eventually figure it out but hoping FM's who have gone that route or have an idea can chime in here. Don't get me wrong but I prefer to get feedback from someone who has some practical knowledge in this area. Reason I say this because conditions in Hyderabad are usually hot and hotter for most of the year, so is this method of cooling practical at all, regardless of what specs. say, and if so what options do I have? I am not at all unhappy with both of music PC's, built by rud3dawg, as there was a bit of optimization done including Paul Pang and Sotm usb cards - and they are silent for all practical purposes, however I want to explore this option as well.
Cheers,
Sid

Sid get a proper proper thermal paste and a proper copper heatsink and you are good to go. Just do not buy gaming boards for HTPC and since yo wont overclock a fanless PC is just fine. What processor will you be using. Avoid AMD while going fanless.https://www.quietpc.com/nof-icepipe & https://www.quietpc.com/htpccases

 

[rikhav]

Hi Sid
Another way of going fanless is taking NAA route

Something like micro rendu or a cubox or raspberry pi with relevant software's
Better part is that you need a LPS only for NAA, don't need lne for main pc

But then when we think of spending on a pc, naa and lps then prems solution seems to be more practical. One box, just connect a usb hdd, nas or load music in internal drive and you are set

If you wnat to make you existing pc fanless then what you can do is get a cpu heat sink capable to desipate heat with just coppe pipes and heat sinks and does not need a fan. About motherboard cooling, you can disable system Gans if you keep AC on whole using pc or get very high qualify system fans, lower their rpm and then it hardly makes any noise

Another component which uses a fan is a PSU. My corsoar psu (tx650) only enables fan after it reaches a certain load. Even with a i7 6700, one ssd snd 3 mechanical drives it does not reach that stage where it needs to enable psu fan

Hope this helps
P.S. - noctua, zalman, Silverstone are few companies which make fanless heatsinks for cpu

One more experiment you can do is disconnect cpu fan and see if your existing cpu cooler can cool cpu enough without the fan. As someone else suggested re apply a very good thermal paste, makes lots of difference

Also under clock cpu if you don't need extra cpu horse power. Will make work of cpu cooler easier when it's working without a fan
If this works you won't need to change anything , just buy a good thermal paste , but you have to be very sure your cpu stays cool enough without a cpu cooler fan
Even if it heats up, you won't damage it. Its designed too shut down after it reaches a certain temperature

 

[Audiodoc]

If the pc in only for music an Intel core i5 or i7 skylake nuc would do most jobs with the right software and external DAC.

 

[sidvee]

Thanks Guys.
Yes thermal paste is supplied with the package from hdplex or I can order one.
Regarding processor let me check and see what will work as per Aanuj's suggestion.
I already have a HDplex external PSU and use direct 19v dc connection to a Asrock mobo. The processor is amd I believe but i have to check.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[Octavian81]

Hello, I use in my rig a nofan cooler and I'm satisfied. I use it to cool a g3450 Intel, on a pc for music only. Consider that is quite big so be sure first that you have enough room inside the case. I can send you a few pics with my configuration, to let you have an idea about the sizes.
Beside that, there is nothing to be worried about for cpu's below 70w. I was curious to check mine, and, even he is rated with 53w, during playback there are no more than 15 -17.