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Martian · 01-19-2006, 05:32 PM

Hmm. A few quick tips.

First off, sometimes when it comes to airflow, less is more. I run my 1700+ (I know, getting old) with a pair of 120mm fans, one front, one back. The airflow is set up in such a way that the air is pulled in by the front fan (through a filter to pull out the worst of the dust), up and across the cpu heatsink, then pushed out the back by the rear fan and PSU fan. That creates a slight pressure drop in the case, which is how I prefer to run it. Some people prefer positive pressure and if you run in the right circles you'll find lively debates over which is better. The main thrust of this is that, how your fans are placed is just as important as how many. Make sure they promote a uniform airstream, as turbulence keeps warm air in the case and hinders cooling.

Also, ambient temperature is important. If average temperature is around 30C, you're probably not going to get your CPU down much below 40C with air cooling no matter how big that heatsink is. There's a limit to the effectiveness fo air cooling, it wouldn't surprise me if you just happen to have reached it. Ambient temperature in my living room is somewhere between 15C-20C, my CPU runs at a nice 33 idle. In the summer when the temperature in the living room is closer to 30C, the idle temp spikes to about 41C.

At any rate, you're well within spec, so unless you're itching to overclock (I don't know why you'd feel the need with a 4400+, but hey) you're good. If so, I'd say turn the thermostat down first and see if that helps.

01-19-2006, 05:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Hmm. A few quick tips. First off, sometimes when it comes to airflow, less is more. I run my 1700+ (I know, getting old) with a pair of 120mm fans, one front, one back. The airflow is set up in such a way that the air is pulled in by the front fan (through a filter to pull out the worst of the dust), up and across the cpu heatsink, then pushed out the back by the rear fan and PSU fan. That creates a slight pressure drop in the case, which is how I prefer to run it. Some people prefer positive pressure and if you run in the right circles you'll find lively debates over which is better. The main thrust of this is that, how your fans are placed is just as important as how many. Make sure they promote a uniform airstream, as turbulence keeps warm air in the case and hinders cooling. Also, ambient temperature is important. If average temperature is around 30C, you're probably not going to get your CPU down much below 40C with air cooling no matter how big that heatsink is. There's a limit to the effectiveness fo air cooling, it wouldn't surprise me if you just happen to have reached it. Ambient temperature in my living room is somewhere between 15C-20C, my CPU runs at a nice 33 idle. In the summer when the temperature in the living room is closer to 30C, the idle temp spikes to about 41C. At any rate, you're well within spec, so unless you're itching to overclock (I don't know why you'd feel the need with a 4400+, but hey) you're good. If so, I'd say turn the thermostat down first and see if that helps. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame